Employee wellbeing should be treated as a core organisational strategy rather than a standalone initiative, speakers at the CIPD Festival of Work 2026 argued.
Osagie argued that many leaders focus too heavily on processes and performance while overlooking the routines that shape organisational culture.
Cheesewright argued that organisations face a combination of long-term workforce shortages and technological disruption that cannot be solved through recruitment alone.
Peter Cheese reflected on the major changes that have transformed work over the past 14 years, from the rise of smartphones and social media to hybrid working.
This year’s festival will feature more than 130 speakers, 150 sessions, 140 activities and over 210 exhibitors across seven dedicated stages.
The two-day festival is now open for registration and will showcase a wide range of speakers, exhibitors and interactive features.
The list recognises 30 senior HR professionals who have made a measurable impact in their organisations in the past year.
A major focus of this year’s festival will be shaping employment legislation.