Yesterday, I joined the inaugural Thrive People Summit 2024, themed “The Future of Work”—an inspiring event led by my good friend Jodie Hill and the Thrive Law team in partnership with Sovereign Health Care. This summit brought together visionary leaders in workplace innovation, mental health, and ED&I to explore how we can create purpose-driven, inclusive workplaces.

The summit opened with the wonderful Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who captured the essence of inclusion: “Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is a choice.” Her call to “Wake up, dress up, and show up” set a powerful tone of valuing every individual.

Key Insights and Highlights:

🔹 Connected Teams & AI: Luke McKeever, CEO of Thomas International, and CPO Gillian Ward introduced Thom AI’s Connection platform, showing how AI can enhance team strengths and build collaboration through deeper insights into individual needs. A real game changer! 

🔹 Purpose-Driven HR: Andrew Dodman of Leeds City Council reminded us that HR is about why people work, not just where. His vision of roles shaped around individuals is a call for personalisation over rigid job structures.

🔹 Empowering Women with Smart Works: Tracy Fletcher, Chair of Smart Works Leeds, shared their mission to help women rebuild confidence through coaching and professional attire, with two-thirds of clients securing jobs within a month.

🔹 Ergonomics and Well-Being: Karim Samani (Multi-Award Winning Chair-Man), discussed how workplace ergonomics, including HSE DSE compliance and sensory rooms, can improve well-being and reduce absenteeism. Practices like mindfulness and the 20-20-20 rule add essential mental and physical support.

🔹 Psychological Safety: Vicky Fyrigou,
and James Sullivan from Champion Health underscored the value of psychological safety, where employees feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and innovate without fear of judgment.

🔹 Modern Family Support: A panel with Charlotte Speak, Michelle Rawlings, and Tom Stenner-Evans emphasised family-inclusive policies, like adoption and fertility leave, that respect today’s diverse family structures and boost morale.

🔹 Authenticity at Work: Michelle Hartley FCIPD from People Sorted encouraged embracing authenticity, a step proven to increase confidence by 46%. Supporting individuality fuels engagement and well-being.

🔹 Legal Updates: Oscar Davies, Barrister at Garden Court Chambers, provided insights on beliefs and gender identity in the workplace, while Alicia Collinson and Ashmina Vekaria from Thrive Law offered updates on employment law, covering essential topics like harassment and rights.

The Thrive People Summit 2024 provided actionable tools for building workplaces of the future, empowering leaders to prioritise inclusivity, innovation, and well-being. 

Grateful to Jodie, the Thrive Law team, and all the speakers for a truly transformative experience! 🌟