Explore the free learning programme at the CIPD Festival of Work
Hear from industry leading suppliers who are spearheading the latest solutions, research and innovations that will reimagine your way of working. Whether you are taking a break from the conference or attending the free exhibition only,you can join these online free learning sessions live or on-demand at a time that suits you.
Making the festival more inclusive: subtitles and closed captioning for those with hearing disabilities are available on all free learning sessions.
Explore the 2021 free learning programme by clicking each day.
Day one - Tuesday 15 June 2021
Stream one
People, Talent and Skills
11:00-11:30
How to use employee data to drive change and prevent work-related stress
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) >
With work-related stress, anxiety and depression increasing throughout the UK, it has never been more important for organisations to implement practical solutions to combat this issue. Hear and learn from our Tool experts on how to use the Stress Indicator Tool and analyse the results it provides. The Stress Indicator Tool is constantly evolving and is soon to be released with a remote working module and industry specific recommendations included.
11:45-12:15
3 steps to building a resilient and agile workforce
Cornerstone OnDemand >
How to navigate change in the face of uncertainty is the single largest obstacle facing organisations today. To turn uncertainty into opportunity, business and talent leaders must create resilient organisations that thrive in change. In this keynote, we will look at how the learning and talent community can drive this resilience and help their organisations thrive and grow through fostering an empowered, inspired and adaptive workforce.
12:30-13:00
The key to wellbeing – boosting line manager capability
CIPD >
Line managers are a vital link between organisations and their employees, especially when people are working remotely. Find out what behaviours have the biggest impact on employee wellbeing, and how to boost engagement and productivity by developing management capabilities.
13:15-13:45
How to optimise and re-skill your talent with technology
Workday >
Building a workforce that’s ready for the future requires an investment in current employees as well as the ability to add resources when needed – here’s how technology can help.
14:00-14:30
Driving employee growth and development through negative feedback
Culture AMP >
Join Charlotte Mosley, Senior People Scientist at Culture Amp as she discusses the hurdles to delivering negative feedback, and showing ways in which successful organisations leverage its power to motivate performance and engagement.
Stream two
Technology and Innovation
11:00-11:30
People analytics – the five secret steps to getting it right
Sage >
Discover how organisations can apply the principles of data science to increase workforce visibility and develop more actionable people insights as a result, with actionable tips to get started in your roles today.
12:30-13:00
Empowering the workforce: the role of technology in a hybrid workplace
Civica >
Our recent survey with People Management shows the face of HR is changing. We share key insights and how technology can help meet new challenges head-on. 
13:15-13:45
Trends in learning: discover emerging innovations in workplace education and training
The Open University >
The Open University reveals the latest trends in learning and development. Join our expert panel to hear how education is evolving in the workplace and new innovations that will shape its future direction.
14:00-14:30
Are you digital-ready? Get digital transformation right
CIPD >
We’ve all witnessed the impact of technology enabling business continuity and keeping workplaces connected since the pandemic began. Rather than plateau, more digital revolution is to come. Join our session to learn how businesses have navigated technological change and the key role people professionals need to play in digital transformation.
Day two - Wednesday 16 June 2021
Stream one
People, Talent and Skills
11:00-11:30
How to provide a safe environment for employees to thrive
Winningtemp >
What are the challenges that many organisations will face upon staff returning to the office? How do you engage employees post-pandemic?
11:45-12:15
Financial wellbeing – the missing piece of the D&I jigsaw?
Morrinson Wealth Wellbeing >
The D&I goal is to elevate all employees an equal level of opportunity to allow them to thrive at work. In this session we will explore how ignoring the D&I intersection with financial wellbeing could meaning missing the mark on your responsible business targets.
12:30-13:00
Top issues facing HR by CIPD HR-inform’s Amanda Chadwick
CIPD HR-inform >
As Britain moves out of the pandemic, HR is likely to face a number of circumstances that it will need to carefully manage over the next few months. Whilst some areas may relate directly to the pandemic, there are also additional issues that employers must consider when hiring and managing staff as we head into the summer. This presentation will list several key issues that HR may be facing at this time and how to prepare for them. Being prepared can be invaluable to maintaining strong, productive and long-lasting relationships with staff.
14:00-14:30
How to manage remote and hybrid teams in the new era of work
ICS Learn >
Learn tried-and-tested strategies for overcoming the 5 key challenges of managing a remote team – and how you can successfully manage the transition back to the office in the new era of ‘hybrid’ working.
14:45-15:15
Is hybrid working best for wellbeing?
Management Today >
Management Today editor Adam Gale will lead a conversation with two experts to discuss the implications of the widespread adoption of hybrid working, including how to ensure employees avoid feeling isolated or sidelined, how to spot the signs of stress and burnout among remote workers, how to extend wellbeing initiatives beyond the workplace and how to ensure wellbeing continues to be measured in the new world of work.
15:30-16:00
Facilitating flexible working: a hybrid approach
CIPD >
When it comes to flexible working, are you returning to ‘normal’ or grasping the opportunity to establish new ways of working? Find out what decisions business leaders, people professionals and line managers must consider when addressing current inequalities in flexible working. Get what you need to meet the demands of hybrid working post-pandemic.
Stream two
Technology and Innovation
09:45-10:15
Learning as a strategic enabler – lessons from the pandemic
CIPD >
How have learning professionals adapted through the pandemic? What role will they play as businesses recover? Explore the impact COVID-19 has had on learning and skills, take away top tips for positioning learning as a strategic enabler to increase productivity and performance in your organisation.
11:45-12:15
Unlocking productive potential
Personio >
Employees are the most important asset of successful companies, which is why building an enabled, strong people team is crucial for business leaders. Learn from Personio’s Sales Development Team Lead International, Rebecca Kilkelly what learnings she’s made and how you can implement them. 
12:30-13:00
Workforce resilience: why your business needs it
MHR >
Join a panel of industry experts discussing the importance of workplace resilience and how leaders and technology play a key role in delivering this.
14:00-14:30
An employee first culture: how improving employee engagement supports your ability to sustain continuous change
WorkForce Software >
With each successive wave of the pandemic, finding real solutions to combat employee fatigue and improve engagement are proving increasingly difficult. For teams with large number of deskless/hourly workers, those challenges are often magnified. Processes changes, shift pattern adjustments and increases or decrease in work levels further highlight the challenges companies struggle with when attempting to communicate with, engage and support these employees. Find out specific ways that employers can act to achieve engagement improvements with a workforce.
Day three - Thursday 17 June 2021
Stream one
People, Talent and Skills
09:45-10:15
Improving race inclusion: whose role is it anyway?
CIPD >
Get stuck in with an anti-racism strategy! Ethnic minority employees are still more likely to report experiencing discrimination, stalled career progression and feel the need to change their behaviour to fit in at work. Explore why businesses need to identify the root causes of racial inequalities in the workplace – and address them, or face being left behind.
12:30-13:00
Skills: the new performance currency
Oracle >
The focus on skills is increasing in light of constant change, demanding continuous learning just to keep up. Professor Sir Cary Cooper, President of the CIPD will join us for a short, snappy introduction on why HR can no longer afford to put skills management in the ‘too hard’ box. 
13:15-13:45
The importance of financial wellbeing
CIPD >
Businesses have recognised the need for supporting people’s physical and mental health during the pandemic. How many have considered financial wellbeing? Join this session to take away the business case you need for supporting financial wellbeing in a climate of job insecurity and reduced income.
Stream two
Technology and Innovation
12:30-13:00
HR data security at home
Natural HR >
Along with handy tips and advice, we’ll be examining how to reassess the flows of sensitive HR and payroll data in this increasingly remote world of work and how to identify and remedy any points of weakness.
13:15-13:45
Do you want to know how your people and teams are feeling?
Moodbeam >
When our people are happy, productivity levels rise and our businesses thrive. Ensuring we check-in and gauge how our people are feeling on a day-to-day basis can help us monitor engagement levels and also creates an emotionally-supportive culture. This session will explore how to effectively monitor your team’s feelings.
Interested in attending?
Enjoy essential free learning sessions, discover new products and services from leading solution providers, and network with professionals around the world – all with your free exhibition pass.