Workplace Belonging Week 2026 will host key discussions aiming to foster genuine belonging in businesses across London.
Workplace Belonging Week 2026 is set to kick off on November 9, bringing together a wide range of business leaders, inclusion specialists, policymakers, and advocates in London. Hosted by Diversity Umbrella, this five-day event is designed to delve into the pivotal role of belonging in the workplace.
Rather than just focusing on inclusion policies, this week emphasizes how organizations can cultivate a culture where employees truly feel appreciated, supported, and a sense of belonging. Participants will engage in discussions covering various aspects of belonging, including its importance to business success, hidden employee challenges, effective leadership, generational differences, and the power of employee networks for sustainable change.
A Week Full of Engaging Discussions
This vibrant week is packed with a series of informative events designed to facilitate important conversations around belonging in the workplace:
Monday, November 9: The Workplace Imperative
The week kicks off at Deutsche Bank with the event titled Belonging Means Business, scheduled from 6 PM to 9:30 PM. This discussion will advocate for viewing belonging as a core business strategy rather than a secondary option. The event will be moderated by Shelley Bishton, Founder of Think Twice House, and feature insights from industry experts, including David Carrigan from Sky and Marc Molloy from the Metropolitan Police Service.
Tuesday, November 10: Hidden Challenges
The focus shifts on Tuesday to What You Don’t See: The Hidden Lives We Bring to Work, hosted by LSEG from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. This panel will address the unseen struggles many employees face daily, such as mental health issues, caregiving responsibilities, neurodivergence, and grief. Key speakers include Fiona Marshall from Diversity Umbrella and Christina Brooks, a thoughtful advocate in the field.
Wednesday, November 11: Leadership Conversations
An exclusive reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM will revolve around the theme of leadership accountability in fostering belonging. The evening will feature MP Dawn Butler and an engaging dialogue led by Kat Parsons, with insights from Ritika Wadhwa, a strong voice for change in the workplace.
Thursday, November 12: Bridging Generations
On Thursday, the event titled Crossed Wires: Decoding the Generational Gap will take place at giffgaff HQ from 6 PM to 10 PM. This program aims to unite different generations to discuss communication styles, workplace expectations, and collaborative efforts. Ian Tomney-Bell from giffgaff will facilitate the discussions, including a notable conversation with Simon Blake OBE.
Friday, November 13: The Grand Summit
Concluding the week, the Workplace Belonging Week Summit hosted by BDO will include five sessions focusing on key topics such as leadership, culture, and employee networks. The opening keynote will be delivered by Erica Bourne from LSEG, followed by a panel discussion led by Colin Kimber, featuring various leaders who will share their insights on building a meaningful sense of belonging in workplaces.
Additionally, a session dedicated to employee resource groups (ERGs) will discuss how these networks can influence company culture and enact practical changes.
Celebrating Diversity: European Diversity Awards
The activities of Workplace Belonging Week will culminate in the evening of November 13 with the European Diversity Awards 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane. This prestigious ceremony celebrates individuals, organizations, and networks that have made significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year’s finalists will be recognized, with winners revealed during the event, showcasing the importance of these efforts across Europe.
Overall, Workplace Belonging Week 2026 serves as a dedicated platform aiming to drive meaningful conversations and actions that extend beyond mere policies. It encourages leaders and organizations to share their experiences, question prevailing assumptions, and embrace the responsibility of fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
To find out more about the full schedule of events and to register, please visit the Workplace Belonging Week webpage.