The CIPD’s Festival of Work, held on June 12-13, 2024, was a spectacular convergence of professionals dedicated to the future of work, human resources, and workplace culture. Among the many innovative exhibitors, The TCM Group was thrilled to have its own stand opposite the L&D stage, dedicated to the theme of “Growing great workplace cultures.”

A blossoming vision: the TCM exhibit

At our stand we embraced the theme of growth and transformation, aligning with the recent growth of TCM’s own organisational ecosystem. We’ve used our extensive experience to develop brands such as The Investigation Company, Engage Coaching, Engage Leadership, People&Culture Consulting, UKResolution, The Mediation Company, The Resolution Framework and Apaxio. In essence, we’ve been busy bees evolving from a mediation service to a comprehensive workplace culture consultancy!

In fact, we gave away bee and butterfly-friendly wildflower seeds to guests, a symbol of our commitment to nurturing thriving workplace environments where employees can flourish. As these seeds grow into flowers, we hope they serve as a reminder of the ideas and connections nurtured at the Festival of Work.

Visitors to our stand were active participants in dialogues about workplace culture. At the heart of our exhibit was our interactive competition, designed to foster reflection and inspiration. Attendees were invited to write their “workplace wish” on a paper leaf and attach it to our vibrant culture tree. This tree grew more lush and colourful over the two days, adorned with wishes for better communication, more empathetic leadership, enhanced collaboration, and numerous other aspirations reflecting the diverse hopes of professionals from various industries.

It was demonstrative of how each individual can contribute to a positive environment. By sharing their workplace wishes, attendees contributed to a collective vision of a better future for all organisations. They were also entered to win one of our fantastic prizes, including our Culture Insights™ audit worth £5,000, training delivered via the TCM Academy up to the value of £2,000, and a signed copy of two best-selling books from TCM’s CEO, David Liddle: ‘Managing Conflict’ and ‘Transformational Culture’. Stay tuned as we announce the winners on our channels.

Voices of inspiration: keynote speakers and industry experts

The festival was not just a marketplace of ideas but also a forum for learning from some of the most influential voices in the field. Renowned figures like Stacey Dooley MBE, Alex Mahon, and Dr. Alex George delivered compelling talks. They, along with numerous industry experts, delved into pressing topics such as mental health and wellbeing, strategies for managing conflict, techniques for creating human connections and the value of understanding others.

The fireside chat with TV doctor and mental health ambassador Dr. Alex George and CEO of Investors in People, Paul Devoy, particularly illuminated the importance of growing great workplace cultures. They discussed how over half of UK adults are not in a positive state of mind, and poor mental health among employees is costing UK employers up to £45bn. For those who wonder whose responsibility it is to safeguard mental health at work — it’s not just up to the senior leaders or people professionals, it’s a collective responsibility. Yet, when there are 2.4 million accidental managers in the UK, and when men are conditioned to lead assertively but be silent emotionally, they contribute to roadblocks to the success of the workplace environment. 

Looking ahead: the future of workplace culture

At The TCM Group, we’ve been cultivating healthy, dynamic, and inclusive workplace cultures for over 20 years. The enthusiasm at our stand reaffirmed our belief that great workplace cultures require continuous effort, empathy, and a willingness to embrace change. It underscored the power of collaboration and shared vision in shaping the future of work. We remain dedicated to helping organisations grow by enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and building supportive communities. We know that by fostering environments where every employee can bloom, we pave the way for more productive and harmonious workplaces. Thank you to everyone who visited our stand and shared their insights and wishes. Together, we are transforming work and putting people first, one seed of change at a time.

Get in touch with us today if you’re ready to see your organisation and its employees flourish.