Future-Fit: trends and predictions shaping 2026
Our latest webinar, 'Future-fit: trends and predictions shaping 2026', brought together expert panellists Rian Finnegan (H&M Group) and Becky Pulley (AstraZeneca) to explore the culture and workforce shifts that will matter most this year.
Hosted by Brook Calverley (CEO, People Made) and in collaboration with Business Culture Connected, topics ranged from intentional friction in the employee experience, to the rise of high performance cultures.
Continue reading for a summary of the essential points discussed in the webinar, or watch the recording here.
Adaptability is the new baseline
With change now being continuous in the workplace, high performing organisations are created by building flexible teams and cultures, not just resilience.
What helps:
—Clear values as a stabilising foundation
—Rituals that create connection
—Strong purpose and a clear 'North Star'
The rise of High Performance
"High performance" is everywhere, but is often poorly defined. Our panel challenged the idea that performance equals speed, optimisation or constant output. Our panellists instead suggested that high performance means:
—Making decisions that age well
—Balancing productivity with creativity
—Measuring what truly drives long-term value
Without this clarity, performance becomes fear-based rather than energising.
The case for intentional friction
As developments such as AI make systems frictionless, creativity and learning can suffer. As a solution, we discussed the concept of intentional friction:
—Slowing down to improve thinking
—Preserving craft and collaboration where it matters most
—Creating space for reflection, especially during times of change
Although removing operational friction can enable innovation, it's important to consider how reintroducing thoughtful pauses can build depth and quality.
Catch up on the webinar recording here.
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