Future of Work 2026 Conference explores human connection in the age of AI
On 18 June, Lyreco welcomed customers, partners, innovators and thought leaders to Brussels for the Future of Work Conference 2026, a day dedicated to exploring one of the most important questions facing organisations today: how can we preserve human connection while embracing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence?
Throughout the event, speakers shared insights on customer loyalty, sustainability, creativity, leadership and workplace culture, united by a common theme: technology alone will not define the future of work.
Opening the conference, Lyreco Group CEO Gregory Lienard highlighted both the opportunity and responsibility that comes with this new era: "Technology may change how work happens. But it should not weaken the connections that make work meaningful. If anything, it should strengthen them."
Customer experience expert Steven Van Belleghem explored how businesses can stand out in a world where AI makes excellent service the norm, arguing that "The strength of your relationship will be the differentiation."
Futurist Henry Coutinho-Mason reinforced the importance of human creativity, describing AI as an enabler rather than a replacement: "AI is the amplifier, humans are the signal."
Professor Dr Vincent Ginis highlighted the growing value of uniquely human skills as AI capabilities continue to expand: "The only thing not getting cheap is judgement. This is why human connection will become important in the future."
The conference concluded with a keynote from Thierry Geerts and closing remarks from Gregory Lienard, who encouraged attendees to approach AI with imagination and purpose.
"One thing that struck me today is the word 'imagine'. As I listened to the startup pitches, the start of every story was to imagine. We are being given this fantastic tool that we can use. It comes with risk, but it also comes with opportunity. It is on all of us to imagine how to use it."
As organisations continue to navigate rapid technological change, Future of Work 2026 reinforced a clear message: the future belongs to those who combine innovation with human connection.
For a deeper dive into the event, including speaker insights, key quotes and session highlights, read the full Future of Work 2026 press release.