Notes from a small business - June ‘24
This month, it’s been wonderful to see the signs of summer approaching! I’m an early bird, so the refreshing light mornings have been really welcome. I’m loving the opportunity for some precious "me" time first thing; I get to enjoy that first coffee of the day in peace, and I can plan the day ahead before my girls wake up.
Like any other working parent, during half term I really felt the pressure of balancing my new business with my home life. Although it can be pretty challenging (I regularly find myself in the role of ‘entertainer’ for my two girls!), the flexibility that working for myself gives me makes it all worthwhile. Yes, it can be a bit of a juggling act, but I know how lucky I am to be able to fit my working life around my family, and I’m grateful for that.
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
As you probably already know, May was Mental Health Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at raising awareness, eradicating the stigma associated with mental health problems, and shining a light on mental health issues faced by millions of people throughout the world. Mental health is a subject close to my heart, so throughout May I took the opportunity to carry out a series of polls on LinkedIn, all with a mental health theme. I wasn’t surprised to discover that 58% of people are struggling to manage proper self-care, whilst around 50% of people said they had either taken or are currently taking medication for their mental health.
Wellbeing in the workplace
Of course, the workplace has a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing for us all, particularly when it comes to personal growth and professional development support. Unfortunately, it seems that many employers are falling short of their promises when it comes to attracting and nurturing new talent, with 69% of employees believing that external branding fails to deliver on the employee experience.
Employers who meet employee expectations are more likely to attract and retain talent, which not only saves money but is also a key driver of success for both individuals and businesses.
Here’s why it’s so important to invest in employee wellbeing and experience:
87% of millennials prioritise professional or career growth opportunities when selecting a job (Gallup).
94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development (LinkedIn).
Employees who are satisfied with their professional development opportunities are 10 times more likely to stay with their company (SHRM).
The primary reason employees leave their current job? A lack of development opportunities (LinkedIn).
So, what does this data tell us? That by focusing on shared personal growth and professional development goals, individuals and businesses can succeed, TOGETHER!
Out and about
It meant a lot to me to be able to support my dear friend Figen Murray OBE in her 200 mile walk from Manchester to London, where she hand-delivered a letter urging Rishi Sunak to honour his word on the introduction of Martyn’s Law. It was a really uplifting experience to be a part of, and I met some incredible people along the way.
I also attended some great networking events last month, including the Women in Security Awards Golf Day at the luxurious Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. I got to dust off my golf clubs and although there was sadly no hole-in-one for me, I did meet some wonderful women. I also dropped in on the HR Big Meet at ISH London - another day to remember. Big thanks to my respective hosts Liz Lloyd and Emma Djemil, and their wider networks, for including me and making me feel so welcome.
Looking forward to the month ahead
It feels a bit unreal, but I’m excited to report that I’ll be guesting on my very first podcast in June! I can’t wait to join Nikki Finucan on The Change Tribe Podcast, when we’ll be discussing all things ‘change’. More about that next month, so watch this space!
Thankfully, June is shaping up to be a quieter month event-wise, which will give me the opportunity to reconnect with some of the wonderful people I’ve been meeting recently, and discuss future collaborations.
Are YOU ready to EVOLVE?
I offer a wide variety of services to both individuals and businesses, including bespoke plans to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to make change happen in your personal life, or you want to promote a culture of excellence for your business, why not reach out? I’d love to discuss what we can achieve together.
