At Travis Perkins, creating a truly inclusive workplace is one of our key commitments we’re working hard to achieve. Making sure that everyone feels like they belong is central to upholding our family values. You be you, it makes us, us.
We celebrate our female colleagues, recognising them for their brilliant contributions within the Group and outside work; an important part of our goal to improve the gender imbalance within Travis Perkins. We know that we’ve got some way to go, but we spoke to one of our Branch Managers, Samantha Nice, to get her take on women in the workplace at Travis Perkins, and working within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Read on to hear why she believes having more female leaders matters and how she has been supported during her time with the Group.
Why is it important to have females in leadership roles?
It promotes diversity in the workplace. Having females in positions of authority means they are in a position to be a role model for other females who are ambitious to take on more responsibility. Women bring different skills, ideas, and experiences to a team – this all leads to diversity of thought.
I’d say that creating space for females on the leadership team is a step towards breaking down prejudice and discrimination within a company. All this can help to close the gender pay gap.
The UK job market is moving in the right direction and we as the Travis Perkins Group halved our mean gender pay gap in 2020 to 5%.
How have you been supported and encouraged to progress at Travis Perkins?
Two things stand out for me - the leadership course the Group offered to me and the support I’ve received from my regional directors.
How does Travis Perkins support the professional development of its female colleagues?
The leadership course is a perfect example of how the Group encourages female colleagues to progress. During my time working with Travis Perkins, I’ve been on various training courses, and I’ve completed two Apprenticeship programmes.
What’s been really important for my professional development is having my ideas listened to and acted upon. That, and the fact that my Regional Director works with me to set clear goals and targets, have helped me get to where I am today.
What do you think is good advice for women who want to take on a leadership role?
I’d say, don't let anyone make you think you can't do the job just because you are female. Get out there and network. Make a name for yourself by getting involved and volunteering to help others. This is key if you want to be known as someone who is keen to get stuck in and find opportunities to learn.
My last bit of advice is to lead by example. This is important because you can’t expect others to do something that you are not prepared to do yourself.
How Travis Perkins is creating a workplace we can be proud of
It’s our vision to be an industry-leading inclusive and diverse employer. As a part of our commitment to this vision, we strive to attract, develop and grow talent from all walks of life. No matter your gender, age, background, culture, ethnicity, sexuality or ability, there is a place for you at Travis Perkins.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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