Whilst it was the most challenging time we’d all experienced, we made sure we looked after our own and each other’s wellbeing, and had a little fun on the way.
Lynn Perry, People Director at END. tells us more about the impactful activities her team led to ensure the company - known for its highly regarded collection of trainers and streetwear - continued to thrive as arguably one of the North East’s hottest businesses. What made your HR&D team stand out to the Judges? The safety and wellbeing of our people is a top priority for us, and during the pandemic we supported all of our people whilst still managing to grow and evolve. During this time, we launched womenswear and the People team delivered everything we’d planned as part of our People Plan. We have a global following and customer base, and around 90% of our business was already online. During the pandemic we hired critical talent to ensure we delivered an exceptional service to our global customers. We also built a great, safe place to work for everyone, and implemented new HR systems to digitalise the employee offering. Whilst it was the most challenging time we’d all experienced, we made sure we looked after our own and each other’s wellbeing, and had a little fun on the way. What have been the biggest challenges for the HR&D team at END. over the last 18-months and how have you adapted? The biggest challenges for us has been delivering all of our strategic people priorities to support business growth and enhance our people proposition, along with the employee experience, all whilst responding to the uncertainty the pandemic kept throwing at us.
Working closely with our leaders and managers to ensure people are listened to and heard, has been critical in delivering the success we’ve achieved over the last 18 months. In particular, it was really important that we listen to our people who’d been furloughed to understand any reservations they had about returning to work in our stores. Supporting our people to navigate and adapt to uncertainty, maintaining employee morale and making sure we recognise people’s commitment and achievements has been imperative in helping our people adjust to new ways of working. What activity or work are you most proud of over the last 18-months and why? There’s been some real gamechangers for us over the last 18 months. We took the opportunity to digitalise many of our people processes and most of these changes will continue into the future. Implementing our new Human Resource Information System (HRIS) significantly improved how people are onboarded and enabled simple and interactive communications. It also supported effective and regular conversations between team members and their managers. We’ve also delivered a valued based management development programme which focuses on reframing the role of manager, building emotional intelligence and compassionate leadership. I’m also really proud that END. decided to repay the furlough payments! It’s great to work for an ethical business.
Lynn Perry, People Director at End. (front), part of the award-winning people team at End.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE BEST NORTH EAST HR&D TEAM Fashion retailer, End. thrives during pandemic
Retail was one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic. Shrinking footfall, months of being closed under national restrictions and furloughed staff are just some of the challenges the sector had to endure, leading to many big-name chains going bust including Debenhams, Topshop and Mothercare.
This makes it even more admirable that the people team behind Newcastle’s trendy clothing retailer, END., scooped the ‘Best HR&D Team’ accolade at this year’s CIPD North East HR&D Awards.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
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11 Autumn 2021
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