Lisa McCord, Business Manager, Co. Armagh, Hays

I always considered Hays a very professional and slick agency, so I was delighted when I joined in May 2019 as a principal consultant in engineering. After working in generalist recruitment for a while, I felt I had more to offer and wanted to take the next step in my career. I knew Hays had plenty to offer and was excited to work in a specialist area of recruitment. I secured my first promotion to business manager after only working here for a year and a half, which was a great reminder of the opportunities available at Hays if you work hard.

When I first joined, I felt grateful and slightly challenged at the same time having a new team of people who were clearly great at their job. As soon as you step into a Hays office you become very aware of how professional and knowledgeable the consultants are, and you wonder if you will ever reach that point. It could potentially have been pretty isolating to feel like the newcomer among a bunch of pros, but the team’s awareness of mental health and inclusivity meant that was never an issue. I always felt welcomed and included from day one.

My manager is genuinely the best manager I’ve worked under. He is approachable, knowledgeable, and quick at coming back on any queries. He is also clearly very good at recruiting for his team as everyone is equally helpful and a great fit for our office. There’s always a great buzz and it’s a very welcoming environment to be in. You feel part of the team instantly.

My manager also has an open-door policy and is always available to discuss any issues or problems. During the pandemic, the lack of contact with others was particularly hard for everyone, so we held regular team meetings that helped us keep in touch.

We often organise social events such as bowling and meals out where we can let our hair down. Rewards are also on offer at the end of successful periods; your hard work and successes are always acknowledged here, and your wellbeing is a top priority.

The working culture at Hays is extremely inclusive, which really supports mental wellbeing. We know that loneliness can creep in – especially when we’re forced to work remotely – but the good mix of people here always encourages fun conversations.

We’re all very comfortable with each other and I think an open-planned office gives everyone the opportunity to feel included. There are times where some of us meet up at lunchtime to have a quiet lunch away from the office, which allows us to get to know each other on a more personal basis, too. I’d recommend reaching out to peers to do this – you never know who might really appreciate the gesture.

We have some great socials, such as Christmas dinners and summer events, where we meet colleagues from other offices – they really help build great rapports. We also have social events with our own office, which is great for team building and bonding, especially for people who are a little quieter and need more time to come out of their shell. They are entirely optional, of course, but are great for giving us time to relax and step away from our desks.

The fact that there’s a start and a finish to my day is extremely helpful with maintaining my mental wellbeing. Having worked in recruitment the past 13 years, I never had a proper work-life balance until I joined Hays. It’s important to have a supportive manager and colleagues who are willing to help when needed. The structure and tools Hays provide allow you to be your best self and feel happy in your job.

Hays’ hybrid working has improved mental wellbeing for everyone, I’m sure. You have that perfect mix of working from home and getting into the office to work with a great team. I enjoy both equally.

I find that Hays invests a lot of time and effort into making us a happy and successful team. They listen, improve, and react to all our concerns and suggestions, giving us a voice. They are the best company I have ever worked for. When you join Hays, you won’t want to leave.

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