Year in Review: Benedict Heaver – An unpredictable 2020 that brought unprecedented change

This story is over

Looking back on this year, I will leave the analysis of the economy and political state to people more qualified and erudite than I, only noting that I believe the change to our lives is just beginning.

Instead, I want to share with you all the positive experiences we have had and how, by developing a strong culture in our company, it has shown itself to be the most valuable investment we have ever made at Streets Heaver. I find myself going into the second half of our financial year, with a full order book and the promise of our best performance in our 34-year history. Which is truly humbling given the current uncertainties we are all facing.

I have learnt so much this year; but the most important lesson I have taken is to be brave. The current pandemic forced us to accelerate existing plans for more flexible working, but the trust we showed our teams to just get on with working from home has been reflected in an increase in productivity and all parts of the business flourishing. The way in which our Team Leaders are enabling all my colleagues to engage with personal development, and become the best versions of themselves, has been inspiring to watch.

Prior to the pandemic, our team of Mental Health First Aiders’ already played a vital role in supporting staff wellbeing. But when the first lockdown hit, they organised themselves to make sure everyone had a virtual hand to reach out to. They ensured that people were taking time away from work to look after themselves and their loved ones.

The flexibility of working from home has allowed us all to find a far healthier relationship between work, homelife and health, without the old trade-off from the dreaded work/life balance. We have been able to re-invest commute time into family moments and post-work exercise clubs that provide a respite of fresh air.

Socialising within the workplace also quickly adapted and evolved. Participation in group activities or celebrations at work plays a key role in creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie, and I am proud to see the character of Streets Heaver maintained in this way. Staff have virtually reached out to one another, finding new ways to communicate and we have hosted all kinds of virtual events this year to bring us all together once again.

All of this has allowed us to refocus our strategy and reinvest in our teams. I am particularly proud to say that we have taken on 12 very enthusiastic people during the pandemic, who are helping to drive our business to new heights.

Looking ahead, towards the end of the pandemic, I already know that we will not go back to the office as before. I am starting to try and imagine what the office will become; a place where people meet to collaborate more, whilst focused work is done from home. We will experiment to find a way that works for us, enabling our teams to be the best they can be.

The only certainty I have is that investing in your people, your values and developing a culture that prevails learning over knowledge, hope over certainty, that the strength lies in the person who asks for help rather than the one who gives it.

These are long-term solutions and will enable us to ride this out and any future storm.