Embracing equity this International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has arrived here at New Directions, and this year’s theme asks us to #EmbraceEquity.

Traditionally, we’ve celebrated equality which focuses on treating everyone equally, where each person is given the same resources and opportunities. However, the theme of equity tackles the idea of providing resources and opportunities that fit specific needs or circumstances of certain groups so in that way, everyone can reach an equal outcome.

This year’s theme of equity enabled us to reflect on how we as a business have, and continue to, accommodate women’s equity in the workplace.

The impact women have had on New Directions is ingrained in its history and is mirrored through our company’s core values, Respect. Community. Integrity. As a company, we continuously aim to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered by promoting inclusivity, equitable opportunities and fair treatment within the workplace, a sentiment especially valued by one of our employees, Leanne.  

 “I very much enjoy being part of the New Directions family, I have a great team with a fantastic work ethic.  The company has excellent benefits including Health Shield where I can access a range of treatments such as reflexology and massage, which have assisted me and my disability.

“The ability to work from home have been massively beneficial to my personal circumstances. I have been here for four years in June after starting as an Assistant to Officer then promoted to Manager; no two days are the same!” said Leanne Durrant-Jones, Group Facilities Manager.

With two-thirds of our senior leadership team and eight heads of departments being female, here at New Directions, we aim to ensure our workforce has equal and equitable opportunities to work towards management level – and beyond.

We are advocates for career progression so that not only can our employees achieve their full potential but in turn, the people we serve such as our clients, candidates and temporary workforces. Being a recruiter and company that prides itself on placing the right people in the right roles the first time, career development is certainly a subject echoed through our workplace.

“I wanted to join a supportive and growing company, and here at New Directions, there are so many different opportunities to upskill yourself and possibly work in different departments, as well as career progression. They also give you a paid day off for your birthday”, added Jemma Brooks, Field Care Supervisor for ND Care & Support.

For Head of Commercial Recruitment, Lisa Redmore-Elliott, it was the flexible working that first attracted her to apply for a role with New Directions: “The hybrid working is a massive benefit to me. My mum is in a care home so on the days that my daughter can’t visit, my flexible working hours allows me to visit my mum.

“Not only are the employee benefits very good but New Directions is a well established organisation with a family-like feel. Everyone works together to help achieve the company’s common goals, the teamwork ethic is echoed across the company.”

Leanne summarised, “The whole business has a great mix of individuals who are brilliant at what they do and super friendly to boot. I would recommend New Directions to anyone, either by way of direct employment or as one of our many candidates.”

If you’re inspired by Leanne, Lisa and Jemma and are interested in joining us, why not browse our current vacancies or learn more about the benefits we offer our staff.