Aspire One Newsletter - Issue 86 May 2023

tThis issue introduces our refreshed Diversity & Inclusion strategy and explains its impact on our Aspire community.

The exciting and ambitious D&I programme is already underway –for example, we recently welcomed our first group of interns through Landsec Futures, our brand-new £20m social impact fund that aims to enhance social mobility within the real estate sector. Landsec Futures provides paid six-month internships for people from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds, who do not require previous work experience or university qualifications. There has been exciting news for Myo this month, with the announcement of the opening of a further three Myo locations across London – at New Street Square, One New Change and The Forge – to add to the existing locations at Dashwood and 123 Victoria Street.

| Aspire

This will triple Myo’s footprint to over 210,000 sq ft before the end of this year. At New Street Square and The Forge, Myo will occupy the entire buildings, showing the strength of demand that exists for high-quality, flexible office space. Both properties will be all-electric and all new Myo locations are designed in line with the WELL building standard to ensure healthy and productive working environments. As ever, these new locations will rely on the expertise and dedication of Aspire colleagues to deliver excellent customer service. Also in this edition, we spend ‘5 minutes with’ Sol Jackson, Head of Corporate Accounts for Bywaters, and chat to Marlene Aguilar and Ollie Harris about their new roles as Workplace Support Assistants.

Decorations fit for a king

Reception areas across the London Portfolio marked the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on 6 May with celebratory bunting in red, white and blue. Thank you to our front-of-house colleagues from Rapport for their efforts to decorate our buildings to mark this special occasion.

80 Victoria Street.

D&I Strategy

Following the launch of the refreshed Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) strategy, we talk to Sophie Lea, Group Diversity and Inclusion Manager, about what it means and its importance for the success of Landsec and the Aspire family.

Office Space by Landsec

Diverse, inclusive & successful

To help achieve our purpose of creating sustainable places, connecting communities and realising potential, we have implemented a new Diversity & Inclusion strategy.

“Our industry creates the places where life happens,” explains Sophie Lea, Group Diversity and Inclusion Manager. “That is the places where people live, work, shop and play. We work in some of the most ethnically diverse places in the country – such as London, where 46% of the population is from an ethnic minority background. Across our retail portfolio, 60% of our guests are women. And across the UK, over 1 in 5 people are disabled but nearly 80% of disabled people have reported finding it difficult to access shops or shopping centres. As we are working in locations that are characterised by their diversity,” continues Sophie, “creating places that meet the needs of the diverse communities who use them will help deliver on our purpose as a business. Of course, one of the best ways for us to truly understand the needs of our communities, is by better reflecting their diversity within our own organisation.” The core elements of the new strategy are the D&I vision, three core pillars and the foundations. The vision is to design, develop and manage more inclusive, commercially successful places through attracting and nurturing diverse talent

within a culture that enables everyone to reach their full potential. The three core pillars are Diverse Talent, Inclusive Culture and Inclusive Places. The Diverse Talent pillar is about how we ensure diversity at all levels of our organisation and support diverse talent into the industry for the future. Inclusive Culture concerns how we foster and maintain a culture that enables diverse talent to thrive through inclusive leadership, training and engagement. The third pillar – Inclusive Places – is to do with how we shape and curate inclusive and successful places through design, development, operations and by working with our supply chain. The foundations are what will give the strategy impact – the data-driven and evidence-led actions, objectives and targets, all delivered with transparency and accountability. Work on the new strategy began in September last year. Sophie worked closely with Jennie Colville (Head of ESG and Sustainability), Chris Hogwood (Managing Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability) and Georgie Manly (Chair of the Landsec Diaspora Network) over a six-month period to develop the D&I strategy. “We already had lots of good initiatives,” says Sophie, “but they weren’t tied together. Forming the new strategy was a very collaborative process. We held a series

of workshops over the winter with various teams – including Procurement, Retail, our Development teams, our Operational teams, HR, the Affinity Networks, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board – to help create the strategy and ensure it could be owned by everyone. The numbers of people involved made it challenging but everyone was engaged and it was a really positive process.”

The new strategy was launched in late April. “It’s been really exciting to see the response to the launch,” says Sophie, “and also to see some of the strategy already being implemented – for example, being embedded in the Future of Facilities contracts and the Landsec Futures social mobility fund.”

Jennie Colville, Head of ESG and Sustainability.

Diverse Talent

The Diverse Talent pillar involves creating and supporting a diverse leadership team, workforce and stream of future talent. It means having transparent and inclusive recruitment and promotion processes that reduce the potential for bias; providing career development opportunities to support the progression of diverse talent; and giving opportunities to young people from underrepresented backgrounds to join the real estate sector through internships, trainee schemes and bursaries.

Landsec has worked with organisations such as 2020 Change and Circl to increase diversity and inclusion across the business. Engagement with schools has helped to recruit more trainees from underrepresented backgrounds to our Workplace Academy – including Jordon Joseph, Workplace Manager, who has since been supported to progress his career at Landsec.

Nana Zeta, Bidvest Noonan Security Officer at 80 Victoria Street.

We will actively recruit, retain and progress a diverse workforce at all levels and nurture and support diverse talent into the wider real estate industry.

Case study Jordon Joseph

WorkPLACE

Following a visit by Landsec to his school, Jordon Joseph joined the Workplace Academy in 2014 after completing his A Levels.

“Landsec came to give a talk when I was in Sixth Form,” says Jordon. “I actually wasn’t going to go, as I thought Land Securities (as it was then) was a security firm – I only went along to get out of tutor time, when I was expected to read a book! I found it interesting and I didn’t want to go to university, so I decided to apply.”

Jordon completed a Facilities Management Level 3 qualification during his two-year traineeship and became a permanent member of staff in 2016. He progressed through the roles of Operations Support Assistant, Assistant Operations Manager, Retail Manager and Assistant Workplace Manager, becoming Workplace Manager for Dashwood and 55 Old Broad Street in 2021. Now he is stepping up to manage

a Tier 1 property, as he takes over the helm of New Street Square and Hill House from Louise Ody during her maternity leave from June. “I’m excited about this next step in my career,” says Jordon.

Jordon thinks his career progression at Landsec has been steady and secure. “I’ve always been supported by my peers and senior staff,” he says. He describes the new D&I strategy as “very ambitious and exciting.” He feels that there has been a complete transformation in terms of D&I since he joined Landsec. “Perspectives have changed completely,” he says. “Diversity is no longer a tick box. In the past, there was a sense in which diversity and inclusion were spoken about but not followed through. Now there is much greater understanding of the positive impact of having a solid programme for D&I as part of the future plan for the business.”

46%

Jordon Joseph at 20 Fenchurch Street in 2017.

of Londoners are from ethnic minority backgrounds

WorkPLACE

Harvey Derwin, Yinka Daniel and Jacob Berkeley have progressed through the Landsec Workplace Academy.

Diverse Talent

Paul Trumper, Retail Operations Manager, Landsec

Aspire Thames Path Walk 2022.

Inclusive Culture

The Inclusive Culture pillar covers inclusive leadership, employee engagement, training and ongoing learning.

Landsec | Aspire is all about creating a ‘one team’ ethos, where everyone is respected, supported and can realise their potential. This is achieved in a number of ways – our Aspire values, including Inclusive; Aspire events, such as the Thames Path Walk; One magazine; the Aspire Staff Recognition awards; the Aspire Academy, including English language courses for colleagues for whom English is not their first language; making documents available

in multiple languages; providing volunteering opportunities with our charity partner; and celebrating various globally recognised events in our buildings, such as Black History Month, Purple Tuesday and Pride. Landsec will continue to support the effective running of the Affinity Networks: Landsec Women, Diaspora Network, Landsec Pride and Hand in Hand (for disability and wellbeing). The company has also created a D&I hub –where staff can find policies, resources and support – and has committed to launching mandatory D&I training for all staff.

Launched earlier this year by the Aspire Academy Learning Library, the Aspire Induction is a key way in which our purpose and values are being communicated to new colleagues.

“This new, self-guided online induction will be completed by everyone joining Landsec | Aspire,” explains David Wickens, Head of Workplace Operations. The e-pub begins by introducing Aspire members to Landsec and then explains what the Aspire network is. It talks about Aspire’s integrated service streams and the Service Partners that deliver them, as well as the core values of Aspire, including Inclusive

“The presentation conveys the ‘one team’ ethos and the collaborative spirit of Aspire,” says David. “It also talks about our calendar of events and encourages new members to get involved. In all these ways, the Aspire induction training tool is an important way to help embed our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.”

We will create a workplace culture where all colleagues are respected, supported and empowered to realise their potential.

AspireAcademy Learning Library

Aspire Sports Day.

Inclusive Culture

but 80% Over 1 in 5

People in the UK are disabled of disabled people experience difficulties accessing shops and shopping centres

Inclusive Places

The Inclusive Places pillar covers procurement & supply chain, development and operations.

Examples of D&I initiatives in procurement & supply chain include the collaboration with Bounce Back (a decorating partner that places ex-offenders into work), HMP Isis (to provide low-risk offenders with window-cleaning training) and London First (which supports Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities). When it comes to development, the teams are working to embed best practice in terms of inclusive and accessible design into all new buildings and to engage our communities throughout the development process and beyond. In terms of operations, we aim to create a platform for businesses and voluntary organisations representing the local

community. Recent examples of such visitors to our properties include popups from local gyms, artisan bakers and restaurants; food bank collections for the Cardinal Hume Centre to support homeless and poverty-stricken people in Westminster; and a display by Shoe Lane Library.

We also raise the profile of diverse talent and campaigns in our assets and destinations. Examples include celebrating Pride, Mental Health Awareness Week, Black History Month, International Women’s Day and Purple Tuesday across the London Portfolio. In addition, we raise money, provide support and create opportunities for our charity partners – Caxton Youth and, previously, Honeypot – and support local communities through initiatives such as food banks, the Christmas Giving Tree and MyLondon Calendars.

We will design, build and manage places that meet the needs of the communities we serve and use our position in industry to create positive D&I change.

Case study Open Iftar

One New Change recently hosted the City of London’s first Open Iftar. Iftar is the fast-breaking meal eaten after sunset each day during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, and during Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The Open Iftar was held on Saturday 8 April and was organised in partnership with Cheapside Business Alliance and the charity Ramadan Tent Project,

which has been arranging Open Iftars at some of the country’s most iconic cultural spaces over the past ten years. “This was a fantastic event,” explains Jasmin Byrne, Experience Enhancement Manager, “that brought Muslims together at One New Change to break their fast, listen to speakers and join in prayers. This type of experience typifies what we want to achieve with the Inclusive Places pillar of our new D&I strategy.”

Office Space by Landsec

60% of guests to our retail destinations are women

Inclusive Places

Let’s meet Sophie Lea

Sophie Lea is Group Diversity and Inclusion Manager and is based at 80-100 Victoria Street.

After completing a degree in Politics & Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, she spent seven years with Mott MacDonald, a global management, engineering and development consultancy. “I started on their graduate scheme as a Social Researcher,” says Sophie, “working on projects for various public sector clients including London councils, the NHS and Transport For London. I was looking at the impact on equality of changes to services such as hospital or transport provision, which I found very interesting. Then I took a step sideways into the internal equality, diversity and inclusion team as an advisor and progressed into the role of UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager from there.”

Sophie joined Landsec in February 2022. “A great thing about my work here,” she says, “is that, due to our aim of creating inclusive places, the impact of my role is wider than just Landsec. My role encompasses the communities around our assets too, so I feel like I have the potential to make a difference – especially due to the reach of Landsec, with the places we create attracting large numbers of people.”

Her job entails supporting internal teams to deliver the D&I strategy and providing advice. She has noticed a change in culture around D&I over her career. “These days I’m asked for guidance by colleagues much more and I find I’m having to proactively offer my advice less and less.”

What is the most challenging thing about her role? “That I’m just one person. I can be tempted to get involved in detail, but I need to step back and enable others to deliver the strategy instead. Because I care about it, I want to get involved in everything!”

Outside of work, Sophie is a keen cyclist. She rides to work from her home in Peckham most days. Originally from Birmingham, she has lived in London for ten years. She likes to go climbing at the nearby VauxWall climbing centre and visit her local community cinema. She has played classical guitar since she was seven and practises in a duo, but for fun rather than for performance. She also enjoys travelling and recently visited Croatia and France.

“Our industry creates the places where life happens. Places where people live, work, shop and play.”

Sophie Lea Group Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Office Space by Landsec

Rapport unveils new D&I video

Rapport Guest Services, our front-of-house Service Partner, is coincidentally launching its own Diversity & Inclusion strategy. To kick-start its ‘Be Yourself’ campaign, Rapport has produced a special video, which was filmed exclusively within Landsec properties.

The film features Rapport staff (who are known as Ambassadors) singing together as a choir and some familiar faces can be spotted – including Pauline McLean, Main Receptionist at 16 Palace Street, and Claudia Nunes, Supervisor at 62 Buckingham Gate.

“We decided to create our Be Yourself film,” explains Dirk Talsma, Managing Director, “as we are so proud of our Ambassadors and wanted to highlight and celebrate our diverse teams and the inclusive culture we foster within Rapport. Our film was inspired by the recent Virgin Airways advert, where they demonstrate the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We, of course, went one step further in Rapport style and created our very own song, which was performed and recorded by our amazing Rapport Choir. We hope that the lyrics resonate with anyone who listens – we want our teams to feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work within an environment where they can flourish.”

Rapport has created an umbrella network called ‘Be Yourself @ Rapport’ that joins together all its internal employee resource groups and provides a safe space for staff at all levels to connect and collaborate. The company has also been building key partnerships with various charities and organisations to support the wider community. For example, Rapport works closely with West Lea School and its Supported Internship Programme, providing a number of paid roles. The company also partners with Circle Collective, a social enterprise created to support young people who are experiencing a range of barriers to permanent employment, by inviting young people being helped by the organisation to Rapport’s monthly recruitment open days.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be at the heart of what we do at Rapport,” says Emily Abbam, D&I Business Partner at Rapport. “Creating and fostering an environment where our teams can be themselves while at work is so important to us. We continue to work really hard to provide opportunities for our Ambassadors to build a career with us and look at how we can support them holistically with their wellbeing and mental health.”

To view the video, visit the Rapport website at rapportservice.com

“We decided to create our Be Yourself film, as we are so proud of our Ambassadors and wanted to highlight and celebrate our diverse teams and the inclusive culture we foster within Rapport.”

Dirk Talsma Managing Director

Claudia Nunes.

Pauline McLean.

The Rapport Choir.

Rapport created their very own song.

Let’s say a big hello

Marlene Aguilar

Marlene joined the Landsec | Aspire family as Workplace Support Assistant on 3 April. Based at One New Change, Marlene is supporting Hiren Patel (Workplace Manager) and Kelly Barlow (Assistant Workplace Manager) in the management of ONC, The Zig Zag Building and 140 Aldersgate.

Marlene has been working as an Account Manager in managed IT Services for the past three years. Prior to that, she worked in various roles as an Office Manager, Finance Administrator and Executive PA. Before launching her career, however, she spent nine months working as Front-of-house Receptionist at the exclusive Mosimann’s private dining club in Belgravia, where the famous faces she met included former US President, Bill Clinton.

In joining Landsec, Marlene feels she is, in a sense, coming home. “Architecture was my first passion,” she says. She completed a degree in Architecture and Planning at the University of the West of England, followed by another in Built and Natural Environment. When she wanted a new challenge recently, she decided to apply for a job at Landsec. “In my research I came across Landsec’s Annual Report and was really impressed by what I saw,” she says, “and decided I wanted to be part of their innovative and sustainable vision for the future.” Marlene knew Alison Taylor, Asset Manager, who recommended Landsec as an employer, so that confirmed her ambition. Marlene is enjoying her new job, which involves supporting Hiren and Kelly in the smooth running of ONC, Zig Zag and 140 Aldersgate. She has been working on both retail and office aspects, liaising with Service Partners to arrange cleaning or repairs, processing purchase orders and

ensuring compliance to manage risk. “I’m learning new things, which I like,” she says. “Every day is different, which keeps it interesting. I was warmly welcomed from day one and I’m grateful to Dave Payne and Hiren for the opportunity. They have both been amazing, always available to answer my questions, and I feel very fortunate to be part of such a collaborative team.”

She has particularly enjoyed assisting Kelly in setting up a food bank at Zig Zag, as she likes helping people. This is evident from her volunteering work. In the past, she has volunteered with the charity FAD, which helps young people to make it in the fashion industry, and she was a Gamesmaker for the London 2012 Olympics. “I was a Taekwondo Field of Play Coordinator,” she explains, “as I competed in Taekwondo at uni.” Her duties involved coordinating training areas and providing refreshments for the athletes.

Outside of work, Marlene enjoys creating art and embroidery, mostly making scenes of animals or nature. “It’s quite therapeutic for me,” she says. Cooking is her other passion and she loves to learn new recipes, which her husband enjoys eating. Her favourite dish to cook is Beef Wellington, which she has been perfecting over time. Originally from Ecuador, she also loves Ecuadorian food, especially Ceviche. She is fluent in Spanish, having moved to the UK at the age of nine. “I didn’t speak a word of English when I arrived,” she says. Since lockdown, she has also been learning Japanese. She doesn’t do Taekwondo any more but is getting into tennis. She likes travelling, despite not enjoying flights, and had a fabulous honeymoon in Thailand after her marriage in 2021. She also visits family in Ecuador every few years.

Oliver Harris

Oliver joined Landsec as Central Administrator for the London Portfolio in January 2021, working across 80100 Victoria Street, One New Change and 16 Palace Street. Since 2 May, Ollie has been working in his new role as Workplace Support Assistant, being based at One New Change.

After a year of Sixth Form at his secondary school in Eltham, Ollie secured an apprenticeship with an estate agency. Then he moved into business development in the property sector, before joining Capita in a role managing customer assets and learning about investments.

He is enjoying his new job, where he’s cutting his teeth on One New Change but will also be supporting the management of The Zig Zag Building

and 140 Aldersgate. “My role helps to ensure the entire building is compliant for health and safety, and that operations are running smoothly,” says Ollie. He’s particularly enjoying the contact with customers and Service Partners. “I love talking to people,” he says. “Putting names to faces and building rapport with people is something I love. The role is very interesting. I’m still learning the ropes on how to approach things but I’m getting to see the layers behind a fully functioning retail centre.”

Ollie enjoys the connections he makes with colleagues through his work and believes that Aspire plays a key role in this. “The people I work with make Landsec,” he says. “Previous corporate organisations I’ve worked at have been very segmented but Aspire helps people

to connect, even if they don’t work together. It’s lovely to get to know people.”

In his spare time, Ollie enjoys spending time with his son, Oscar, who is almost three. He sees him every weekend and likes to take him to a soft play centre or go swimming. He also likes to spend time with family, especially his nan and grandad.

He goes to the gym several times a week and enjoys watching sport with friends, whether it’s F1, football, snooker, UFC or boxing. He produces his own digital music – hip hop, house and drum & bass – and also plays guitar. He visits his cousin in Wales several times a year and climbed Snowdon during his latest visit in April.

Sol (left) at Billingsgate Fish Market.

5 minutes with…

Sol Jackson

Head of Corporate Accounts, Bywaters

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy watching football. I support Millwall and I was a season ticket holder for 12 years. My main hobby is golf, though, and I play once or twice a month. I’m a member of a golf society with about 50 members and I organise for us to play on a different course around Kent each month. Once a year, we play abroad – in the past we’ve visited Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Cyprus. I also like to spend time with my wife, Sarah, and we’re looking forward to the arrival of our first child – a boy – in August. I’m over the moon and also a bit scared!

What’s on your bucket list?

Climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. We were supposed to do it for our honeymoon in 2021 but had to postpone it due to Covid. We look to get out there as soon as the right time comes.

Do you have any mantras in business or in life?

Shoot for the stars because you’ll land on a cloud.

Are you a fan of anything or anyone?

Besides Millwall FC, I would say Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais and Elon Musk.

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

Probably that my submissions have enabled Bywaters to be a Finalist in the National Recycling Awards four times. We’ve also won the Chairman’s Cup in the City of London Corporation’s Clean City Awards Scheme five times. I was also the second youngest UEFA B licensed football coach in England.

Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?

Yes, I was inspired by the book ‘Legacy: what the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life’. It’s about their approach and how they work well as a team, how guys of different shapes and sizes work together to cover the pitch.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?

That you can fall on your face many times and it doesn’t hurt as much as you think it will.

Do you have any regrets?

No, not really.

What would you say is your best skill in business?

Listening to people, engaging with them and educating them about sustainability. I used to work in primary education, providing cover for teachers in literacy and sports skills and running after-school clubs. I really enjoyed it but, as you can imagine, the pay wasn’t great.

What’s your all-time favourite movie?

Either Step Brothers or Man on Fire.

What was your first ever job?

I worked in Billingsgate Fish Market when I was still at school. I’d get there at 2am on Saturdays and work until 6am. Then I’d go and work as a sports coach and after that as a delivery driver – all in one day. I suppose it kept me off the streets!

What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?

Talking about sustainability. Nowadays people are open to educating themselves and their companies. When I started at Bywaters 10 years ago, we were often perceived as just bin operatives but now people are really keen to understand the data around recycling and sustainability, and companies are investing in it.

And your least favourite?

Tendering (!) and reading wordy compliance documents.

Thankful lunch at Myo Dashwood

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May), the Myo concierge team hosted an event to boost the mood of members at Dashwood.

Front-of-house colleagues not only arranged a delicious lunch but also encouraged customers to think of something they were grateful for and write it on a post-it note.

With studies showing that expressing gratitude in writing can boost your mental health, the exercise was designed to enhance the mood of those taking part. Soon the board was full of colourful and thankful sticky notes. Well done to the Rapport team for organising this brilliant event!

You heard it through the Grapevine

In this section of One magazine, we share snippets of news from across the Aspire family. It’s where we welcome new faces, bid fond farewells and celebrate promotions and other achievements. Please send your news to aspire@landsec.com

This month we welcome Gioia Oliva and Carl Dickson to the Rapport front-of-house team as Dedicated Cover Receptionists. Gioia studied Psychology and has always been passionate about mental health and wellbeing, both inside and outside the workplace.

“I’ve been working in hospitality for about eight years now,” says Gioia, “mostly in hotels and cafes.” Her favourite pastime is reading and she also enjoys travel. “My all-time favourite spots so far are Brooklyn Park (New York), Marina Bay (Singapore) and Banff National Park (Canada).”

When Carl Dickson is not at work, his hobbies include playing football, running and making music. “I do a 7k run every Saturday,” he says. He has an identical twin brother and jokes, “Don’t worry, I won’t get him to cover for me!” Carl is already feeling at home in the front-of-house team, saying: “I may be new, but I feel part of the family, and I’m looking forward to this journey with Rapport.”

Welcome to Vasile Balan, who has joined the Aspire family as Service Support Manager at 80-100 Victoria Street with NJC. Vasile replaces Cassie Machaka, who has left the business. Born in Romania, Vasile studied IT/Construction Engineering and loves travelling to explore interesting historical areas. He has 12 years’ experience in the cleaning industry and says, “I’m really excited to join NJC and to work with everyone.”

Last but by no means least, we send our very best wishes to Louise Ody, Workplace Manager, as she goes on maternity leave in June. Jordon Joseph, Workplace Manager, will be covering her duties at New Street Square and Hill House.

Garden goodies

Further to their work to tidy up Caxton Youth’s garden in the autumn, the team from Q&S Ltd have returned to the charity’s base in Pimlico to do some more planting. Tomatoes, runner beans, chives, parsley, oregano and rosemary were added, along with marigolds, lavender and gazanias for a splash of colour.

A big ‘thank you’ to Q&S on behalf of Caxton Youth!

Wellness

with Jessica Pilakis

In this regular feature, we are sharing wellness tips from Jess Pilakis, Deputy Guest Services Manager for Rapport. A qualified beauty therapist with over a decade’s experience in spa and resort management, Jess loves everything to do with fitness, health and wellbeing.

Dealing with anxiety

This month, we’re looking at anxiety, the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week is organised each year by the Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s leading charity for mental health, and this year’s event took place from 15 to 21 May.

It’s important to recognise that anxiety is a normal emotion. Many things in life can cause feelings of anxiety – relationships, moving home, redundancy, how to pay the bills, exams, starting a new job or other big life

events. Sometimes anxiety can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Earlier this year, the Mental Health Foundation conducted an online survey of 6,000 UK adults to look at anxiety and how people cope with it. The study found that almost three-quarters of people (73%) had felt anxious at least sometimes in the previous two weeks, with one in five people (20%) being anxious most or all of the time. Nearly half of the people in the research (45%) were keeping their anxiety secret.

A healthy work /life balance is essential for wellbeing.

Wellness

Ask JESS

If you have any questions or wellbeing topics that you would like us to cover, email aspire@landsec.com in confidence. Your privacy will be respected.

Jess says...

Coping mechanisms

If you suffer from anxiety, whether it’s just once in a while or most of the time, there are some things suggested by the Mental Health Foundation to help you manage these feelings. Why not give them a try and see what works for you?

Focus on your breathing

Try to focus on your breathing, concentrating on the feeling of your body as you breathe in and out. It can help you control the anxious thoughts. You can also try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Close your mouth and breathe in through your nose, counting to four in your head. Hold your breath and count to seven. Then breathe out through your mouth (making a ‘whoosh’ sound), while counting to eight. Repeat three times for a total of four cycles.

Get moving

Exercise, even gentle exercise, is a good way of dealing with anxiety. This could be doing some stretches or going for a walk, run or swim. Exercise needs a bit of concentration, so it helps take your mind off the anxious thoughts.

Keep a diary

Taking the time to record what’s happening in your life and how it’s affecting you can help you understand the triggers for your feelings of anxiety. This can help you to prepare for and manage situations that may cause you to be anxious. Some people find it helpful to give themselves some ‘worry time’, when they write their worries down in a diary. When this is done, they can move on with the rest of their day.

Challenge your thoughts

When you catch yourself thinking about things over and over again, try to write down the thought and challenge it. Is what you’re worrying about likely to happen? This can help stop the anxious thoughts from overwhelming you.

Get support for money worries

If you’re worried about money, seek help. Make sure you’re claiming all the government support that you’re entitled to. You can also speak to an organisation such as Citizens Advice or a debt charity, such as StepChange.

Spend time in nature

Spending time in nature has a positive impact on our mental health. This could be gardening or going for a walk in the park. Try to spend an hour or longer connecting with nature to get the best benefits.

Connect with people

Anxiety can feel very lonely, so connecting with other people can really help. Spend time with friends or meet other people through activities such as volunteering or sport. Talking about how you feel can help to reduce your anxiety.

Get some quality sleep

If anxious thoughts keep you awake, write them down in a diary. If you still have trouble sleeping, get up and have a drink (nothing with caffeine, though!) and wait until you’re feeling more tired before going back to bed.

Eat a healthy diet

Feeling anxious can cause us to reach for sugary snacks, junk food or alcohol. However, eating healthily helps to regulate our blood sugar and gives us the energy we need to live well.

We recognise & reward

Landsec | Aspire is always looking for your feedback to help us give praise where it’s due. Whether you’re a team member or a Landsec customer, let us have your Player of the Month votes and winners will be featured in One Magazine.

What are the Aspire Staff Recognition Awards?

Every month a ‘Player / Team of the Month’ is selected from nominations by you, other Aspire team members and Landsec customers. Winners receive a certificate and some well-deserved prizes. It is a credit to everyone that each month lots of nominations are received, illustrating just how good the Aspire team is and how team members are held in such high regard by the people they work with.

How do your workmates

excel in the Aspire values?

— Bold

— Inclusive

— Driven

— United

Aspire Recognition Awards.

Each month we salute the people recognised by you for exceptional performance or for simply being a great team member. Nominations can now be made by emailing aspire@landsec.com or directly via WhatsApp on 07834 431208

Total gem at 24 SBR

BBidvest Noonan Security Guard, Nageen Jalal wins this month’s accolade for being exceptionally helpful with regard to the marketing suite for The Forge at Bankside. The temporary information centre for Landsec’s first net zero carbon development was set up at 24 Southwark Bridge Road last year and has attracted a lot of leasing agents and potential clients as visitors.

“Nageen really does go above and beyond to support in any way he can,”

says Danielle Jephcott, Marketing Manager for Landsec. “He is always very professional, courteous and super friendly – a great representation of Landsec whenever we have our client meetings, which is very important for first impressions,” she continues. As well as greeting visitors, Nageen helps to keep the plants in the suite watered during hot weather and ensures that any deliveries for the marketing suite are received and neatly stored. “He’s a total gem!”, says Danielle. Congratulations, Nageen!

Games for the 3rd Aspire Olympiad

Sports Day 2023

COMING SOON

Meet the team

Vauxhall Rhino Turf, Lollard Street, Vauxhall, London, SE11 6PX

Limited spaces available

It’s back! We’re thrilled that the Aspire Sports Day is making a welcome return this July. This evening event promises to be fun all the way.

Being held at Vauxhall Rhino Turf in Lollard Street, it will have all your Sports Day favourites – blindfold egg & spoon, 3-legged and sack races, as well as space hopper and piggy-back challenges, relays, tug of war and dodgeball. Plus you can enjoy a BBQ afterwards.

Spaces are limited to 8 teams of 8, so please register by emailing aspire@landsec.com.

8 teams of 8 people // All supporters welcome // Refreshments supplied