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Aspire | Halo
From 1 April 2024, our Service Partners are all committed to Halo, the Aspire Health and Loyalty Offering, which aims to provide high standards of employee benefits.
See pages 004-017
The FUTURE of FACILITIES
One Magazine
David Wickens
Cover: Yam Gurungat, Bidvest Noonan at New Street Square.
Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
wWith the Euros underway and the sun making an appearance (at last!), we can all look forward to a summer of sport –Wimbledon, The Open at Royal Troon and the Olympic Games in Paris. If that wasn’t enough to get you in a good mood, our main feature this month is all about Aspire | Halo, our Health and Loyalty Offering, which we believe sets a new standard in employee benefits for the real estate industry. Halo is proof that our commitment to you, the people within the Landsec | Aspire community, is more than just words. Since its launch on 1 April, Halo has given every member of Aspire – regardless of which Service Partner they are employed by – access to a comprehensive package of employee benefits, including the London Living Wage. Please do read the article to find out more about the benefits that are available to you.
You may have noticed that Landsec has something to celebrate – we’ve clocked up 80 years! We’ll be telling you more about our big birthday in next month’s magazine but, for now, you can check out the movie and interactive timeline at landsec.com/80
In addition to our regular articles –including the Myo Update, Wellness with Gio, 5 minutes with (this time it’s Neil Swindells of D2E) and Grapevine – this edition is packed with lots of snippets of news from recent events right across the Aspire family. From a Nature Walk in honour of World Environment Day to delicious lunch pop-ups and Pride activities, you’ve all been very busy in June. So, why not kick back for a few minutes to read about what’s been happening across the London Workplace portfolio?
Alison Currell Aspire Service Delivery Director alison.currell@landsec.com
Aspire | Halo SAY HELLO TO
As an incentive to work within Landsec’s Workplace portfolio, Halo is a comprehensive package of benefits provided to all Aspire members. This month we unpack our offering, to explain the many ways in which you benefit from being a member of Landsec | Aspire.
Amit and Yam Gurungat, New Street Square.
Diana TupizaService Support Manager.
Aspire | Halo is our
Health and Loyalty OFFERING
Firstly, thank you to all members of the Aspire community for pulling together to make the transition to our new contracts since 1 April such a success. As many of you know, we developed our Future of Facilities tendering process to explore which Service Partners we should work with across our Workplace portfolio over the next six years, until 2030. We looked for organisations that could offer exceptional levels of service and innovation, enabling us to provide the best customer experience and most sustainable operational solutions. We also sought out Service Partners who align with the core values of Landsec | Aspire, which are bold, driven, inclusive and united. We decided to issue 6-year contracts to show our commitment to our Service Partners and to enable us all, together, to invest with confidence in the levels of
technology and training required to drive up customer service across the Workplace portfolio.
As part of the new partnership contracts, Landsec | Aspire pioneered a minimum standard of employee benefits. This is a groundbreaking initiative in the real estate industry and one that we believe demonstrates our unwavering focus on the people who make Aspire the success that it continues to be.
So, we introduced Aspire | Halo, our Health and Loyalty Offering. As of 1 April 2024, every member of Aspire is entitled to a suite of employee benefits, irrespective of which Service Partner they work for. Where an employee has better contractual benefits with their employer than those offered within Halo, the enhanced benefits take precedence. In this way, Halo
represents the minimum level of benefits that should be provided to all full-time, dedicated employees (those who spend over 50% of their contracted time working across the Landsec Workplace portfolio).
I see Halo as the start of our journey of offering Aspire colleagues better and more compelling benefits for the incredible service they provide. We intend to continue to work alongside our Service Partners in the Aspire Steering Board to develop and enhance this offering over the next six years.
Aspire | HALO is a groundbreaking initiative, with our Service Partners having agreed as a group to focus on something we care passionately about – our people.
David Wickens Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
Sue Payne Managing Director at Quality & Service
Tom Lloyd CEO at Principle Cleaning
Bill Swan Managing Director at Recorra
Chris Goad CEO at Regular Cleaning
Dirk Talsma Managing Director at Rapport Guest Services
Paul Roberts Managing Director at Jaguar Building Services
How you will benefit
Aspire | Halo
Let’s explain what each benefit within Halo means for you. Remember, your employer may offer benefits above these standards but Halo is the minimum you will receive.
London Living Wage *
Sick pay *
Maternity pay *
Death in service *
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) *
*
Virtual GP service
FastPAYE scheme
**
You will be paid at least the London Living Wage (LLW). This is above the national minimum wage, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital. The LLW is currently £13.15 per hour.
After completing 12 months’ continuous service, you will receive up to 20 days’ sick pay at your normal pay rate (pro rata).
If you are eligible, you will receive maternity pay at the following levels: — 2 weeks at full basic pay — 4 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings — 33 weeks at Statutory Maternity Pay.
If you die in service, a payment of at least twice your basic salary will be paid as a lump sum to whoever you name as your beneficiaries. Death in service is not the same as death at work –it means that you are an employee at the time of your death, so this benefit applies wherever you happen to die.
You receive 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), without the need to opt in and at no additional cost. An EAP is a support network that can help you meet personal or professional challenges and improve your well-being. Typically, an EAP provides a range of services such as confidential counselling, legal advice, support for physical and mental health, links to resources and professional coaching.
You have access to a dedicated virtual GP service, without needing to opt in and at no additional cost to you. This gives you online appointments with a qualified doctor (a General Practitioner or GP) or other healthcare professional, via a phone or video call. The GP will discuss your symptoms and can provide advice, diagnosis, recommendations for treatment and referrals to specialists.
You have access to a fastPAYE-style scheme, without the need to opt in and at no additional cost beyond a minimal administrative fee to facilitate the payment. There are various schemes available and they allow you to draw down a percentage of your salary in advance of pay day, avoiding the high interest rates of short-term borrowing from payday loan providers.
If you want further information about any of these benefits, please ask your line manager or your HR department.
* These employee benefits represent the minimum requirements members of the Aspire family can benefit from when dedicated to the Landsec Aspire contract across our Workplace portfolio; where Service Partners offer better or enhanced benefits to these, they take precedence. These benefits represent a consistent and minimum proposition.
** Our aspiration is to provide team members with access to a more flexible PAYE solution to draw down their salary early (without the need to actively engage with their employer, which can be prohibitive). However, to ensure this does not result in team members becoming indebted, the level of draw down (20%, 25%, 50% etc) and the frequency with which the service can be used are left to the discretion of the Service Partner, striking the right balance between flexibility and debt protection.
Aspire | Halo
eases TUPE TRANSFERS
When eligible Aspire colleagues from outgoing Service Partners were consulted to TUPE transfer across to the newly appointed Aspire partners, Halo was a significant component in securing the decision to remain on the portfolio and transfer to the incoming Service Partners.
We onboarded three new Service Partners – BGIS, Recorra and Regular Cleaning – as part of our Future of Facilities programme and, consequently, a large number of Aspire colleagues TUPE transferred across to these companies. TUPE – which stands for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) – is UK legislation to protect your contractual employment terms and conditions as an employee when you transfer to a new employer, including all contractual benefits, pay, holiday and length of service. Everyone at Landsec | Aspire worked together to make these TUPE transitions as seamless as possible. The fact that all Service Partners had made a commitment to Halo was a factor in this success, giving Aspire colleagues confidence in their new employers and protection – or enhancement –of their benefits.
With the creation of Halo, we have worked with our Service Partners to deliver a minimum standard of employee benefits for every member of Aspire across all of our service streams. Halo sets out the minimum benefits each and every member of Aspire will receive, irrespective of which Service Partner they work for.
“It’s been very helpful to have a high TUPE transfer rate, because we have retained a lot of knowledge. We’re not starting from scratch but rather from a really good place.”
Hamza Idris Account Director at BGIS
“It has been a particularly memorable TUPE transfer for all the right reasons and a very positive experience for all involved.”
Amanda Sadler People & Culture Director at BGIS
Dashwood.
“We had an exceptionally high level of team members who chose to come across in the TUPE transfer,” explains Amanda Sadler, People & Culture Director at BGIS. “While we typically see a transfer rate of 50% or more, 27 out of 32 staff came across in this TUPE process, so that’s 84%! It was a very smooth exercise – almost textbook –with very few challenges. It has been a particularly memorable TUPE transfer for all the right reasons and a very positive experience for all involved.”
Amanda believes that Halo played a role in this success. “Halo is an exceptionally positive promotion of the values of Aspire and Landsec,” she says. “It engenders confidence in Service Partners and transferred employees that they will be looked after, that they matter and that BGIS values the same things they value. When an employee assigned to a contract is being transferred under TUPE,” she continues, “they either have an affiliation to their site or their employer, or both. For us, it was very clear in this process that the majority of team members had an affiliation to the portfolio and to Landsec, the client. They understood from the group and individual consultations that they would be joining an organisation that would be very supportive. BGIS prides itself in providing careers rather than jobs; we take an active interest in upskilling and role enrichment. The Halo proposition certainly added to this. In the context of our culture and values, which form the solid foundation of BGIS, all of these factors together had
a very positive influence.”
BGIS provides a comprehensive benefits package for all its employees. It features BUPA’s Healthy Minds Employee Assistance Programme, which includes face-to-face counselling sessions, help with financial planning, support for carers and bereavement programmes. The company also provides a virtual GP service through Medicash, which also includes subsidised ophthalmic and dental care for employees and up to four dependents. BGIS actively promotes its range of benefits to team members, producing communication packs to explain the details. “We’re currently completing an information pack about our fastPAYE scheme,” says Amanda. “We believe that for Halo, frequent communication is key.”
BGIS also takes pride in its TUPE transfer process. “Some organisations only allocate 15 to 20 minutes per employee to explain the TUPE process,” explains Amanda, “but at BGIS we give an average of 45 minutes of individual consultation to ensure a thorough understanding of our values and expectations and what team members can expect from us.”
Hamza Idris, Account Director at BGIS, believes the Landsec contract is going very well. “It’s been great to understand the client, how they work and how we can best help them,” he says. “It’s been very helpful to have a high TUPE transfer rate, because we have retained a lot of knowledge and great team spirit. We’re not starting from scratch but rather from a really good place.”
Hamza has been working hard to make everyone feel welcome and establish relationships between new team members and existing BGIS employees.
“After the first month of the new contract, with lots of change going on, I was feeling the need to let off steam,” he explains. “I figured that if I was feeling it, then others probably were too. It’s important to show people that we’re serious about providing a high-quality service, but that we want to make time to have fun too.” So, Hamza organised two social events. The first was a Table Tennis evening that was arranged for both BGIS and Landsec team members prior to the official contract start date. The next event was a couple of months after the ‘go-live’ date and was based around simulated Formula One racing; this time the event was especially organised for the Landsec/BGIS contract team members.
BGIS has introduced an ‘employee of the month’ award for its employees on the Landsec contract, with the first one being awarded at the F1 social evening. “Although managers nominate people for the award,” explains Hamza, “everyone gets to vote anonymously for the winner using the Mentimeter app.”
As a new recruit to BGIS, Hamza is thoroughly enjoying his role. “It’s been really interesting to tour new buildings and meet new people,” he says. “I’m very much a people person. So far, this is probably the best contract I’ve worked on in my entire career.”
“Halo is an amazing benefits package and definitely helped make the TUPE process smoother. It was an incentive for staff to transfer over to us. They felt really valued as colleagues and not just seen as numbers.”
Elise Gillman People Lead for Regular Cleaning
“Everyone feels part of the Regular Cleaning family and they are doing an incredible job in delivering a high-quality service to create better places for everyone.”
Eduardo Hernandez Contract Manager for Regular Cleaning
Francisca Cumbicus
The FUTURE of FACILITIES
“We are so excited to be working with a client who, like us, is driven to prioritise colleague wellbeing,” says Elise Gillman, People Lead for Regular Cleaning. “Halo is an amazing benefits package, and definitely helped make the TUPE process smoother. It was an incentive for staff to transfer over to us. They felt really valued as colleagues and not just seen as numbers.”
Elise was present for most of the TUPE consultation meetings, where Regular Cleaning had a checklist of things to talk about, including the list of benefits. “Halo was an integral part of the consultations and staff thought it was fantastic,” she says. “Some people were really surprised and everyone was very happy.”
Regular Cleaning achieved an impressive 100% TUPE transfer rate, with 73 employees moving across from the previous Service Partner. The company already had a number of benefits in place for its employees including a virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme and fastPAYE facility. At the TUPE consultations, employees were given a leaflet with a QR code about Regular Cleaning’s virtual GP service, called Rise, which includes free financial and legal advice.
Elise believes that the contractual sick pay element of Halo is crucial. “For me, it’s the most important benefit, as people come into work when they are sick because they can’t afford to take a day off work. Statutory sick pay isn’t enough for them. This is not good for their health, it’s not good for productivity and it’s not good for their colleagues if they have an illness they might pass on.
It affects the whole operation and the service we can deliver.”
Eduardo Hernandez, Contract Manager for Regular Cleaning, believes the partnership with Landsec is going really well. “Since we took over the contract, it has been an amazing journey to support all our colleagues working at Landsec,” he says. “I’m really proud to say everyone feels part of the Regular Cleaning family and they are doing an incredible job in delivering a highquality service to create better places for everyone.”
In the transition, Regular Cleaning has supported team members and explained how the company operates. “We are a family business and we live
by our values,” says Eduardo. “These are: caring, making a difference, personal service, lasting relationships, respect for people and sustainable business.”
As well as the Halo benefits, Regular Cleaning is providing both in-house and external training for supervisors and other management roles. “We’re starting with the teams at Nova and New Street Square,” explains Eduardo. “The in-house training focuses on development and well-being, such as how to deal with conflict and absence. The external training includes Health & Safety and Environment for Business with IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.”
Darrell Taylor - Operations Director, Regular Cleaning.
The FUTURE of FACILITIES
“I see Halo as the start of our journey to offer Aspire members better and more compelling benefits for the incredible work and support they provide across our portfolio, and we will continue to work with all our Service Partners in the Aspire Steering Board to develop and enhance this offering over the next six years of the contract.”
David Wickens Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
One Challenge 2024
THIS AUTUMN
“Every champion has refused to give up”
It’s back! Our annual Aspire Challenge returns this autumn. As ever, this event will test your endurance but also create new friendships and cement existing ones. There’ll be highs, lows, probably the odd blister and definitely an incredible sense of achievement.
Want to be part of it?
The Aspire Challenge is open to all members of Landsec | Aspire but spaces are limited. More details will follow but register your interest now by emailing aspire@landsec.com.
Featuring Kelly Barlow
Workplace Manager and One Magazine Editor
ASPIRE ACADEMY PRESENTS
Aspire Induction 2024
The AspireAcademy has updated our self-guided induction presentation, which is part of the Landsec | Aspire Learning Library and designed for everyone joining the Aspire community.
Production of the e-training has been driven by Alison Currell, Aspire Service Delivery Director. “We wanted to provide an interactive introduction to Aspire,” says Alison, “that would be more engaging than simply reading a booklet. The fact that the training is completely self-guided means that it is really easy for managers to arrange its delivery and that it can be completed at the desired pace of the person being trained.”
The presentation begins by introducing Aspire members to Landsec and its ‘Build well, Live well, Act well’ sustainability strategy. Then the
Also available: Aspire Cyber Security
training explains what Aspire is and introduces both the Aspire and Workplace teams. It talks about Aspire’s integrated service streams and the Service Partners that deliver them, as well as the core values of Aspire.
“The presentation also shows Aspire’s organisational structure,” says Kelly Barlow, Workplace Manager, who narrates the induction, “as well as introducing people to the AspireAssist 24/7 HelpDesk. The e-training also talks about the calendar of Aspire events and challenges, and tells people how to get involved both in person and online.”
FOR
With the Aspire Learning Library available now, please contact your line manager for easy access to the online dashboard.
Rhonda Howell.
Could you be an Aspire Ambassadors Board member?
With over 700 members, Aspire is a big community and it’s still growing. As in all successful organisations, communication is the key to success. That’s why we are looking for more members for the Aspire Ambassadors Board – have you got what it takes?
What is it?
The Aspire Ambassadors Board is formed of Aspire colleagues from every service stream, with all Service Partners being represented. However, with some Service Partners having bigger teams working within Landsec | Aspire, we would like to have more than one member on the Ambassadors Board to represent these larger Service Partners.
What’s involved?
The Ambassadors Board meets monthly to come up with ideas to put to the Operating Board and provide feedback from the Aspire teams on the ground. The responsibilities of the Aspire Ambassadors are to:
— Monitor and review specific project streams assigned by the Operating Board
— Generate content for Aspire communications
— Make recommendations for improvements
— Nominate top performers. Interested?
If you think you’ve got what it takes to perform this role well, please apply by e-mailing Alison.Currell@landsec.com or contacting your line manager.
Office
Chillin’ at Dashwood Hard services update
A new cooling system has been installed at Dashwood as part of Landsec’s decarbonisation strategy for the building.
“The system is a standalone, critical chilled air source heat pump that operates 24/7,” says Glenn Darlison, Aspire Service Delivery Director. “It’s designed to supply an independent cooling service to all floors at Dashwood, which is used for cooling data and communication rooms.”
Redworx MEP – a specialist building services contractor for mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects – has been working in partnership with Landsec to deliver the project. Redworx collaborated with other suppliers to design and implement a solution that met both Landsec’s commercial needs and sustainability commitments.
Each floor has the ability to operate independently, with no effect on the building’s comfort (air conditioning) system. The system has full redundancy so that, should an air source heat pump fail, there is another to take over in a seamless transition.
“The new system is now being handed over to BGIS, who will manage it and ensure continued delivery of the critical coverage,” says Glenn. “The solution is a vast improvement in terms of energy savings and building resilience, providing customers with a stable system they can rely on.”
Space by Landsec
with Glenn Darlison
Aimee Hodgkinson - Landsec Assistant Workplace Manager.
Don’t hide , join our private group today!
Aspire News & Events
To improve the way we engage and make the most of Facebook’s functionality for privacy, chat and events posting, we have a private Aspire group called Aspire News & Events.
To receive your online version of our monthly One newsletter, view photos from our events and keep up-to-date with what is going on, please join this group, where Aspire content is visible to members’ eyes only.
Please stay connected as we have loads of exciting new things coming up. Thanks, Landsec | Aspire.
myo.co.uk
Myo update
Myo Piccadilly is launching this summer and is the latest milestone in our expansion programme, being our sixth Myo site.
Some space has already been reserved and tours of our newest location are now taking place. Myo Piccadilly boasts two floors with events spaces and five bookable meeting rooms. It’s part of Lucent W1, which includes an exclusive rooftop restaurant, a lounge styled by Bluebottle Architecture & Design and, downstairs, a classic London pub called The Devonshire – what’s not to like?
Becca Munroe
Operations and Experience Director
Lunch stop
Both Myo Liverpool Street and Myo Victoria Street enjoyed a pop-up lunch service this month, when Bird & Run provided delicious buttermilk fried chicken burgers and a vegan alternative. Needless to say, this was very popular with Myo members!
Read with Pride
With June being Pride month, each Myo location has hosted a mini library with a selection of books exploring LGBTQ* culture and history for members to borrow.
Thanks to the Amplify team for organising these brilliant pop-up events.
Footie sweepstake
There’s been great excitement around the Euro 2024 football competition. Before the first matches kicked off, Myo staff arranged sweepstakes for members in each building, which have been a big talking point and created quite a bit of competitive spirit.
Serafino Masella, Building Security Manager, outside
The Devonshire pub.
For every year of their contract, each Aspire Service Partner will provide one dedicated apprentice to the Landsec | Aspire contract. Sourced from our charity partners, the apprentices will be from diverse and/or socially/ economically disadvantaged backgrounds and ideally from the communities in which we operate.
Recruitment Day
Held on 6 June in Landsec’s offices at 80 Victoria Street, the Apprenticeships Recruitment Day was organised in collaboration with a number of Landsec | Aspire Service Partners and four charity partners that are supported by the Landsec Futures social value fund.
Each of the 10 Service Partners taking part had a table at the event, where their representatives showcased apprenticeships and other entry-level job opportunities – not just those on their Landsec contract – to visitors. Job descriptions for the roles were supplied in advance by the Service Partners and were distributed to several of Landsec’s charity partners, who sent them to the clients and young people they are supporting into work, with an invitation to attend.
“The charities who participated were the Cardinal Hume Centre, Circle Collective, the Construction Youth
Trust and Resurgo,” says Zoë Pritchard, Social Impact Executive at Landsec.
“Even if a young person was unavailable for the event, the charities sent an employability coach to represent them. We had around 25 young people and 10 coaches altogether. It was a full room with lots of energy, which was lovely.”
Many thanks to the Service Partners who presented their apprenticeship opportunities on the day: Amplify, Bidvest Noonan, Briggs, Jaguar Building Services, Otis, Principle Cleaning, Q&S, Rapport, Recorra and Regular Cleaning. Landsec also had a stand in order to help recruit an apprentice for the AspireAssist HelpDesk
“We held something similar in February exclusively with Circle Collective,” continues Zoë. “It was more low-key but led to two roles with Service Partners being filled, so I’m confident we’ll have even more success from this latest event. Since the Apprenticeships Recruitment
Day involved our formal charity partners, we’ll be able to report on the social value created through the employment pathways generated. In this way, Aspire is helping Landsec’s social impact team to meet its targets in terms of how many people are supported and the social value being created.”
5 minutes with…
Neil Swindells
Associate Director, D2E
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have two sons, aged 13 and 15, who I like to spend time with – before they completely outgrow me! We all take part in Judo together, which is good fun. The boys have been doing it for six years, whereas I started about 18 months ago. We also do gradings and competitions. The boys are both green belts and I’m one behind, with an orange belt. We’re also planning to try Airsoft soon.
What’s on your bucket list?
My wife and I went on a safari in Tanzania a long time ago. We visited Mount Kilimanjaro and the city of Arusha, and fished at Lake Tanganyika, among other things. I would really like to take my sons there.
Are you a fan of anything or anyone?
I’m not really a fan of anyone these days but when I was a boy, I always liked Joey Dunlop, the motorcyclist. Until this year, he had won more Isle of Man TT races than anyone else. Now his nephew holds the record. I liked his racing and his calm, unassuming approach to life in general.
Do you have any mantras in business or in life?
Listen, understand, don’t put things off and take the time to appreciate the good things in life.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
So far, I would say being the Project Manager for the installation of the lifts at Heron Tower (110 Bishopsgate). These are glass double-deck lifts, meaning there are two lifts in each shaft. Heron Tower is the second tallest building in the City.
Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?
I’ve recently been watching some things about Elon Musk and I must say that I’m impressed by his drive to achieve and realise his ideas.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
I wouldn’t have wanted my younger self to know what I’ve learned along the way. The silly things I did and the mistakes I made have all shaped me, as well as having given me some good memories and stories to tell!
Do you have any regrets?
No. We all make a few mistakes in life. I think we just need to learn from them and keep looking forward.
Do you have any pets?
Not now but when I was growing up, we had a budgie called Bobby who seemed to think he was human because he walked everywhere. The cage door was left open during the day and he would get down and walk about on the floor, so you had to be really careful where you trod. He also used to drink my nan’s gin out of her glass!
What’s your all-time favourite movie?
I still like The Italian Job (the original one) and Pulp Fiction. I also have a soft spot for anything Star Wars from when I was growing up. My two boys have got me watching the Marvel movies and I particularly enjoyed Venom.
What was your first ever job?
I went straight into the lift industry as an apprentice engineer at the age of 16. I enjoyed it and learned a lot in those four years – although everything is your fault when you’re an apprentice!
What would you say is your best skill in business?
I try to engage with people in person or on the telephone rather than just relying on e-mail all the time. I always look for solutions and take a collaborative approach.
What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?
I enjoy meeting people, trying to resolve problems and looking at long-term planning.
And your least favourite?
My job is very varied and there aren’t any bits that I really don’t like. However, there are sometimes days where it’s all paperwork and I can find that heavy going.
Principle goes back to school
As part of efforts to engage with and support the local community, the Principle Cleaning team at Cardinal Place are now cleaning some of the windows at Westminster City School.
Organised by Jenny Harper (Workplace Manager), Vitor Ferreira (Account Director for Principle) and Wilson Sterling (Vertical Manager for Principle), the first cleaning session took place at the end of May.
After liaising with the maintenance team at the school, Principle Cleaning were invited to clean the windows over the main reception. The team erected a scaffold tower in order to clean the area in the traditional way.
“The outcome reflects a massive improvement, despite the limescale affecting some sections of the glazing,” says Wilson Sterling. “The school caretaker mentioned that this particular elevation of the building had not been cleaned in quite a few years and the difference is undeniable.”
Many thanks to everyone involved!
Great greenery
New planters have been installed by the Q&S team along the service road at The Zig Zag Building. “A huge thank you to Q&S,” says Kelly Barlow, Workplace Manager. “It’s been great teamwork and a special mention must go to Ricky Elliott. He was there from start to finish, potting the plants and also getting the planters in exactly the right location.”
with Gio Wellness
In this regular feature, we are sharing wellness tips from Gioia Oliva, Reception Supervisor with Rapport. Having studied psychology, Gioia is passionate about health and well-being, both inside and outside the workplace
Stress versus burnout
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout are often used interchangeably. However, while they share some similarities, they are distinctly different states of mental and physical well-being.
STRESS
Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, marked by physical symptoms like headaches, emotional signs such as anxiety, and behavioural changes like sleep disturbances. It can be beneficial in small doses but chronic stress leads to serious health issues.
— Normal response to situational pressures and demands. For example, a deadline or an interview.
— You still believe that you can bring things under control and have hope.
— Can be positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline or cause loss of sleep and contribute to headaches or high blood pressure.
SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT
— Little to no motivation
— Insomnia
— Emotionally overwhelmed
— Amplified anxiety
— Exhaustion
— Easily triggered
Look familiar?
These are the signs telling us to slow down – mentally, physically, emotionally. Understanding the nuances between stress and burnout is the first step toward addressing these issues effectively. By recognising the signs early and implementing coping strategies, you can maintain a healthier, more balanced life.
BURNOUT
Ask GIO
Burnout results from prolonged stress, leading to emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. It manifests as chronic fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and a significant drop in performance. Unlike stress, burnout doesn’t improve with rest and severely impacts one’s life and well-being.
— State of exhaustion caused by excessive and chronic stress.
— A gradual process and it creeps in slowly. It’s more than severe stress.
— Leads to fatigue, low motivation, cynicism, inability to meet constant demands and feeling ineffective.
If you have any questions or well-being topics that you would like us to cover, email aspire@landsec.com in confidence. Your privacy will be respected.
LET’S PREVENT PREVENT STRESS & BURNOUT IN OUR COLLEAGUES
— Ask if they need help or provide them with support to manage their workload
— Balance hard tasks or projects with less demanding ones
— Pair high performers together for mutual support
— Allow time to recharge between big initiatives
— Make sure assignments spark enthusiasm
Remember, it’s not about working harder – it’s about working smarter and taking care of yourself along the way.
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 four new members of the Aspire family. Joining the Regular Cleaning team are Afia Badu and Victor Henao. Afia Badu is the new face at n2 on the Nova estate. “I have 11 months’ experience in the cleaning industry,” says Afia, “and have been working with Regular Cleaning for about three months.” Outside of work, Afia enjoys cooking. Victor
Henao has joined the team at 30 Eastbourne Terrace, which is his first role in the cleaning industry. “I’ve been working in the hair and beauty industry as a professional barber for five years,” says Victor, “and I loved it, but I just wanted a change because I want more free time during the day.” In his spare time, Victor likes playing football and going to the gym. Originally from
Colombia, he has been in the UK for 12 years. He speaks Spanish and English fluently and is also learning Portuguese.
Bidvest Noonan has appointed a new security management team for the Cardinal Estate, which includes 80-100 Victoria Street, 16 Palace Street and 30 High (currently under refurbishment). Barry Mitchell has been recruited as Estate Security Manager, bringing 30 years of experience in security-related roles for organisations including Kent Police, Eurotunnel, Barclays and JP Morgan. “Having already identified what a great team I have here at Cardinal Place,” says Barry, “I am motivated in developing the team further to deliver a firstclass service to all clients, tenants, staff and visitors. I look forward to meeting with you and building effective relationships across the estate.” Working alongside Barry is Georgeta Dancovici, who has been appointed in the role of Deputy Estate Manager. Georgeta has over a decade of experience in security management, building high-performing teams for highprofile contracts. “As a Landsec portfolio ESG champion,” she says, “I’m committed to integrating sustainable practices into security operations. My expertise in security systems, emergency procedures and team leadership is complemented by a passion for nature and gardening.”
A warm welcome to Afia, Victor, Barry and Georgeta!
Games for the 4th Aspire Olympiad
Sports Day 2024
EVENTS FROM 5.30PM – 7.30PM THURSDAY 25 JULY
6 teams of 8 people // All supporters welcome // Refreshments supplied Fully booked Pizza picnic
Hyde Park, Park Sports, South Carriage Drive, London W2 2UH
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 Hyde Park’s Park Sports facility, 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 pizza picnic finale.
Guide Dogs melt hearts at Zig Zag
A visit by representatives of Guide Dogs and their four-legged friends proved a real hit at The Zig Zag Building on 28 May.
The four guide dogs at the event were the focus of attention, with many customers and Aspire members stopping to greet them. The charity, which provides a range of services to support people living with a vision impairment, brought along some branded merchandise and raised £568. Guide Dogs is the only organisation to breed and train guide dogs in the UK.
“The dog owners and trainers were all really lovely,” says Sonia Freire, Cluster Supervisor with Rapport. “Everyone loved meeting and spending time with the dogs, which were all so cute and well behaved. There were lots of smiles in the building and we would love to have them back.”
Stepping out for World Environment Day
Landsec customers enjoyed a 45-minute Nature Walk on 5 June to mark World Environment Day.
The event was a collaboration between Rapport and Q&S, with the walk organised by Quentin Meliz (FOH Experience Manager for Rapport) and led by Jamie Westcott (Contracts Manager for Q&S).
Customers gathered at lunchtime outside 80 Victoria Street before making their way to St James’s Park in a circular route that passed Wellington Barracks
The visit was organised by Quentin Meliz, FOH Experience Manager for Rapport, who was pleased with how it went. “Security and reception staff worked together to make the event a success,” he says.
Thank you to Quentin and the Rapport team for this enriching experience!
on the way out and Buckingham Palace on the return. As Jamie pointed out the flora and fauna along the way, the walk highlighted the benefits to mental and physical health of interacting with nature, biodiversity and sustainability. World Environment Day, which is held annually on 5 June, is a United Nations initiative and brings together millions of people across the globe to celebrate environmental action and create a more sustainable world.
Many thanks to Quentin and Jamie!
Jamie Westcott.
SAVE THE DATE
SEASONAL SHENANIGANS
PartyAsOne
FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER - LONDON
Please put the date in your diaries to keep it free for this year’s Landsec | Aspire Christmas party. Our usual fun and festivities will once again take place in December, with more details on the venue and time to follow.
This year, the Christmas party will be a separate event to the Landsec | Aspire Staff Recognition Awards, which will take place at the end of March next year.
Check out previous event images now.
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 PLAYER OF THE MONTH May ‘24
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
Marcus makes a mark
WWell done to Marcus Henry, Soft Services Manager at Bidvest Noonan, for winning a Player of the Month award.
Marcus was nominated for his efforts in making the recent ‘Friday Feeling’ live music performances at the Cardinal Estate such a success. The events were organised by Victoria Business Improvement District (BID) to provide entertainment for visitors and facilitate feedback through conversations and survey forms.
A series of talented artists – including Ocean and Jade – performed sets each week that featured covers from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Mark Ronson, White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, ABBA and George Ezra. Marcus and his colleagues from the Bidvest Noonan team
helped with setting up the stage and keeping everyone safe.
In an e-mail following the ‘Friday Feeling’ shows, Chloe McAllister (Senior Events Manager for Victoria BID) wrote: “We have found this series to be hugely enjoyable in terms of feedback and interaction with the public, and we’ve also found that the onsite team – particularly Marcus and his team – have been so helpful and accommodating.”
Laura Yarnall, Assistant Workplace Manager, comments: “It is such a pleasure to work alongside Marcus, and this email just goes to show what an impact he has with both our own customers and external visitors to the estate.”
Well done to Marcus and the Bidvest Noonan team at Cardinal!
Marcus Henry. driven
Our story began in 1944, when Harold Samuel set up Land Securities, carrying out vital work to rebuild communities after World War Two. Since then, we’ve continued to focus on acquiring places that will bring long-term value to our business, customers and communities.
It’s these places that have continued to evolve as the expectations of our customers, guests and communities have changed over time. And it’s that skill to constantly change and improve that means when we look to the future, we’re developing with the feedback of those who live and work there to ensure long-term success.
