LS2141 Aspire One Magazine - Issue 59 February 2021 ART

ISSUE 59 : FEBRUARY 2021

One

The voice of Landsec | Aspire // Bringing our community TogetherAsOne

We’re Proud to be inclusive Every February is LGBT+ History Month and our community has marked this annual event again, albeit virtually! See pages 004-007

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For information regarding the articles in this magazine contact aspire@landsec.com Landsec, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL

+44 (0) 20 7413 9000

aspire@landsec.com

One newsletter is keen to welcome points of view from Landsec staff and Service Partners. Therefore, the views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Landsec. We welcome contributions whether through social media, email, letters or stories. Please forward contributions to aspire@landsec.com

Cover: Landsec’s Monico Island and Piccadilly lights during Pride in London.

Right: Looking forward to a blooming great spring at One New Change.

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David Wickens

David Wickens

Strategic Workspace Director & Chair of Landsec | Aspire

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At last, there are signs of spring emerging around us. The cheerful daffodils and warm sunshine are definitely uplifting, and along with the publication of the government’s roadmap for loosening restrictions, give us all hope for a summer of cautious socialising and a gradual return to normality.

In this month’s issue, we take a brief look at the work done by the AspireAssist team, who like many of us have been working from home.

Having a digital platform for our 24/7 HelpDesk service has really paid dividends over the past year and we congratulate them on maintaining their high standards throughout this difficult time.

We also preview International Women’s Day on Monday 8th March, plus we celebrate LGBT+ History Month. Although the Aspire community hasn’t been able to attend events in the usual way, we continue to mark these important issues and embrace a more inclusive future.

Whether you’re currently based at home or you’re working at one of the many sites across our London portfolio, you are all helping to serve our Customers in these strange times. Thank you for your continued commitment and, fingers crossed, we’ll be back together again soon.

One Editor-in-Chief david.wickens@landsec.com

Kelly Barlow One Editor kelly.barlow@landsec.com

Martin French One Design & Layout martin@tigerbaydesign.co.uk

Who’s looking forward to a summer of cautious socialising?

Heidi Scott One Copywriter heidi@tigerbaydesign.co.uk

Social media facebook.com/AspireAsOneTeam twitter.com/AspireAsOne instagram.com/AspireAsOne

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February is LGBT+ History Month and the Landsec | Aspire community has marked this annual event again, albeit virtually this year.

LGBT+ History Month aims to educate about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, celebrate progress in LGBT+ rights, inform around issues affecting LGBT+ people and promote an inclusive society. In the UK, the celebration takes place in February to mark the anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 (this happened 21 years ago), which essentially made discussion of LGBT+ issues in schools unlawful.

This year’s theme is ‘Body, Mind, Spirit’, acknowledging that the LGBT+ community often suffers anxiety and stress due to discrimination or lack of acceptance. This is particularly apt in the time of Coronavirus lockdowns, when LGBT+ people can feel particularly isolated.

Both Landsec and Rapport used their social media channels to promote LGBT+ History Month. Rapport acknowledged the achievements and suffering of Alan Turing, widely thought to be the founder of computer science, who was arrested for being gay and subsequently committed suicide. The Pride@Rapport committee also met to discuss their achievements over the past year and their future plans.

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Landsec’s LGBT+ Network published an article about LGBT+ History Month in the Insights section of Landsec.com. It refers to research

by Stonewall (the campaign group for LGBT rights), which found that over half of 5000 LBGT people interviewed in 2018 had experienced depression that year. Landsec continues to work with Stonewall to promote and measure progress towards becoming a more inclusive employer for LGBT+ people, while also cultivating an inclusive approach with its Aspire Service Partners, Customers and communities.

This is, of course, in line with Aspire’s values of being determined, inclusive, driven and united.

As well as supporting the first ever digital Pride in London parade last year through use of the Piccadilly Lights, Europe’s largest outdoor digital display, Landsec’s LGBT+ Network also sponsors Freehold, a networking forum for LGBT+ professionals working in the property sector.

In June 2020 Landsec established the inclusion allies programme in partnership with its affinity networks (LGBT+, BAME, Women’s and Disability & Wellbeing). This aims to encourage everyone to support diversity by providing training on how to become an effective ally of the affinity networks and to champion diversity and inclusivity.

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We believe that employing a diverse mix of people makes us a stronger and more sustainable business and one that reflects the diverse society around us.

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We are determined, inclusive, driven, united AspireAsOne.co.uk

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Aspire SERVICE STREAMS

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No one could have imagined the scale or impact of the pandemic when the AspireAssist 24/7 HelpDesk was set up back in April 2019. With many members of the Aspire community required to work from home, having a single point of contact based on digital technologies has been invaluable over the past year.

The online HelpDesk provides services, information and support across all the buildings in the London portfolio. Our accommodating colleagues manage requests from all Aspire Service Partners around the clock, 365 days a year.

As the first point of call for issues, incidents or enquiries, the portal offers multiple communication platforms to make assistance as accessible as possible.

Technologies include the LiveChat facility, as well as Assist Email and the conventional telephone HelpLine, with a Support Ticket system in place to track progress. The HelpDesk is also home to Landsec’s Knowledge Base which contains essential information on policies and processes for Customers occupying Landsec properties.

As the AspireAssist Customer Service Centre is managed by NJC, the team is normally based at The Zig Zag Building in Victoria. However the 5-strong team is currently working from home, in line

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with government guidance. HelpDesk Administrators Shamora Dalhouse, Terry Latchman and Adam Smith work alongside their Supervisor, Christopher Didier, and Manager, Chelsey Hall.

“Home working has its challenges in terms of running a busy team,” says Chelsey Hall, “but we interact daily with video calls on Teams to keep everyone connected. We’ve also participated in a few quizzes and fundraising challenges to help maintain team spirit, and we’re currently taking part in Aspire’s Fit4Feb remote exercise classes.”

Home working has not interrupted the ongoing professional development of the AspireAssist team though.

“We’ve taken part in online training courses to enhance customer service and presentation skills,” explains Chelsey, “as well as in-depth training on Freshdesk, the cloud-based customer service software that we use. The team has also benefited from online training on the topics of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Diversity & Equality and Preventing COVID-19.”

You can contact AspireAssist via assist.landseclink.com, by e-mailing assist@landsec.com or calling 0800 121 8100. So whether it’s raising a support ticket, accessing documents or requesting concierge services, all service streams are consolidated in a single hub.

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Let’s celebrate National Telephonists’ Day The brainchild of Aspire Service Partner Rapport and switchboard services supplier ComXo, National Telephonists’ Day was launched in 2014 and is celebrated every year on 10th March to commemorate the anniversary of the very first telephone call, made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.

Telephonists play a vital role in creating the right first impression for an organisation but, as they are generally not visible, it is easy for their contribution to be overlooked. National Telephonists’ Day aims to put this right and celebrate their value through local events, as well as national competitions with great prizes.

Chelsey and Chris have also been making plans for the team to mark National Telephonists’ Day. “Our AspireAssist colleagues will be taking part in this year’s national competition to create a recipe for a mocktail designed to soothe the vocal cords,” says Chelsey.

“In addition, we’ll be hosting a virtual Afternoon Tea with the team on 10th March. With tea and scones delivered in gift hampers to team members’ home addresses prior to the event, everyone will have exactly what’s needed for the virtual celebration.”

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Terry Latchman from AspireAssist

Don’t miss

National Telephonists’ Day 10th March

Landsec | Aspire offers a 24/7 support service, direct from our innovative Customer Service Centre.

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Ricky Elliot from Q&S at NOVA Victoria.

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Calming shoots of spring Nature doesn’t stop during lockdown, so there is always plenty of preparational work to be done planting bulbs. With thousands now in the ground, Q&S Landscaping promise a riot of colour as we move into spring.

Great British Summer at NOVA.

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We all know that plants and flowers brighten up the spring and summer months but did you know that their benefits are significant all year round, indoors as well as outside?

A number of scientific studies conducted around the world have proven the benefits of having greenery in the workspace. There’s even a fancy term behind this: biophilia, which describes the natural human tendency to seek out connections with nature.

The research shows that plants in the workspace not only reduce stress and fatigue, but also increase productivity and creativity. Attractive planting in outside spaces is a great welcome for visitors, while indoor plants also bring the benefits of reduced carbon dioxide levels, higher levels of oxygen and improved air quality.

So, thank you to Q&S for all the mood-boosting greenery!

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Aspire INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, LET’S

#ChooseToChallenge Aspire Great British Summer 2018.

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The idea is to challenge gender inequality in order to accelerate change.

Marked every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is not only an opportunity to raise awareness about women’s equality and campaign for gender parity, but also a chance to celebrate the achievements of women and raise funds for female-focused charities.

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Aspire Sway It Cool 2018.

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Monday 8th March is International Women’s Day and the theme this year is #ChooseToChallenge.

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Aspire INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Strike a pose!

Dress in purple, green and white

Call out inequality

IWD 2021 is encouraging everyone to support this year’s theme by adopting the Choose To Challenge pose. Simply raise one hand, showing the palm and share your selfies on social media with the hashtags #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021. So, come on, let’s show the world what Landsec | Aspire can do!

Q. D o you know why purple, green and white are the colours of International Women’s Day?

Most of all, IWD is an opportunity for all of us to ask ourselves whether we are doing all we can to call out gender bias, celebrate women’s achievements, question stereotypes and build an inclusive community.

A. I WD has taken place for over a century, with the first event held in 1911. When its colours were originally chosen the purple signified justice and dignity, the green symbolised hope and the white, now rather controversially, represented purity.

Priscilla Asumanu from 6-17 Tottenham Court Road.

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Ellie Delamain - Landsec Workspace Support Assistant

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Aspire INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Greta Dvarvytiene - NJC Portfolio Manager.

Aspire One Christmas 2019.

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Kelly Rimmer - Guest Services Manager at Rapport.

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Aspire INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Aspire One Christmas 2019.

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Aspire Sports Day 2019.

Portland House 2019.

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Aspire INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Aspire Lake District Triple Challenge 2019.

Aspire Great British Summer 2018.

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Portland House 2019.

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Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Judy Garland Actress

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Aspire ONE COMMUNITY

Aspire Sports Day 2019.

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Inspiration from Sir Tom

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Among the resources shared by Principle Cleaning for this year’s Time to Talk Day on 4th February, was a quote from Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The Army veteran, who raised over £32 million for NHS Charities Together in the run-up to his 100th birthday last year raised spirits in the first lockdown by saying, “The sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.”

The quote, along with a photo of Sir Tom, was used on Principle’s Time to Talk Day poster, which was circulated to staff to encourage them to engage with one another about their mental wellbeing.

Managers helped to facilitate conversations on site, while respecting social distancing, and also offered one-to-one video chats or telephone calls with Principle’s Mental Health Buddies for those colleagues who were either off site or on furlough.

The sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.

Captain Sir Tom Moore

Another promotional poster shared some great tips to deal with anxiety and stress including listening to soothing music, doing yoga, getting in touch with loved ones, cutting back on caffeine and finding things to laugh about.

If you are feeling lonely or anxious, reach out to a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) in your organisation, ask your employer about support that may be available through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or speak to your GP.

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Aspire ONE COMMUNITY

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365 days a year

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You may know that Purple Tuesday is a change programme to help organisations across all sectors of the economy to get involved in improving the daily experience of disabled people.

Every year, it focuses its activities towards a single Tuesday in November.

We will give extra promotion to 4 topics in particular over the next 12 months: ­ — Autism Awareness (April) — Disability Inclusion (Oct) — Purple Tuesday (Nov) — Mental Health (Jan 2022)

Following the success of our participation in Purple Tuesday, Landsec | Aspire is now stepping up to support Purple Tuesday 365, with the aim of enhancing the experience of disabled people all year round.

The Purple Tuesday campaign draws attention to the fact that inclusion is not only morally right but also makes sound business sense. The Purple Pound, the spending power of disabled people and their families, is estimated to be worth £274 billion in the UK and is rising by 14% a year. Disabled people account for a staggering 20% of the population (although for over 80% of them, their disability is hidden). This makes the disabled community the world’s largest minority group and a huge missed opportunity for those organisations not committed to improving the consumer experience for them.

This will mean that the our community can benefit from insightful e-tutorials, useful resources and monthly webinars hosted by Purple Tuesday, whether live or as a recording, on a range of disability topics that align with national events.

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Aspire Mental Health Week 2018

We’re moving up to participate in Purple Tuesday 365, in order to help keep our focus on enhancing access and inclusion for disabled people all year round.

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Aspire EVENTS

We are loving it.

It has been brilliant!

Kelly Rimmer Guest Services Manager

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Fit4Feb There’s been a fantastic response to this month’s fitness challenge, with some heroic efforts being made to reach individual goals and motivate the entire team.

To boost fitness levels and combat lockdown lethargy, a number of Landsec | Aspire colleagues have been taking part in a programme of F45 workouts, while others have chosen to complete one of the Conqueror Virtual Challenges. Some fitness fanatics have even done both!

With the F45 workouts taking place on Zoom and the Conqueror app allowing participants to track the progress of other members of the Aspire team, taking part has definitely helped colleagues to feel connected.

I’m really enjoying F45 and would carry on if I could!

Louise Ody Workspace Manager

The F45 classes are great, but challenging. They have made us all feel better in ourselves and in our minds, a brilliant way to start the day during lockdown!

Chelsey Hall​​ Business Support Manager

In addition, WhatsApp groups for each set of participants has enabled everyone to encourage their fitness buddies, boosting morale as well as levels of physical exercise.

F45 workouts

Not for the faint-hearted!

Aspire members opting for highintensity workouts from global fitness community F45 have had a choice of Resistance on Tuesdays at 8am or Cardio on Fridays at 8am. Feedback has been great and this is what our worn-out Mo Farah wannabes had to say...

I am really enjoying F45 classes.

It’s a good start to the day and I fell energized afterwards. It’s also good motivation and fun doing it as a group. I know myself, and I would not wake up to exercise if it wasn’t for this challenge.

Ula Zawadzka​ Portfolio Manager

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Fit4Feb We’ve virtually conquered the world While some sweated it out with F45, the more cultured members of the Aspire community have been undertaking iconic journeys from around the globe, courtesy of Conqueror’s virtual challenges.

By simply linking the Conqueror app to a fitness tracking app, participants have been able to follow their progress as they complete a walking, running or cycling session. With a choice of 17 different challenges and the chance to take a sneak peak at how fellow Aspire members are getting on, there has been something to suit everyone.

A team from Rapport has been tackling the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge. Kelly Rimmer, Guest Services Manager, describes the experience as ‘brilliant’ while Mark Heppelthwaite, Non Executive Director at NJC, admits to making slow but sure progress on his bike.

Ula Zawadzka, Portfolio Manager for NJC, chose the English Channel walk and believes it provided ‘a great reason to leave the house at weekends’. Meanwhile Daniel Willett, Vertical Manager for NJC, is travelling the length of Hadrian’s Wall – partly on foot and partly by bike – and is enjoying it so much that he wishes he’d chosen a longer route.

Lawrence Merry, Security Manager for Bidvest Noonan (pictured right), chose Hadrian’s Wall as it reminded him of his brisk stroll up the Lake District’s Old Man of Coniston in 2019.

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I’m doing the Grand Canyon and I’m really enjoying it, with only 8% left to complete. This is such a good idea to keep all of us together, positive and motivating each other.

Francisca Cumbicus​​ Service Support Manager

Hadrian’s Wall for me.

Feel like I’m cheating a little bit by using a bike for some parts but it’s a great reason to get out and about at the moment.

Daniel Willett​​​ Vertical Manager

I am on the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge.

I’m just outside Totnes in South Devon, with 191km done and 1553km to go!

Andrew Brocklehurst Technical Manager

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Aspire STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS

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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.

Aspire Recognition Awards 2019.

How do your workmates excel in the Aspire values?

— Determined — Inclusive — Driven — United

Have your say AspireAsOne.co.uk

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Aspire PLAYER OF THE MONTH

January ‘21

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 via AspireAsOne.co.uk

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Team of the month

This month, we don’t wish to single out any one person for recognition. Over the pandemic period the entire team has displayed remarkable resolve in the face of adversity, and Landsec applauds every single one of you.

David Wickens Strategic Workspace Director & Chair of Landsec | Aspire

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FAREWELL & GOOD LUCK

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Sadly we have to bid a fond farewell to Operations Director, James Carragher, after 9 years in the Landsec | Aspire family.

dedication over the years in the delivery of operational excellence and quality services for Landsec Customers and colleagues alike.

James began his career at Landsec back in May 2012 as General Manager of the City West team before moving over to Nova to focus on development and operational mobilisation. His success in these roles led to his promotion to the position of Operations Director for the London Portfolio.

James will not only be missed for his drive and achievements, but also for his flair. From his insatiable desire to wind colleagues up and his taste for Champagne cocktails, to his penchant for wearing man-bags, James certainly has an endearing streak.

In carrying out his responsibilities in this role, James has not only overseen the strategic property management of the London Portfolio, but also mentored the Operations Team. As Operations Director, his leadership and coaching skills have been both evident and highly valued.

As he moves to a new challenge as Estates Director for Battersea Power Station, we want to thank James for his

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Most of all, James is passionate about people, preferring ‘face time’ (not the app, but his term for face-to-face meetings). He is always happy to invest in informal catch-ups with colleagues over lunch or at a bar.

We hope his new responsibilities will still leave him some time to enjoy watching his beloved Liverpool, as well as the odd round of golf. The whole Landsec | Aspire community wishes James all the very best for the future.

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Aspire News & Events Join our new private group today 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.

NJC recognised by Homelessness charity Congratulations to our Aspire colleagues at NJC, whose fundraising efforts have been recognised by homelessness charity, The Passage.

The team at NJC has supported The Passage for some time, raising funds for their vital work and also donating PPE and cleaning equipment to help the charity disinfect its buildings during the pandemic.

Charles Walden, Senior Portfolio Manager, was recently presented with a certificate of recognition by staff from The Passage to thank NJC for its fundraising efforts.

The Passage, which is based in Victoria, is the UK’s largest centre for homeless and insecurely housed people. As well as offering immediate help, the charity provides long-term support to help disadvantaged people transform their lives.

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