Head of HR Charlotte Bradley, and Head of ESG Vicky Cotton, sit down with Credit Controller Sarah O’Doherty to discuss Workman’s cultural transformation; and why listening to our people is driving everything we do.

Twenty months ago, a change in management structure gave us a huge opportunity. Instead of making assumptions about what needed fixing, we did something simple but powerful: we listened, gathering feedback from employees and holding client interviews.

“We took that opportunity to go out and listen to our people and to listen to our clients,” explains Vicky Cotton, our ESG Partner. “The biggest learning we had was that we’re not actually a property company. We’re about people – through and through.”

The feedback was clear. People wanted better systems, improved processes, and most importantly, the freedom to focus on what they do best; working with clients and each other.

The transformation is well underway. We launched our Performance Development Review (PDR) process in April 2024, completing the first full cycle and moving into year two. But it’s the broader cultural shifts that matter most.

“We’ve introduced our PDR process, updated our family leave policies, launched our menopause policy, and had an agile working reset,” lists Charlotte Bradley, our Head of HR. “There’s definitely been some really positive steps, but we also recognise there’s more to do.”

Our employee networks have been reset and strengthened: the Women’s Network, LGBTQ+ Network, REACH (Race and Equality Cultural Heritage), and our Disability, Neurodiversity and Mental Health Network. We’ve also introduced externally trained Mental Health Champions, at least one in every office, to support our people where they need it most.

Culture isn’t just about policies; it’s about environment too. Our new Cheapside office brought everyone in London under one roof. We’ve now opened our refreshed Bristol office. It’s part of a rolling program to create better spaces that draw people together.

“A big piece for us is our open-door policy,” says Vicky. “We want to make senior leadership incredibly accessible.”

No doors, no barriers – just genuine accessibility where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, even if that means challenging leadership to do better.

The roadmap ahead focuses on three key areas.

First, we’re resetting our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy – the last review was in 2021, so it’s time for fresh thinking around recruitment, retention, and unconscious bias.

Second, we’ve brought in a Learning & Development Manager, Debbie Hayler, to transform how we support talent development. “We really want to make sure we’re attracting from the widest talent pools and retaining that talent,” Charlotte explains.

Third, we’re developing a comprehensive wellbeing strategy alongside a refreshed employee benefits offering. Working with our new benefits expert, we’re mapping what good looks like and exploring what else is out there.

Internal communications are getting an overhaul too. We’ve had feedback that our channels aren’t always as straightforward as they could be. Hence this podcast series, video content, and new ways to share information across the business.

“There’s lots of opportunities in the mix,” Charlotte points out. “We want to get everybody comfortable with what that culture looks and feels like.”

Where are we heading? The ambition is clear and bold.

“We really want to build the best culture in the sector,” Vicky says. “That’s what we’re absolutely committed to.”

For Charlotte, it’s also about becoming “an employer of choice – where people want to come and join, stay with us, and grow their careers. We want it to be a safe space for people, an inclusive space where people can flourish and build the best career they can with us.”

The journey started with listening. It continues with action. And it’s all about recognising that in a people business, culture isn’t just important, it’s everything.

Want to be part of building the best culture in our sector? Join us and help shape a workplace where people can do their best work and build brilliant careers.