Changing lives within the workplace
A life- changing adult learning programme designed to build staff confidence, tackle communication breakdowns in the workplace by helping employees to speak out, and change attitudes, was a category winner at the recent Diversity Works Awards.
Developed by private training company Upskills and biscuit and snacks maker The Griffin’s Foods Company the Be Brave programme aims to increase workplace communication, job satisfaction and productivity.
Sarah Balfour, director and co-founder, of Upskills says in a statement that they worked with Griffin’s senior management to create a programme that involves genuine input from employees at operator level. “This has given them a chance to really be heard and make a difference within the company, for themselves and for the business ...”
Susan Walls HR manager at Griffin’s says the Be Brave programme has had an enormous impact “not only for our company, but also for our employees and their families”.
One of those employees is operator Krystal Maiden who has been with Griffin’s for almost four years. A mother of two, she says she has learnt so much from the course including how to put herself “out there” in the workplace.
She says she’s never had strong role models in her life “but since I’ve been here at Griffin's I’ve managed to get a number of certificates and I’m able to bring those home and show my children.
“Doing this course has made me realise I shouldn’t be afraid to put myself out there to reach my goals to make my life better for me and my family,” she says.
“It’s given me the courage to apply for a place on the company cadet programme, which will give me additional skills and leadership development. For my kids to be able to see me achieving these things, it really means a lot.”