‘Moving to a four-day week has given me the freedom to simply be me’
Russell Cole, ISTAR Risk & Opportunity Manager for Lockheed Martin UK Rotary and Mission Systems
After 15 years in the armed forces as an Operations Officer for the
RAF, it was time to venture out of my comfort zone and find a new and challenging career that would test my ability for change and a company that would help me reach my potential.
Working in the defence sector can often be quite challenging - late night deadlines, calls with the customer to alleviate issues on programmes.
But what makes the difference is knowing that you‘re supporting those on the front line.
Being an ex-serviceman, it feels great to give something back to the next generation and progress programmes that I was on the end of a few years ago.
What sets Lockheed Martin apart is not only the number of veterans we employ, but how the company aligns itself to customers, focusing on the individual.
That’s the same for its employees. We used to work on a 75-hour, two-week pattern, where every other Friday the company would allow staff to take time out to rest and support their own lives outside of work.
This was a huge attraction for me and was one of the main reasons why I decided to join the company.
With a busy life and two small children, it allowed me to simply spend more time with the family making memories and not worrying about the daily chaos of washing, ironing and shopping.
We all know that life just gets in the way sometimes, but this gave me the flexibility to focus during the normal week, clear the diary of the ’blue jobs’ on a Friday and spend time with family and friends at the weekend.
How could it get any better, I hear you ask. Well, Lockheed Martin then introduced the four-day flex approach. As a result, I now only work four days every week to support the projects I’m responsible for.
So how has this decision impacted my lifestyle? In a nutshell, it has given me freedom to simply be me!
Being in the forces always teaches you to make the most of the time you have and I’m happy to say that Lockheed Martin has gone over and above.
Nearly two years into my role as Senior Risk Manager and I couldn’t wish for a better company to work for.
I’ve got purpose, motivation and a sense of belonging. Plus I spend lots of my spare time cycling (call it my mental health check) and raising awareness for the forces charity sector.
I’ve completed a 24-hour spinathon, raised funds for the Royal British Legion and cycled from London to Paris.
I’ve also set up a small home-based workshop (RustysBikeShop) to help people in the local community by fixing bikes at a reduced price.
What else has Lockheed Martin done for me? It has simply given me the time to do it all!
Time off to train, funding to support kit whilst also pushing my professional development to the next level and paying for my studies to attain an International CERT in Risk Management through the Institute of Risk Management - and all in the space of two years.
Thank you Lockheed Martin, I only wish I’d found you sooner!