The First Mile

👭 Inclusivity
Since starting with first mile in 2022 I’ve had nothing but fun! Not only the job it’s self but feeling part of something has made my journey extra special- from regular visits to all the first mile sites to monthly fun social event. It’s such a nice feeling to walk into each site and feeling comfortable with everyone you work with.

⛑ Employee wellbeing
This is something that is especially important for me after working for other employers and feeling like you need to keep your personal problems to yourself it’s such a breath of fresh air knowing you have the likes of managers who are there and generally care and want to help with any problems you may have going on. After just 6 months of being with first mile and becoming pregnant I felt looked after not only whilst working but also whilst on maternity leave which I believe is so important.

📖 Opportunities to learn
First mile is my career. They have opened doors for me which I didn’t think where possible as a mum and pregnant in my 30’s- they have always asked and listened to what future I would like for myself and seen my loyalty, after just 3 months of being in first mile I had been on various education courses suitable to the HR career path I wish to take and after 6 months they invested and enrolled me into a 2 year course for me to gain my level 5 HR consultancy degree

Overall

I really don’t think there are many companies out there like first mile that I believe look after everyone no matter what their background or experience. It’s so important to enjoy your time whilst being at work and that’s exactly what first mile provides. I feel extremely lucky to have found such a perfectly fitting company

🏖 Flexibility
I think we can all agree that COVID really shone a light on how we can all be better in terms of work-life balance and flexibility. First Mile really does go above and beyond in catering to that need, and understands that we may have important things to us (whether that's kids, a sport, a pet, or just ourselves) that we need to move working patterns around or take time out for. Or simply, we're more of an early riser or night owl! They are as flexible as they can be, and communication is key in that aspect.

⛑ Employee wellbeing
First Mile creates a psychologically safe environment for people to speak in, and managers take on this feedback well which contributes to people feeling supported. Managers are always there for you if you need a chat (and this isn't always your manager checking in on you) as well as other people. It's a pretty wholesome environment!

Other
HR initiatives never really take off unless you have the support of leadership or management and I find that you can tell how much a company values their employees by how they allow HR to function and support employees. A lot of companies just do the bare minimum, but I find First Mile leadership allows us (HR) the ability to put forward initiatives (and even spend some money - not limitless amounts mind) in order to do the small everyday things (and some big things) that contribute so positively to the culture, engagement and retainment of employees.

👩‍👧‍👧 Team members
I work with a great team, all members of staff (both London and Birmingham) are extremely approachable and hard working and no task is too big.

🥰 Employee recognition
I only worked as a CAT B driver for on 8 months before getting a promotion to site supervisor. I feel like my hard work and commitment to first mile was appreciated and i still get constant positive feedback from my manager and senior management. I also appreciate feedback in how i can improve for my personal and professional development.

⛑ Employee wellbeing
Human resources and my line manager was extremely supportive when my second child was born, i was not entitled to enhanced pay for paternity leave, so therefore, they allowed me to take over holiday for two weeks from the previous year. I really appreciated this as means I wasn't at a loose end whilst being off supporting my family

Overall

I have worked ever since I left school and there are only two jobs I have felt respected and truly at home. One of these jobs is First Mile. I feel like I can progress myself further and enjoy the constant communication with different people across the company (especially my line manager and the CEO of the First Mile!)