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Here at HRD Connect, we are driven by what our community of HR professionals do everyday. In a new series, we quiz an array of HR professionals about what their day is made up of, and what they value within their working days. To launch this series we speak with Rachel Lock, HR Director at TSB, she talks about the importance of having a strong work/life balance, adapting to unpredictable work days and the importance of simply smiling.
Learning from your peers is very important when it comes to overcoming challenges and adapting to new working environments. In a new series launched by HRD Connect we find out how your peers shape and craft their working days.
My usual wake up time is 5am – my body clock has been set that way for the last 20 years.
Look at the weather app.
Sitting down in the morning with my husband having a proper breakfast and a proper conversation before I leave for work.
It takes me an hour and 40 minutes to travel to the City from Reading – car, train, two tubes and a walk.
Change from my flat shoes into my high heels – I start working from 8am checking over anything that has come in overnight then sit down with my Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant to have our daily catch up.
There is no typical day at TSB – that’s why I think I have the best HR Director role in the UK. The variety is really interesting and ranges from talking to our partner forum ‘The Link’ to preparing for a board meeting.
I don’t usually stop for lunch – a piece of fruit or a yogurt will usually be enough. It’s also the time where partners tend to pop in for a chat.
I am definitely a morning person – the mindset you come into the office with sets you up for the most positive day.
Give a strong sense of purpose, have a good laugh and recognise them for a job well done.
I like it when partners and members of the Executive team just pop in around meetings for a chat – that’s when you make all the best decisions.
Smile! Creating an upbeat working environment for my partners is really important to me. Something as simple as smiling, even when you’re having a bad day, can do wonders for team morale and confidence.
Ideally, I like to leave work around 5.30pm so I can get home to my husband – and then I like to carry on with emails and reading on my iPhone – we have everything on our own devices now, so we can be more flexible.
Yes, I do – my home life is everything to me, so I make sure I do. At TSB, we’ve built a culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. It’s hugely important.
Spend time with my husband, watch TV and discuss what he has been doing for the day.
10pm – always in bed for the news headlines.
Being part of TSB – this is the best job I have had – it’s given me all sorts of opportunities I never thought I would have.
I like to go for a run or to the gym – or just enjoy dinner and a glass of wine or two.
Gin and tonic and a packet of peanuts.
Never be afraid to provide your opinion.
Being myself.