Yodel are one of our lovely clients, and we deliver all kinds of training and onboarding comms for them, primarily to engage their people and help them develop valuable transferrable skills. We're talking about an onboarding portal so that new starters can complete paperwork online an find out more about Yodel before their first day, induction packs to get their employed drivers up to speed, training passports so employees can keep track of their personal development and an information pack to help their vast network of self employed drivers get to grips with Yodel as a business.
Yodel’s a business going through a huge transformation but they’re always looking to support the people who work for them and with them. A key area for this is Yodel’s close relationship with the military. As a Silver Covenant employer, they know they have lots to offer to those leaving the military for civilian life who might consider a role at Yodel. But they’re also keen to support to the whole military community. Whether that’s supporting employees with relatives currently serving in the military or supporting those making the transition by offering work experience. And we’ve been working closely with the team to provide comms and training materials to support this military partnership.
We grabbed a coffee with Nicky from Yodel, and gave her the usual Chatter grilling...
How did you get into the HR industry?
I was lucky to have a job as a 'Saturday Girl' at Boots the Chemists on the perfume counter, which eventually turned into a holiday job when I was at University studying Behavioural Sciences. One day, the Personnel Manager asked me to support her setting up the interviews and assisting with the psychometric tests. From that moment, I knew HR was for me, so I applied for the Boots HR Graduate Programme after I left Uni. I stayed with Boots for 7 years, starting as an HR Administrator then Personnel Manager and then working my way up opening their prestigious Speke Store in Liverpool. The rest of my career comes down to being at the right place at the right time…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
“80:20 Nicola. Stop being such a perfectionist.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the HR sector?
Take the opportunity to get into the detail, understand processes and policies and learn everything you possibly can and do everything you possibly can to get involved in HR. It will pay dividends when you’re established.
What’s the best thing about working with Chatter?
The enthusiasm and passion of the team – they’re just fab at communicating and enhancing your brand. They also verge on telepathy at times!
What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?
I’m reading the light between oceans by M.L.Stedman presently, as I wanted to read it before I watched the film. I don’t watch a great deal of television, but I do enjoy films. I enjoyed watching Jane Eyre over the weekend with Michael Fassbender.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Music. Love it. Got too much of it – whether that’s on my iPod, phone or vinyl. I have music on wherever and whenever I can. I also have a classical mini iPod on my desk at work which I play when I need to calm down…
Three words to describe yourself?
Conscientious, fun, loving.
What fact would surprise people about you?
I have recorded a CD with a couple of songs.
