Eleven years as a top employer – why support and flexibility are central at JTI UK
Sponsored by Japan Tobacco International
People spend so much of their lives at work. At JTI UK, we think it’s only right to create a culture where our people feel comfortable to be themselves.
People shouldn’t have to choose between their personal lives and their career. In a hybrid world where flexible working benefits everyone, we offer core hours of 10am to 2pm and a 50/50 split between office and home working, designed to help our employees work around other personal commitments.
We’re incredibly proud to be named a Top Employer for the 11th year in a row. It’s in recognition of the positive and supportive workplace we have created, and underlines our commitment to keep improving life for our employees, year after year.
Here’s what some of our employees have to say about how JTI UK has supported them as they build and navigate their careers.
Helping Andrew on his adoption journey
Andrew has worked at JTI UK for more than 20 years. Last year, he and his partner adopted two young girls. Adoption can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but JTI UK’s generous family leave policy gave Andrew the time and space to help his daughters adapt to their new home.
At JTI, all parents – regardless of gender, sexual orientation or whether they become a parent via adoption, surrogacy or birth – are entitled to 20 weeks’ paid leave, which can be taken flexibly to suit their needs.
“I don’t think the girls would have settled from foster care into their new home as well as they have without the additional time given to me,” says Andrew. “My wife and I were able to split our leave so that we were able to be with the girls as much as possible in the first few months. It also meant that when I did return to work, I felt really motivated, re-energised and ready for new challenges.
“JTI’s flexible working hours mean I can carry out my parenting duties, like the school run, with no impact on my work. Adopting a child is an incredible but big change, so it was reassuring to know that my employer trusted me to get the work done in a flexible way.”
Setting Izzy up for long-term success
Izzy recently completed JTI UK’s 18-month graduate scheme and has just been promoted to Area Sales Manager. The graduate programme is designed to allow individuals to experience different areas of the business, enabling them to explore a variety of roles and opportunities.
Izzy says: “As I went through the recruitment process, the more I learned about JTI and the work it does in terms of sustainability and community investment, the more it appealed to me. All the JTI employees I’ve spoken to have a genuine love for their job, with many having been at the company for 15 years or more.
“The scheme is fast-paced, with individual projects to manage and regular presentations, but I always felt supported, whether that was through my line manager, mentor or workplace buddy. I felt a bit nervous starting my first job after university, but the regular training sessions and real-life work experience has helped me develop as a person and grow in confidence.
“I’ve learned so much and feel I’ve developed the tools I need to build a career in the long term. I’m looking forward to supporting the next group of graduates, as well as taking on my new role.”
Supporting Sharon through menopause
Sharon has worked at JTI UK for more than 15 years. In 2021, Sharon experienced complications with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which she was taking to relieve symptoms of the menopause. As a result, she was told the difficult news that she’d require a hysterectomy.
There can be stigma around the menopause in some workplaces, but Sharon found JTI UK’s menopause awareness and educational initiatives fostered a supportive and open environment that helped put her at ease and continue to thrive in her career during a challenging time of her life.
“Menopause wasn’t really previously discussed in the workplace, but JTI UK’s initiatives, like the Menopause Cafés, were really helpful,” says Sharon. “When you’re going through a hard time, it’s nice to talk to people going through the same thing. We laughed, cried and supported one another. We shared things we’d found useful to relieve symptoms or make our working lives easier.
“The lead-up to the operation was a stressful time for me, impacting my ability to carry out day-to-day work tasks. My manager was really understanding and asked me how I wanted to talk about it, with him and my colleagues. This was powerful for me and allowed me to take control. All the menopause awareness had opened this conversation, so it made it easy to talk about.
“Everyone was super supportive, both in the run-up to my operation and on my phased return to the office, which helped me to settle back in. I honestly feel like they couldn’t have done any more.”
JTI UK’s people culture
Our big idea is simple: create an environment where people are the difference and success is recognised. We have a holistic approach to wellbeing, complemented with an open culture, vast support and learning opportunities. It’s no surprise that our employees’ average service length is more than ten years.
We’re passionate about our people. Our practices put reward, learning and development and wellbeing at the heart of our organisation, celebrating diversity, flexibility and empowerment by encouraging everyone to be the best they can be.
We’re constantly adapting to create a people culture that stands the test of time and shifts with the modern working world.
If you’d like to find out more about working at JTI UK and the roles available, visit www.jti.com/careers.
Business Reporter Team
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