As our colleague, Marilyn carried out her duties at Dinnington Interchange, she noticed a man in distress and took action. What happened next revealed the true meaning of quick thinking and compassion in the face of an emergency.
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WATCH: Purpose Hero – Elohim Zama
This is the touching story of a woman who, while battling a long-term illness, found herself alone as a patient in the oncology ward at University Hospital Galway (UHG). Elohim, our dedicated contract manager, learned that she had no family in Ireland. Without hesitation, he began visiting her regularly, offering companionship and support during each of his shifts. Watch as Elohim shares his story, embodying our purpose to create healthier, safer communities today, for a better tomorrow.
LISTEN: Purpose Hero – James Wellesly Cole
On a cold January night around 11:00 p.m., James was just starting his shift when a call came in from security. A young woman, barefoot and in pyjamas, was seen wandering near the power station. As James got closer, he noticed she had visible signs of self-harm. What happened next was far from ordinary…
Bidvest Noonan Achieves Milestone with First Comprehensive Carbon Footprint Assessment
We are delighted to announce the completion of our first comprehensive carbon footprint assessment. This landmark achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and our mission to create safer and healthier communities.
“Our first full carbon footprint assessment is a testament to our transparency and accountability,” said John King, ESG Director of Bidvest Noonan. “Our footprint demonstrates the work we have done in recent years. Understanding our emissions allows us to take meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact and provide sustainable solutions for our clients.”
The assessment adheres to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards.
The process involved a detailed analysis of emissions from the supply chain, employee commuting, fleet operations, and more. By engaging with suppliers and various departments, we identified key impact areas and opportunities for emission reductions.
“For customers, this signifies that Bidvest Noonan offers not only market-leading services but also environmentally conscious solutions, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices,” added John King.
Key findings showed that the supply chain and employee commuting are primary contributors to emissions, accounting for the vast majority of our footprint. Our business, which has adopted an electric-first policy for our fleet, has also implemented local recruitment policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and public transport initiatives to promote sustainable commuting for our 27,000 people. Additionally, we are working collaboratively with supply chain partners to further reduce scope 3 emissions.
Andrew Doyle, Procurement Director, commented on our efforts to assist the supply chain in becoming more sustainable: “We are actively working with our suppliers to enhance their sustainability practices. By collaborating closely and sharing best practices, we aim to reduce the overall environmental impact of our supply chain.”
From Data to Action: Digital Platforms are Shaping the Modern Workplace – Jenny Jones
From Data to Action: Digital Platforms are Shaping the Modern Workplace
With Jenny Jones, Director of Operations
Delivering high-quality service in facilities management is crucial as client expectations change and grow. In this industry, our people are central to our success, and empowering them with the right tools is essential. Imagine your teams equipped with comprehensive task instructions, safety protocols, and performance guidelines at their fingertips. Imagine having much more data to inform your decisions. Performance could improve substantially. And this is not a distant dream but a reality achievable through advanced digital platforms and data-driven solutions.
In recent years, our industry has increasingly looked to robotics and AI for advances. These technologies have an important role to play in the future of our industry. However, in my view digital applications can play an equally important role. They work in a different way, enhancing human capability rather than supplementing or replacing it.
In today’s competitive market, our clients expect exceptional service, quick responses, tailored solutions, and seamless operations. These are not unreasonable requests, but standards made possible by modern technology. Digital platforms provide the tools, real-time data, and insights necessary to meet these expectations, ensuring higher performance, increased transparency, and trust.
It is essential yet often challenging to maintain consistent performance across an entire team throughout the life of a contract. Performance variations can lead to inconsistencies affecting the client and workplace experience. Digital platforms have a key role to play in bringing consistency and ensuring equal access to processes and best practices across a team.
Modern digital platforms have become far more effective due to new data sources. For example, we have increasingly adopted sensor-based technologies that capture data about a building’s use, such as occupancy, space utilisation, energy use, and more. This constant data stream enables teams to anticipate potential issues and optimise resource allocation, leading to more efficient management and well-informed decision-making.
The benefits of gathering this data are numerous. Firstly, it supports better management of front-line operations by providing actionable insights that can streamline processes and improve efficiency. For instance, insights can inform when and where cleaning should be deployed, ensuring that it is done where it is needed most to maximise value for the customer. Secondly, it proves compliance with contractual obligations by offering verifiable records, enhancing accountability and trust. Additionally, security teams can identify trends and patterns more quickly through data captured in digital logs, allowing for timely interventions. Lastly, it enhances safety and support for frontline teams by identifying potential hazards and ensuring timely interventions, leading to improved working conditions.
From a personal perspective, having access to accurate and comprehensive data significantly aids my decision-making. It allows me to make informed choices, anticipate issues before they arise, and allocate resources more effectively, ultimately leading to better service delivery and operational efficiency.
Applications make it easier for our people to perform at their best. They can provide detailed guides, safety information, and a good process for every task, ensuring higher performance. They can also enhance accountability by recording completed work. This makes life easier for all of us.
At Bidvest Noonan, we have developed a digital platform named ‘Task,’ designed to empower our 27,000-strong workforce. ‘Task’ helps our people to perform their roles to the best of their ability and produces actionable insights for continuous service enhancement.
Digital platforms like ‘Task’ allow for the delivery of best-in-class FM services, combining advanced technology with human expertise. This integration ensures consistent, high-quality service, rapid response to needs, and improved transparency, enabling premises to operate at their best every day.
As technology reshapes our industry, our greatest asset remains our people. I believe investing in digital platforms is an investment in people, helping them to work more safely and set new standards of excellence.
Food for Thought: How You Can Create an Inclusive Workplace One Meal at a Time
In today’s workplace, creating genuine connections among team members is essential for driving innovation and progress. One particularly effective initiative is ‘Food for Thought’, which uses the simple act of sharing meals to promote inclusivity.
‘Food for Thought’ brings colleagues together to share a meal and their personal stories. This practice, common in many cultures, is now being adopted in the corporate world to break down barriers and build meaningful connections. By gathering around a table, colleagues are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives in an informal setting. This simple act of eating together helps people see beyond their professional roles, building mutual respect and understanding.
The beauty of ‘Food for Thought’ lies in its simplicity. Sharing a meal is a universal act that crosses cultural and social boundaries, making it an ideal way to bring people together. It provides an opportunity for colleagues to engage in open conversations, discover common ground, and appreciate the diversity within their team. These exchanges can lead to a more harmonious workplace where everyone feels valued and included.
The Benefits of ‘Food for Thought’
The impact of ‘Food for Thought’ goes beyond just the meal itself. Here are some benefits:
Better Understanding and Respect: When colleagues share their personal stories, they begin to see each other as individuals with unique experiences and perspectives. This builds a deeper understanding and respect among team members.
Improved Communication: Informal settings like shared meals encourage open dialogue and help break down communication barriers. This leads to better collaboration and teamwork.
Stronger Team Bonds: Regular ‘Food for Thought’ gatherings create a sense of community and belonging. This strengthens team bonds and boosts morale, leading to a more motivated and cohesive workforce.
Greater Inclusivity: By celebrating diversity and encouraging everyone to share their stories, ‘Food for Thought’ promotes an inclusive culture where all employees feel welcome and valued.
How to Set Up ‘Food for Thought’ with Your Team
Implementing ‘Food for Thought’ in your workplace is simple and can be done with minimal resources. Here’s how you can get started:
- Plan Regular Gatherings: Schedule regular meals, such as monthly lunches or breakfasts, where team members can come together. Ensure that these gatherings are consistent to build momentum and anticipation.
- Create a Welcoming Environment: Choose a comfortable and informal setting for the meals. Whether it’s a cafeteria, a meeting room, or an outdoor space, the environment should encourage relaxation and open conversation.
- Encourage Participation: Invite team members to share their personal stories, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. To kick things off, you might ask a few volunteers to share first, setting an example for others to follow.
- Facilitate Conversations: To help guide discussions, consider introducing conversation starters or themes for each gathering. Topics could range from cultural traditions and personal achievements to hobbies and interests.
- Celebrate Diversity: Use ‘Food for Thought’ as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse backgrounds within your team. Encourage participants to bring dishes from their cultures, share traditions, and highlight different perspectives.
By implementing ‘Food for Thought’, you can create a more inclusive and connected workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. This simple yet impactful initiative not only enhances workplace culture but also paves the way for greater innovation and collaboration.
