What made you want to join SEA?
I didn’t know much about SEA beforehand, but when I came across the role, I really liked the company ethos. I did a lot of research before going into my interview, and the values really spoke to me. When I went for the interview, I asked to be shown around, and I instantly felt at home, I felt included, it just felt right.
And I’m happy I joined, because I really enjoy working at SEA, the people I work with are so nice. We have a great group of people here, and I always know people are willing and able to help. Those interactions make it worth getting up for in the mornings.
Other than the people, what do you like most about working at SEA?
I love the flexibility. If you arrive a bit later, you can leave later, or make the time up another day, without any issues. We also work half-days from home on Fridays, which is absolutely brilliant, because it makes you feel like you’ve had a proper weekend. It really works.
Of course, it does have to suit you, as you need to be a bit flexible sometimes as well. For example, last week I finished a couple of hours late to do some admin for one of our teams. It’s all about adapting and being open to the flexibility SEA offers.
What does a day in your work life look like?
I usually arrive early to check the office, including the meeting rooms, to make sure everything’s working, and everything’s tidy and clean. I liaise with our facilities team to check if there’s any issues to be aware of. A lot of the time, I will need to rejig our meeting rooms, because sometimes we have large meetings in too small a room, and the other way around, so that’s always a puzzle for me to solve!
Then I welcome people from other sites, show them around and where everything is. I do make sure to go up to the floorplate and interact with anyone I’ve missed; having a quick chat with them to make sure they feel welcome.
We have a lot of important external visitors too, and it’s important to know how to approach them. It’s also important to liaise with the security team, to make sure everyone has the correct security clearance and badges, so that people know whether they need to be escorted, or not.
I also regularly check in with our Intelligent Transport Systems team, who are mainly based in Bristol. I book hotels, hire cars, lunches and what else is needed. It’s all about making other teams run a little bit easier, proactively doing little things that make their days run a bit smoother.
During the day, we make sure we check in with the other sites through teams, to make sure important information is shared and nothing gets missed. I’m also part of our Health and Safety representatives, fire marshals and first aiders.
Do you have any advice for people just starting off in a role like yours?
You need to be a people person to enjoy a job like mine, it’s so important as it’s a huge part of the role. If you’re miserable at the reception desk, you’re probably not right for the job! You have to make sure you’re organised as well, setting the right priorities, what needs to be done first, and planning out your time to make sure everything gets done. At SEA, we do offer a lot of tools and courses to help you keep learning, like LinkedIn learning. I would recommend keeping up with key skills, they’re a valuable resource.
Earlier, you mentioned external visitors, how do you welcome them?
This may be the favourite part of my job, I love corporate hospitality! It’s my specialty to make sure people have everything they need. Whether it’s tea or coffee, or notepads or pens, it’s important that they’re taken care of even before entering the meeting room.
Research is also important; I make sure that I know who’s coming before they arrive. I’ll know their names, who they’re visiting, how they would like to be addressed, and if there’s any specific cultural differences, if there are any differences. Then it’s all about standing up and having a big welcoming smile.
I also try to give that extra human touch. Last July, I was overseeing a two-day meeting, and as it was at the same time as Wimbledon, someone joked about prosecco and strawberries. Obviously, we can’t have alcohol during work hours, but after work I got some scones, strawberries and clotted cream, then the next day at lunch I brought it in for afternoon tea like at Wimbledon. They absolutely loved it and even sent me a thank you card the following week.
Things like that are really what makes my job worthwhile, making people feel happy and welcome, and making them want to come back. One of our colleagues went for a meeting with them recently, and apparently, they’re still talking about it! Things like that reflect on the company as well, and I’m always happy to do my part.
Thank you, Bev!
If you want to learn more about who we are, have a look at our culture and values.
