It is only just over a year ago that we re-launched Business Brief and it’s been a busy year. In one sense it seems like a lifetime ago, and so many stories and interviews have passed through our pages. Even in that relatively short time span, I’m delighted to say that there is a notable difference in the way mental health and wellness in the workplace, as well as diversity, are being talked about. I am increasingly going to events which are focusing on looking after employees, and it is a theme that several of our top executives, interviewed this month, pick up on.
I have often heard people who are new to our islands, comment on how they are surprised by the fact some employees will down tools at 5pm as though it’s slacking. In my experience, our work force here doesn’t slack, if they are needed then they will get the job done. It is also notable that once those incomers have been in our islands for a while, they soon start to appreciate the ability to have a work/life balance here in a way that you rarely get in the UK or elsewhere.
Life is all too short, it’s important that we look after our health as well as enjoy our jobs, and something that Brendan Stewart, the CEO of Investec Bank in the Channel islands said in his interview, rings true when he talked about moving to Guernsey: ‘We are in a place where people talk about a work-life balance and I think that’s true but you’re still doing proper meaningful work that counts on a global stage as you would if you were in a major city.’
People do work hard in our islands, and our islands are successful because of the people talent within them. Jason Laity, who has just ‘retired’ as Chairman of KPMG in the Channel Islands talks about what he hopes his legacy will be, ‘I hope that if I’ve changed anything, it’s to make a few people realise that what's important is investing in the people that they're working with.’
Gwyn GB
Editor
Read the October issues here: Guernsey | Jersey
Fill in the form below to receive our monthly newsletter and round-up of the latest issue of Business Brief.