Theresa is also part of a diversity and inclusion working group, which aims to break down barriers between colleagues, support open and honest communication, and provide everyone in the team with the support they need to thrive.
“You start to make change with a small group of people who all have the same goal,” she says. “In our case, that meant creating a work environment and culture where people are happy to come into work and where they feel free to be themselves.”
For her, that means listening to colleagues and actively explaining why certain behaviours aren’t appropriate. “My mindset hasn’t changed,” she adds. “It’s the same as before. I just want people to be happy and comfortable at work. The difference is that before, nobody understood. We weren’t heard.”
“Now, people know we’re here to help. If they have a problem, instead of going straight to the union, they knock on my door or Shannon’s door. They know we’ll support them and we’ll act on their concerns. We don’t let things slide.”
Theresa knows there’s a long way to go. But, for the first time in a long time, she says it feels like everything’s pulling in the right direction.
“I’ve received more support from ISS in the last six months than I did in the previous five years. I want us to work in an environment where everyone has a voice, feels they can be open and honest, and receives the support they deserve. Here, we say, ‘One team; one dream’, and that’s what I want—for us all to achieve our goals together.”
