LRG - a team of over 3,000 individuals encompassing a range of brands, branches and departments across the country - already prides itself on its diverse workforce: no fewer than 63% of its staff are female, and it offers some unique benefits to attract women.
However, acknowledging that women can still face additional pressures in the workplace, it has implemented several further initiatives as part of a programme named EmpowerHER, which launches today.
EmpowerHER will offer:
- Events: curated gatherings providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and empowerment, with a capacity to accommodate up to 90 attendees.
- An internal resources hub: a centralised information platform offering a wealth of resources tailored to the needs and aspirations of female colleagues.
- Mentorship: pairing aspiring female leaders with professionals from LRG’s senior team, facilitating guidance and supporting women along their career journeys.
- Educational materials: a curated collection of books, articles and other resources to equip female colleagues with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.
- Ongoing round tables: thoughtful discussions and brainstorming sessions challenges, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among LRG’s female workforce.
- Industry awards submissions: actively seeking recognition and accolades for LRG’s female staff
Commenting on the launch of EmpowerHER, Michael Cook, CEO, says, “We are committed to an inclusive and collaborative culture, one which celebrates diversity and the benefits that it brings to the workplace—including creativity, problem solving, and customer and stakeholder relations.
“63% of our staff are women. We already use internal training, regular communications, an Employee Voice Group and an annual employee engagement survey to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Our company-wide policies ensure that all employees have the same opportunities, are treated fairly and feel safe enough to speak up if they witness or experience discrimination.
Policies already in place to encourage and support women include a fertility benefit, a menopause policy and enhanced maternity leave. LRG already has no fewer than 477 unique working patterns, which highlights its support for flexible working arrangements. Acknowledging that flexibility is crucial in accommodating the diverse needs and responsibilities of our employees, particularly for women who may be juggling career aspirations with family or personal commitments.
Commenting on the launch of EmpowerHER, Group HR Director Hannah Cooper says, “One of the key ways in which I hope to inspire businesswomen is by championing diversity and inclusivity at every level at LRG. Our directors firmly believe that a diverse workforce leads to greater success.”
National Lettings Managing Director Allison Thompson was also involved in developing the initiative. She comments, “The Group Lettings division at LRG is 68% female. Therefore, my career aspirations over the next three years are deeply intertwined with LRG’s overarching goal of having a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace environment. Through the implementation of EmpowerHER and its various initiatives, I am confident that we will not only realise our strategic growth objectives but empower countless women to unleash their full potential and emerge as the leaders of tomorrow.”
