Hayley puts the ‘human’ in HR with focus on employee wellbeing27th Mar 2023

A human resources manager is relishing the opportunity to further Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s mission to communicate workplace support to its employees.

Hayley Davies, who was promoted to HR section manager within her first six months at Jones Bros, is passionate about sharing the benefits of the department to staff at all levels.

Working within a team of three, all of whom are mental health first aiders, Hayley is urging company personnel to take advantage of available resources, which range from answers about holiday queries to accessing confidential welfare services.

Hayley, who started at the Ruthin-headquartered company as a HR assistant 16 months ago, said: “I’m eager to frame HR as a supportive function and show our teams that we are here to help.

“Working for a business that operates throughout the UK is incredibly exciting and has meant we have been able to travel across sites to make sure all employees know what assistance we can offer them.

“I had the opportunity to visit the Havant Thicket Reservoir in Portsmouth and speak to those on site, answer their questions, and offer guidance when needed, as well as gain a better understanding of what people want from us.”

Prior to joining Jones Bros, Hayley worked in retail as a department manager, which encompassed store-level HR. She is currently studying towards a level five CIPD associate diploma in people management.

She said: “During my time at Jones Bros, I’ve been entrusted to build a team. We have also received encouragement from senior managers to mould a department that works for the business and its employees.

“I’ve also been supported to complete community work during office hours, such as taking part in mock interviews with year 12 pupils to boost employability skills, which is really rewarding.

“From my experience working at Jones Bros, I’ve found as long as you have a fire in your belly to learn the skills, you will be supported in your climb to any level.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.