TWO business owners have come together in the creation of a brand new role designed to put staff wellbeing at the forefront of the company’s priorities.

Mike Dunn, owner of Excel TM in Ellesmere Port and Jennifer Hodgson, founder of MODA PR, based in Chester and London, have teamed up in a new role in-house at Excel TM named 'head of people and culture'.

Typically a HR derived role, the duo wanted to turn this on its heads and bring then role into the post-Covid era - redefining the description and homing in on what the staff members at Excel really needed to do their jobs well, be productive and predominately stay on top of their mental health and well-being.

Excel TM Group works in construction telemarketing and lead generation campaigns.

The two business owners started their journey around a similar time – during the first lockdown – so both share an understanding of what effects the last 18 months have done to the normal working culture.

Jennifer, who was previously praised for letting her staff work from wherever they wanted in the world, said: “The world of work has changed significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We have adapted to new ways of working and our lifestyle has changed. We have also never before realised how significant taking care of our mental health is.

"From taking the leap to employee to managing director and overseeing staff in a high pressured environment, this comes with great responsibility and now more than ever we need to be prioritising our staff’s well-being.

"This is why when the discussion of collaborating on such pivotal role came up - we jumped at the chance.

"Mike has continually shown how he goes above and beyond for his staff and to see his growth has been phenomenal; we’re very proud to be working with Excel TM on the next step of their journey.”

In the role MODA PR, typically an external agency, will be coming in-house, working with the staff towards company goals, offering a safe space for confidential discussion and assisting with the public growth and media relations of the company.

Chester-born Mike said: "As someone who has suffered with mental health in the past and struggled to speak up, I find it more important than ever for our staff to feel like they have a voice.

"This is one of our key roles at Excel TM Group. By implementing this role we have learned and understood that different members of the team have different needs both in and outside of work.

"From listening and understanding we have implemented a number of policies, including:

  • One-month full paternity pay for men
  • Paid counselling by the company to support staff
  • Work from home days
  • The Excel wellbeing package – £30 a month in vouchers to support the team on whatever they want.

"If the last 18 months has taught us anything it is that we should listen to what our team want and need.

"We shouldn’t assume that our traditional ways of working are always going to be successful - we need to learn and adapt. Spending time with your team is one of the greatest investments we can make."