For Sarah Baker, Operations and Finance Director, this came during COVID-19. “I started an ILM7 Executive Coaching course as I wanted to keep my mind busy during lockdown. At this point I was introduced to Thomas International as it is a tool used within the course. Up until that point we had always outsourced any of our wellness or people-based activity but seeing what Thomas International bought to the table made me realise that bringing this in house would have a huge benefit to our people.”

Working with Thomas International has helped Tricon understand people’s traits, assess their abilities and make sure they are in the right job roles within the right teams, ensuring they have all the tools at their disposal for them to thrive.

“Over the last 12 months especially we have seen vast improvements” says Sarah, “Our turnover has increased significantly and we are delivering against our key metrics. We have regular one to ones with our staff, making sure they are comfortable and that we are doing everything we can to support them, not just in the working environment but in their everyday lives.”

Sitting down with their people regularly means that Tricon can ensure all staff have the appropriate training. It means they can easily identify talent, see any gaps in skills that can then be filled and understand the individual as well as their values and how best to fit them within the company.

“Currently we are rated silver with Investors in People and have been since 2010. We are now very close to achieving the criteria for ‘gold’ but it’s not about the accolade, we want to benefit our people, to enable them to be the best version of themselves. We’ve taken all the skills our staff have to offer and channelled them into a close-knit, successful team. They work more productively together and when you walk around the office you get a lovely, people orientated vibe with a team who care not only about their work, but each other too. It’s all about utilising your people well.”