We're proud to be a company that encourages colleagues to be themselves because we believe diversity of thinking and different perspectives strengthen the way we work and make us successful.

Meet Annette, Annette’s career journey has taken her from professional dancer to HR manager.

Annette
HR Administrator

As an HR Administrator in the HR Shared Services Team I am able to support the organisation at all levels and I enjoy my role immensely. I’m people orientated and very passionate about what I do. Having worked in retail and hospitality before joining Hastings. I bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to my role. I have had a varied working life, from burger packer in a factory to Saturday girl in Woolworths to retail store manager and then HR Manager for Focus DIY and Hilton Hotels. I was also a professional dancer and model for a time – and was crowned Bexhill Carnival Queen in 1976!

I noticed from the day I started at Hastings Direct that people do care and are very supportive. For the first time in my working life I also have a great work life balance as my team is now working flexibly. I’ve always had regular one-to-one meetings with my line managers to discuss my development and I feel that my opinion matters.

There is a very open culture and competitive team spirit that thrives within our company. Whether we’re driving the business forward, making systems better for customers, raising money for our local communities or celebrating colleague success and having fun, Hastings Direct does it very well
For me, the main difference between Hastings Direct and other companies I’ve worked for is that the senior management team does listen. And even better - they take action for change. I also think our Wellbeing programme and awareness campaigns are amazing – I’m a Wellbeing Champion and love spreading the word.

Hastings Direct strongly believes in equality and diversity and that’s why I can be myself. My managers and my peers have never been judgemental or treated me in any way that would make me feel different. It’s a great place to work and if someone was thinking of joining Hastings Direct, I’d say ‘do it now!’

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