Mark, Head of Asset Services for real estate at Legal & General Investment Management, discusses the Hidden Workers report and the efforts to improve the lives of workers in the real estate industry. The report highlighted the challenges faced by workers in roles such as security officers and cleaners, including difficult shift patterns, low pay, and limited access to healthcare. Mark emphasizes the importance of providing sick pay, access to healthcare, and death in service benefits to support the well-being of these workers. He also discusses the Mercury model, which aims to create a consistent culture while allowing autonomy in different regions. In this conversation, Mark and Matt discuss the importance of valuing management skills and soft skills in the workplace. They highlight the need to celebrate and respect those who manage teams and projects, as well as the importance of language in shaping perceptions of these skills. They also discuss the Social Impact Ambassador role and the need for scalable initiatives that create networks of people to drive change in local communities. The conversation concludes with Mark sharing insights into his career journey and the importance of focusing on skills rather than specific jobs. Takeaways

• The Hidden Workers report highlighted the challenges faced by workers in roles such as security officers and cleaners, including difficult shift patterns, low pay, and limited access to healthcare. Providing sick pay, access to healthcare, and death in service benefits can make a significant difference in the lives of these workers and improve their well-being.
• The Mercury model aims to create a consistent culture while allowing autonomy in different regions, empowering employees to deliver excellent service and innovate within the framework.
• Managing a high performance culture requires ongoing conversations, in-flight coaching, and fair performance evaluations to support employees and help them reach their potential.
• The UK needs to value general managers and invest in line management to improve productivity and create a supportive work environment. Valuing management skills and soft skills is crucial for the success of an organization.
• Language plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of different skills.
• Creating networks of people through initiatives like the Social Impact Ambassador role can drive meaningful change in local communities.
• Focusing on skills rather than specific jobs can lead to a more diverse and impactful career journey.