TJ: a great place to work

What makes a great place to work? Being treated well, valued, remunerated appropriately and made to feel part of the team are things we all hope for from our employer. TJ delivers all of these and more and as a result they have a pretty impressive staff retention rate.

Companies know that happy staff equals high productivity levels, which can only mean good things for a business. Many TJ employees have reported team spirit and support from colleagues as the things they appreciate most about working for TJ and this in itself is quite an accolade.

Company values

Excellence. Delivered safely.

TJ’s slogan really does say it all. It highlights that they value excellence in everything they do and the fact that safety is at the top of their priority list. As a transport company, TJ are always concerned with road, equipment and site safety to ensure the welfare of customers, staff and the public at all times.

TJ hold FORS Silver Status. This is an impressive accolade in the haulage industry and it shows that TJ’s operating levels are extremely high and that they are going the extra mile to provide a top quality service. To maintain Silver Status, TJ’s drivers have to complete the following training:

• a range of yearly e-learning courses
• Safe Urban Driving – carried out five-yearly, this involves drivers spending time on bikes to experience lorries from a cyclist’s perspective.
• MPQC – carried out five-yearly, this is accredited by the MPQC and deals with site safety awareness and vulnerable road user training.

Cycle Safe Campaign. As part of TJ’s commitment to managing work related road risk (WRRR), particularly regarding vulnerable road users such as cyclists, TJ created its Cycle Safe Campaign in 2016 to raise awareness of the issue and to reduce the HGV / cyclist dangers.

Annual staff safety event. TJ delivers a four-day training event every January to keep staff up to date on safety practices in general and those specifically relevant to their roles.

Excellent customer care

TJ prioritises customer service over everything else. Ensuring that the customers get everything they need and desire from the service they’ve sought is what every employee strives to deliver. TJ holds the Feefo Gold Service Award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers. In winning this award, which was created by Feefo, TJ has demonstrated that they are not only a company that use Feefo to collect genuine reviews and insights, but that their reviews are testimony to the exceptional quality of their services. TJ met the award criteria of collecting at least 50 reviews between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018, with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 5.0.

Staff wellbeing

TJ recognise the importance of happy, healthy staff. The management have successfully created a team-oriented environment that enables employees to pull together at busy times and support each other when needed.
TJ also runs an ‘employee of the month’ scheme, which recognises the dedication of different members of staff each time and is great for staff morale.

Perks

In addition to great salaries, annual leave allowances and pension schemes, TJ like to offer that little bit more. All TJ staff are invited to take part in team away days, which are not only fun, but also promote team spirit. In the office, TJ provide a range of simple things that make the working day just that little bit easier – free parking, free tea and coffee and staff break out area are just a few of the things offered to make staff feel valued.

TJ also allow staff to utilise the company’s services at cost, enabling them to make use of things such as skip hire for a bargain price.

Investing in staff

All members of staff receive a range of training when they join the company and then regularly as and when needed. For example, all members of staff attend the annual one-day safety training event. In the past, staff members who have shown a keen interest in progressing within the company have been given the chance to do so if they can show they have the capacity and dedication. This can be moving into new roles, promotion opportunities or even professional training to enhance your knowledge for use in your existing role.

Team building

TJ offer regular team building days to all staff members. A recent event involved staff going for a day of kayaking on the Solent! The activity was undertaken from the Outdoor Activity Centre on Eastern Road, Portsmouth, and lasted half a day. The group of colleagues paddled out to a sandbank where they saw seals and enjoyed a game of rounders before heading back. Fun was had by all!

Fundraising

The last Friday of each month is a dedicated dress down day. This is great as it gives staff something to look forward to and promotes a lighthearted atmosphere. One TJ employee launched this idea as a way of raising money for local charities and it soon became a great way for TJ employees to give something back to the community. Over £500 has been raised so far this year for a number of charities including Friends of PICU, StreetVet and Macmillan.

Last month also saw staff members holding a bake sale for Macmillan – everyone pulled together to donate sweet and savoury goods which raised precious funds for cancer support.

A few words from some staff members…

“I feel truly valued. I work hard every day, but I don’t mind because I get a great deal of job satisfaction and feel really appreciated – you often get a “thank you” at the end of the week too! The team are all lovely people and great to work with; everyone is so supportive. It’s also very rewarding when you look at the numbers because you can see your hard work reflected in them.”

Saf Favliones, Transport Coordinator

“I really enjoy my job and the people I work with have been so helpful during my training, nothing was ever too much them. I’ve had a couple of health issues this year and my manager and colleagues have been incredibly kind and supportive through that time too. Not all employers would have offered such support and for that I’m grateful; it makes me feel valued and confirms to me what a great company TJ are to work for.”

Helen Bloomfield, Customer Advisor

“The people are lovely and whatever part of TJ you’re working in, there’s always a great atmosphere. Everyone pulls together to do the best job they can. I love the fact that I’m trusted to get on with the task at hand; I’m free to use my initiative to carry out my work in the way I feel is best, so when things are going well, I know it’s down to my hard work and acumen.”

Paul Smith, Commercial and Operations Manager

“There are many good things about working here – I enjoy the job itself, the hours are good, the company is flexible and allows you a good work/life balance. I work with a great team and it’s a happy workplace. I’m currently doing a Level 5 CMI Management course with PETA Training, so I’m learning a lot and it will be a great addition to my CV. TJ are investing in me and this makes me feel truly valued.”

Simon Dewan, Transport Planner

Find out more about TJ as a company and the range of services they provide.