Welcome back to our ‘Women On Track’ campaign. At present, only 16-17% of UK rail employees are women - let’s change that! Each week we’re publishing profiles of women working within our industry, celebrating their individual achievements, and showcasing the wide range of rewarding and varied roles on offer in the railway.
Today we’re introducing you to Dani: Wellbeing & Engagement Manager. She’s worked at London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway for 5 years!
What do you do day-to-day in your role?
I currently looking after the internal Wellbeing & Engagement of our staff. From organising Health & Wellbeing Roadshows, looking for different wellbeing providers to help our colleagues, to promoting the engagement survey and ensuring our leaders are listening and making changes based on the results.
I organise our internal awards evening and look after our rewarding system (Extra Mile). I also organise our leadership sessions (Time to Talk, Leadership Live and Connect Tours) which allows staff to speak with our exec team and spend time with them.
What do you like about working for the railway?
I love how no two days are the same in the railway. I have gained so much life experience from working on the front line I feel I am much more confident in handling situations. I have met some of the most amazing people both within working for the railway and all the many passengers along the way. I like the sense of purpose when helping out during disruption or an incident and being part of resolving issues. I currently love and put all my passion into my job looking after the staff as I am so passionate about them and the hard work they do.
How does it feel to be a woman working on the railway? (i.e. do you feel like you stand out as a woman at work)
Coming into a majority male industry is always going to be difficult, however, I have never felt so comfortable within a workforce. You instantly join a family, and sometimes, unfortunately, when passengers turn against you- I feel protected by all members of my team and know we all look after each other. I love the banter on the railway and can say I have made friends of all genders and all ages.
What would you say to a woman thinking about getting into the railway?
I would encourage them to do it. It is a fantastic career, with hundreds of roles and opportunities. The take home life skills are invaluable and the sense of purpose is massive!
How does your corporate role compare to your previous front-line work? Do you think front-line experience benefits you in your current role?
I have loved doing front line and have done it for the past 4.5 years, but I really felt ready to step back into a corporate position just because it suited my life better in terms of shifts. I absolutely love my job now, I enjoyed being a line manager mainly for the wellbeing aspect and doing fun things with my team each shift- but now I get to do it for the whole business which I love.
I’m sure organising the awards evening has its challenges and last-minute complications, how do you feel once the actual event is underway?
It’s been an absolute whirlwind so far in organising the awards- it really is a yearlong project. I have recently read through all 553 nominations whilst they go into the shortlisting discussions, and it has been a joy to read such positivity from one another. There is so much job satisfaction, from seeing people having fun and being recognised for the hard work they do and knowing that you have played your part in making it enjoyable for them.
Interested? Inspired? Check out our careers page for more information on our current vacancies, and a (long) list of benefits to joining the railway: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/careers