Aldi Leaders share insights on support, representation and career growth
This International Women’s Day, two female leaders have revealed what they believe is vital for businesses to do in order to empower women in the workplace.
Alongside this, they share their experience of building a career at the UK’s fourth largest supermarket, Aldi.
Creating supportive environments for women, providing access to female-specific workplace health benefits, and inspiring colleagues of all genders through fair representation in leadership are among the top ways that Rachel Mullins and Kate Turner believe businesses should be nurturing and helping women achieve their goals in the workplace.
Rachel Mullins started her career at Aldi as an Area Manager in 2022. Throughout her time at Aldi, she has led and supported a team, both building individuals up and leading with understanding. For Rachel, being a female leader means she can create an inspiring and supportive environment for her fellow colleagues to thrive in. Rachel commented: “I have the opportunity to make a real difference in my teams’ lives. It isn’t all about hitting targets; it’s about seeing someone develop their confidence or reach a new milestone and being a part of that is incredibly special to me.”
Having a supportive workplace can make a huge difference in people’s attitude towards work. Rachel added: “Knowing my team has access to support and can ask for help, is something every workplace should make a priority.”
Beyond helping women achieve their career aspirations through traditional support and training, it’s important for businesses to recognise other challenges women may face throughout their lifetime. From navigating motherhood to experiencing menopause, it’s important organisations are committed and equipped to support. That’s why Aldi provide colleagues with paid leave for baby loss and fertility treatment, access to menopause support, a holistic wellbeing app and access to 24/ 7 GP appointments.
Kate Turner, a member of Rachel’s team, is a Store Manager who began her career as a Store Assistant back in 2018. Kate attributes part of her career success to having access to tangible benefits that have helped her navigate health changes as a woman, whilst balancing her career goals.
She added: “I believe taking care of your well-being is incredibly important, whether that’s inside or outside of work. Aldi gives access to private healthcare, a benefit that has given me more security and knowledge, meaning I can get help or advice, whenever I need it.”
Providing women with benefits that enable them to live life to their healthiest and happiest is vital, not just for overall well-being, but to nurture colleague success.
Kate added: “Having a discounted gym membership from Aldi is something I really value too, it enables me to follow healthy habits by going to the gym and taking time for myself outside of my work and life commitments.”
As with any walk of life, representation is hugely important for women in the workplace to feel empowered and supported by their leaders, as well as having colleagues to look up to and feel safe to turn to. Kate and Rachel are perfect examples of this.
Kate continued: “My peers and I strive to create an environment of healthy competition along with support, guidance, and encouragement to achieve the best results individually and as a team.”
Find out more and apply to Aldi here: Aldi Recruitment UK
