Laura’s career at Clockwise Leeds is a story of growth, resilience, and the power of a supportive work environment.
She joined the team as an Assistant Manager in 2020, when Clockwise Leeds first opened and her dedication and talent quickly became evident. By 2023, Laura not only embraced the challenges and joys of becoming a first-time mother but also earned a well-deserved promotion to General Manager, all within a single year.
Clockwise’s commitment to flexibility played a vital role in Laura’s successful transition into these dual roles. When she returned from maternity leave, Clockwise demonstrated dedication to employee wellbeing giving her the opportunity to balance her new responsibilities as a mother with her professional duties. Laura shared “I am so grateful that Clockwise is trialling a four-day work week with me, I am feeling very positive about the work-life balance. Clockwise has a real focus on employee wellbeing and I have found that they are extremely keen to ensure a good balance for me on my return and to support myself and my team on my non-working day.”
Returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging, but Clockwise ensured that Laura’s transition was seamless. She benefited from a comprehensive handover period with the previous General Manager. Reflecting on this period, Laura said, “I have been very fortunate to have a period of settling-in time and handover with Sarah, which has given me a chance to get to grips with systems, processes and people changes.”
Clockwise’s strong emphasis on personal and professional development further empowered Laura in her new role. The Kallidus learning platform, with its diverse range of courses, proved invaluable as she transitioned from a role in operations to a leadership role. Laura found the courses relevant to her new role as General Manager extremely helpful. Additionally, being paired with a General Manager buddy provided ongoing support, ensuring she was well-prepared for her new responsibilities.
After three and a half years with Clockwise, Laura is excited about the company’s continued growth, particularly its expansion into Europe. “I cannot wait to see what happens next,” she shared, expressing her enthusiasm for the future. Laura’s journey at Clockwise exemplifies how a supportive, flexible and growth-oriented workplace can empower individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.