Vote 100
Her forever positive attitude and ability to find the time to listen to and support her team members, are reasons enough why early shift traffic office manager, Emma Thomas, from Southampton Vehicle Operating Centre (VOC), has been nominated for our Vote 100 campaign.
Postwoman, Leanne Barrell, from Plymouth Mail Centre, said: ‘Emma came to work at Plymouth Mail Centre back in June 2017 as the early shift traffic office manager for around 18 months.
‘Her positive attitude and fantastic work ethic are sorely missed by both the early and late shift distribution. No matter how things were going you could always find Emma dancing in the warehouse smiling, and no matter how busy she was, she always had time for anyone who was having a bad day.
‘Emma ran a lot of charitable events fundraising for Action for Children, and she also helped raise money to buy a specialist wheelchair for a gentleman she had never actually met, who used to work in Plymouth deliveries and distribution before she arrived in Plymouth.
‘She is one of the best managers to work in Plymouth distribution and we are all really thankful to have had her as a manager, even though it was only for a short period of time.’
‘I started as a graduate in the 2015 cohort and was placed in distribution in Southampton,’ said Emma. ‘I have worked in three depots: Southampton distribution, Plymouth distribution and currently Southampton VOC.
‘I instantly fell in love with the job and the people. I love working with so many different colleagues and getting to know them. Some of my drivers have done amazing things outside of work, from writing books to climbing Everest.
‘I enjoy singing and dancing at work (well, by dancing I mean moving my arms and swaying on two feet, if you can call that dancing) because people walk past and think “what is she doing?” But they always smile and that’s what I’m all about, making people smile at work.
‘I have had some amazing colleagues, who have supported me throughout my career, and who I consider dear friends. I have only been working at Southampton VOC since October 2018 so I’m still finding my feet, but I have an amazing team and a great support network.
‘I love raising money for charity. In 2016, I completed a 10K mud run with two female colleagues, running the distance through mud and icy water and raising more than £1,000 for the Stroke Association. In last year’s Action for Children fundraising, Plymouth distribution managed to raise over £1,000 by doing Easter raffles, bonus balls and other activities. I love fundraising and find it a fun way to engage with people.’
