Keeping an open mind

During this week’s National Inclusion Week, we’ll be celebrating the diversity of our colleagues by sharing their inspiring stories.

Today, in the first of our Inclusion Week stories, Veesh Rathod, HR business partner, Royal Mail Fleet, tells us what it’s like being a young employee at Royal Mail and why he feels included.

‘I started working at Royal Mail at the age of 16 as a Christmas casual so I could make some money to pay for vinyl records to DJ with and practice at home whilst studying,’ said Veesh. ‘I was then offered a contract extension and later a permanent role as a weekend OPG at Leicester Mail Centre.

‘I really felt included as a young employee because I was given the opportunity to learn different parts of the operational pipeline, from becoming a master in the priority services locker, to operating the letter sorting machines.

‘Progressing my journey and into my current role as the HR business partner for Royal Mail Fleet, I learned and quickly adapted to the fact that it’s really OK to come out of your comfort zone and network with different people from across the business and ask questions to learn more.

‘I’ve never had an experience within Royal Mail where someone would refuse to teach or share and that’s why I feel included. I feel comfortable asking questions regarding opportunities for progression, and I feel comfortable offering help to others. It’s important that support should always be available and that everyone should always feel comfortable asking questions. We have an amazingly diverse workforce and we should all learn from each other daily.

‘I want all the young people to know across the business that when I started working for Royal Mail, I never thought I’d still be here 12 years later. One thing I did do was to keep an open mind and learn more about the business. This has allowed me to grow. There are a variety of avenues to explore within Royal Mail or paths you could follow, the question is, how will you make your special delivery?

Get in touch

To find out more about the BAME or Youth & Friends steering groups, share ideas and feedback or suggest ways we can better engage with BAME or younger colleagues, please email bame@royalmail.com or youthnetwork@royalmail.com.

If you want to join the Youth & Friends Facebook group, please email with your name, location and employee number and they will send you an invite.