Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

By Chanel Wee

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

​We welcome Vincent Yao back to the Secrets of Success podcast, to share some insight into his incredibly successful year. In 2022, Vince will have spent most months at the top of the leaderboard at Eames Consulting, supporting a record number of clients and candidates in the Singapore compliance, risk and governance space. In this episode, Chanel Wee digs into how Vince has developed such a successful recruitment career. Vince is reflective on what he calls a “very rewarding year”, and what still keeps him motivated to grow and develop.There is absolutely something for everyone in this episode - for insight into how he’s developed his career to this level, and what his secrets to success are, take a listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

In this episode of Secrets of Success, we're joined by Heather Yardley, a principal consultant, specialising in commercial and personal lines at Eames Consulting.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.​

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

​In this Secrets of Success podcast episode, we meet Jared Cave, a specialist technology recruitment consultant in London.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Making the most of an interview at Eames Consulting

By Danielle Rainert

Career Starters

Making the most of an interview at Eames Consulting

You've secured a job interview for a recruitment role at Eames Consulting, so how do you make the most of the experience? From researching the company to preparing smart questions to ask throughout the interview, Danni Rainert, People and Performance Director, shares her top tips and advice for making the most of a recruitment job interview at Eames Consulting. Like what you hear? Connect with Danni on LinkedIn or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team to explore career opportunities at Eames Consulting.

How to nail an interview in recruitment

By Danielle Rainert

Career Starters

How to nail an interview in recruitment

​I spend a lot of time interviewing candidates for Eames, and there are some common mistakes that I see people make. I'll share some advice on how to avoid them as well as some top tips for getting the most out of the interview process. ​Take a moment to think before answering questions and think before you speak This is great advice generally, but especially for interviews! They can be nerve-wracking, and often we can leave them kicking ourselves, thinking about all the things we should have said. In an interview, you should practice the power of the pause to help you with this. This is a well-researched technique that identifies how pausing can promote relaxation, enable you to gather your thoughts better, and also can leave a lasting first impression if you appear to consider your answers before speaking. It's not a weakness to take a moment and think before you answer. ​Hold yourself accountable and be honest In an interview, we always want to present our best selves. However, when interviewing for a recruitment role, especially if you are experienced, you will be asked challenging competency-based questions and details of your billings and other performance metrics. Make sure you know your numbers! But, if you don't, don't try and blag it. Instead, say you don't know, but you'll go and work it out and follow up with the answer later that day. In addition to this, try not to exaggerate your recruitment experience. Any good interviewer will quickly pick holes in your answers, and it's not a good way to start a relationship. This is particularly common when it comes to questions around business development. For example, if it wasn't you who won a specific client, don't say it was. Instead, explain what you've learned and how you would approach BD in a new role. At Eames, we provide structured training and support on BD, we can get you there, but you must be honest! Being honest shows self-awareness, accountability, and a lack of ego, which Eames will always look upon favourably. Equally, don't make excuses for underperformance by blaming external factors or a lack of training in your current company. Own your performance and explain what you have learned from any rough patches, as well as what you'll do differently next time. ​Ask questions throughout the interview (and make them relevant) An interview will often follow a question and answer format, which can be an effective way to interview a candidate, can feel robotic and doesn't provide much room for rapport building or normal human conversation! You don't need to wait until the end of the interview to ask your questions. Effective questioning and probing are key skills for any recruiter, so use those skills throughout the interview. Not only will you get more relevant information from that interview to help you assess whether it's the right company for you, but you'll also show a good level of diligence and interest. Think of company-specific questions or even competency-based questions you can ask your interviewer. This allows you to build a comprehensive understanding of how your prospective employer deals with problems and get an insight into their culture and values. Finally, look up the person interviewing you before you meet them, so you can build a picture of who they are and what questions would be best answered by them. ​Take notes You wouldn't go to a client or candidate meeting without taking notes. The same applies to an interview! Whether it's short bullet points throughout the interview or writing down specific topics you've spoken about, taking notes shows interest and gives you some resources to refer to after the interview has happened. It can also be a great way to prompt further questions as the interview comes to a close. ​Only ask for feedback if you're prepared for the answer A common question candidates ask at the end of an interview is something along the lines of 'what's your feedback on how I performed in this interview' or 'how suitable do you think I am for the role?' If you're going to ask these questions, you have to be prepared to hear the honest answer, and it can be a confidence knock if the feedback isn't wholly positive. If you ask for it, any good interviewer will be happy to give you feedback and advice for future interviews but be prepared that it might not be what you want to hear. ​Be yourselfAnd finally, show your personality! An interview doesn't need to feel rigid or awkward. Instead, it's an excellent way for a potential employer and employee to have an open conversation with each other and find out whether they're the right fit. ​At Eames, we'll always be open and honest through any interview. We want you to see the real Eames, so you can decide if we're the right place for you to take the next step in your career. ​Hear something you like? Connect with me on LinkedIn to discuss further, or reach out by email: danielle.rainert@eames-group.com.

We asked #TeamEames: What is your advice for someone just getting into recruitment?

By Sheridan Muir

Career Starters

We asked #TeamEames: What is your advice for someone just getting into recruitment?

Are you considering a career in recruitment? We asked #TeamEames for their advice to those just starting out in the industry. "Take your time to enjoy the learning journey. Remember, more haste = less speed." - Charmaine Chiam, Singapore"Recruitment is a multi-disciplinary vocation. You should read widely and have good research skills. Understanding how macro and micro factors affect one another, and also the taxonomy of banking segments and related areas in your specialism definitely helps." -Vincent Yao, Singapore"Be resilient, don’t take things personally and be prepared to be knocked back, and GET BACK UP." - Gabriel Moore, UK"Remaining resilient and persevering through the harder times. Recruitment is an extremely rewarding career however when you’re first starting out, you can come up against some setbacks and it’s just about learning from them and continuing to grow." - Laura Bellamy, UK "Work hard, be honest with your customers and learn from your peers." - Jim Freeman, UK"Do your research. Be clear on the company you are joining and how they will support you through training and coaching, and their vision and reputation. Also, be clear on the sector and discipline you want to work in. It's important to 'love what you do' as this enables you to get more satisfaction from doing it and in turn, I believe, be better at it. Passion is a great enabler to achieving great results." - Matthew Eames and "Don’t be scared to get on the phone, your first day in the office. You might pick up the phone and think to yourself 'what if I say something wrong?', or 'What if I make a mistake'? Don’t worry about it. Pretty much everyone has made a mistake on the phone!" - Toby Miles, Hong Kong "Treat your first year as a learning experience, and don’t go in expecting you will make lots of placements right off the bat. This will stop you from burning out and keeping a positive mindset." - Matthew Lam, Hong Kong"Be curious and keep learning, every day presents something new. Never be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes." - Abigail Lee, Singapore"Perseverance, hard work and humility. These are traits that an excellent recruiter should possess." - Chanel Wee, Singapore"Everybody sees the rewards that you can get from recruitment, but most people aren’t aware of how much hard work it is, especially at the start. There is absolutely no substitute for hard graft in this job in the early days, that mixed with the ability to be a sponge, listen and be tenacious and it’s a good recipe for a long career in recruitment." - Mark Thomas, UK"Be prepared to put in the hours, read around your market, how it works, who are the key players etc (commutes are good for this!) and keep asking questions." - Thomas Davenport, UK"Be consistent and regular in all the small aspects of the job. Doing the finer details of this role which may seem basic are the foundations to a successful career." - Daniel Warwick, Singapore"It is important to realise that recruitment is a marathon and not a sprint. You should think of recruitment as a career rather than just a job. There will be good days and bad days which is the nature of the role, but the key is learning from the tough moments for the future to make you a better consultant." - Chirag Raichura, UK"To quote 'The Rock', always be the hardest worker in the room." - Luke Eeles, SingaporeIf you'd like to find out more about what a career in recruitment can offer you plese get in touch with our Talent Acquisition team on: careers@eames-group,com.

IWD: #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater

By Adele Bywater

Diversity and Inclusion

IWD: #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater

​​​This International Women's Day, we interviewed some of our team asking them to share their thoughts on how we can #EmbraceEquity.Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful. The IWD 2023 campaign theme seeks to forge a worldwide understanding about why equal opportunities aren’t enough, and a focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere. Collectively, we can all help create a diverse, equitable and inclusive world. #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater, talent manager at ECMS in the UK.​1. How can companies strive for more equitable talent attraction? To identify what someone needs to be successful, you have to know what an applicant’s priorities and requirements are. By being as open as possible in the recruitment process you have the advantage of attracting people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Once you have identified what the individual needs, steps can be taken to address how this can be accommodated in alignment with the meeting of business needs. 2. Within your market/industry sector, what progress have you seen businesses take to progress gender equity?How open a business is to there being an employment offering that attracts women in particular, not only comes down to the policies which it has in place, but the follow through of this both from a line manager perspective, but as importantly, from a senior leadership mentality. Like any successful leadership approach, ‘leading by example’ is invaluable. As more C-suite level individuals adopt an acceptance of female-friendly policies and approaches, then the more it filters down. Of course, in addition to setting the right ethos, practical steps would be the monitoring of gender in the form of applicants, hires, promotions and senior leadership posts. A focus on identifying individuals from female-focused sources is a great way to show to both the industry, as well as internal and external applicants of, a commitment towards this. The covid pandemic and subsequent acceptance by many of the successful ability to work from home has also opened up the option for enhanced gender equality in many, although not all business areas. 3. What is one action companies can take to further balance their talent attraction strategies?There are a few! Sourcing talent from a variety of resources opens up a varied applicant pool, which may otherwise be overlooked. Building into benefits offerings could be enhanced childcare options and support. Having female-specific policies in place around maternity leave, family-friendly policies and menopause. In a business area traditionally dominated by men, an approach of hiring females and then subsequent training to close any experience gaps which may have resulted from a lack of females in this area, could also be an approach to help with gender balance. Also, cultural acceptance and openness to discuss any of the above without fear of detrimental response is essential. 4. What is your top advice for making job descriptions more inclusive?People fall into so many categories, and even if we try not to categorise, we should try to take into consideration all who may be viewing the job and how it will come across to them. We should try and ensure that job descriptions are worded in a way that ensures it is open to as wide a range of suitable applicants as possible. With regard to the process, we should try to ensure it is accessible to all. 5. Do you think that more companies adopting a hybrid working pattern have helped to shift pre-conceived conceptions about flexible working for women, and why?More companies being open to hybrid and flexible working patterns has benefits for all in society regardless of background and gender. However, as a professional who also has family commitments in the shape of three young children, having the opportunity for flexible, part-time and hybrid working is a game changer in being able to re-enter the workforce to continue an office-based career in professional services. With the increase and acceptance of flexible working, there is more opportunity for ‘career’ roles, which traditionally required a full-time occupant, thus limiting opportunities for those with multiple, and often family, commitments.6. What does being an effective ally for women look like to you?Creating opportunities for all with flexible working and all that encompasses. Giving those returning to the workplace the opportunity to continue a career and not just a job. 7. International Women’s Day is also about celebrating women and their achievements. What woman/women inspire you?Jacinda Ardern, ex-Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017-2023).  Her attitude and genuine approach to leading stood out to me. Knowing when it was right to serve her country and knowing when it was right to walk away, I believe, showed strength, intuition and an approach to putting her country ahead of herself, which appears rare in Leadership roles. Having charisma, success and power combined with traits such as fairness, directness, an ability to empathise and a moral approach are all things which I value. Being Prime Minister of a country and having a young child is an amazing accomplishment for any woman.

Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month

Each October, around the world, we recognise Black History Month. It was first launched in London in the 1980s, where the aim was for the local community to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the British history that was not taught in schools. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. Over the past few months, we’ve connected with the community to bring together a series of podcast episodes focused on “The conversations we’re not having.” Our host, Piere Forbes says, “I wanted to bring awareness to some uncomfortable topics that we are not talking about in the workplace, from microaggressions to code-switching, and allyship to black excellence.” In celebration of Black History Month and beyond, we’ll be sharing these over the coming weeks and months.

Creating an inclusive, equal, and diverse digital experience at Eames Group

By Sarah Roebuck

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating an inclusive, equal, and diverse digital experience at Eames Group

​Our workplace is for everyone. And our online communities should be too. We’re excited to share that the Eames Group website now provides enhanced accessibility support to create a barrier-free user experience. We now provide Recite Me assistive technology on our website to enable all our website visitors to customise their experience in a way that best suits individuals’ needs. One in five people has a disability that can prevent them from reading and understanding online content. Those who are most susceptible to access barriers are those who struggle with decreased vision, learning difficulties, literacy, language/linguistic problems, attention disorders and physical disabilities. We also recognise that our communities span borders, and Recite Me will enable users who speak English as a second language to utilise the translation tool, available with over 100 language options. Recite Me accessibility software implemented on our website provides users with the opportunity to customise their online experience. The toolbar includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages, including 35 texts to speech and styling options. This includes changes to the font size, type, and colour. To access the assistive toolbar on the Eames Group website, click the circular blue accessibility icon at the bottom right of the website. ------- Recite Me functionality is also available on our brand sites: Eames Consulting, Eames Partnership and ECMS. For more information on Recite Me, please visit their website here. For information on our partnership with Recite me please contact Sarah Roebuck, marketing director.

We Asked #TeamEames: What do you do to help yourself when you’re feeling stressed?

By Sheridan Muir

Health and Wellbeing

We Asked #TeamEames: What do you do to help yourself when you’re feeling stressed?

​The month of April is Stress Awareness Month - an opportunity to increase awareness of both the causes and cures for the modern stress epidemic. Stress is a part of everyone’s life. Professionally and personally, channelling stress in the right way and equipping ourselves with coping mechanisms is a vital life skill. We Asked #TeamEames: What do you do to help yourself when you’re feeling stressed? Exercise is my go-to when I’m feeling stressed. It allows me to take my mind away from any problems for a short period of time and focus on myself. - Nigel Ma, SingaporeGoing for a run is the best option for me. I’m far from a natural runner but, it’s so good for the mind and body. Also, it gives you uninterrupted time to process your thoughts and put them in logical order. I’ve solved many a conundrum on a 5km run! - Ruth Foster, UK To be honest, I’m still learning! I do try to listen to my body and see what will best help in the situation. Sometimes it involves taking breaks and going for a run, reading, journaling, and other times I might prefer to talk and hang out with my partner and friends. I’m so glad I have an amazing support system that has helped me a lot! - Abigail Lee I find scheduling an hour-long walk two to three times a week helps regulate my stress and anxiety levels. - Fairuz Abu, Singapore Take a break and breathe. It may sound simple but when things are piling up, it’s the first thing we forget. So before, I do anything, I’ll just remind myself to breathe. - Jasper Ang, Singapore2 main things. Talk. I often will talk to friends or my wife if I’m feeling bogged down and stressed. You quickly realise how small a problem you’ve built up in your head is once you’ve vocalised it and asked for help. Walk or get some fresh air. A change of scenery I often think is key, it’s super easy to spiral and worry in stressful situations so getting outside and focusing on something else for half an hour really helps. - Harry Buttery, SingaporeMy stress management process is typically broken down into 3 generic parts - distraction, learning and moving on. When under stress, I would start by distracting myself and doing something that takes my mind completely off the matter, such as playing an intense sport or watching a good movie. Once I am in a better emotional state to tackle the issue, I would sit myself down in a quiet environment and try to identify the stressors and think of ways to remedy them. Reading quotes about stress works well at this stage for me as well. Lastly, I would formulate some actions based on the self-assessment and turn my engine back on to move forward. - Kun Liang, Singapore Take the time off to relax and be calm, speak to someone that I trust, doesn’t have to be seeking advice but just to express your feelings and read a comic book or cartoon which can bring me peace or laugh. - Jojo Yeung, Hong KongI like to exercise, especially over Covid I learnt to play tennis. Also, I think sometimes you just need to take a step back and re-prioritise, work out what’s important and what can wait. I’m trying to learn that you can’t stress over anything you have no control over. - Hazel Rowe, SingaporeI have found walking around helps as our nature of work demands using phone/calls most frequently. My setup at home is an adjustable stand-sit table which allows me to walk whilst in a phone conversation. This helps me clock mileage and also as they say “motion produces emotion” Music and singing are also other ways of stress relief, which you can do in the comfort of the house. Give me a microphone, anytime! - Vincent Yao, SingaporeI ensure I take some time for myself, whether that’s having a massage or meeting a friend to go for a walk and talk. It’s important to set aside some time to reset and focus on your own self-care when feeling stressed, no matter how difficult it feels to find that time in the moment! - Lauren Seal, UKWhen I’m stressed, I try to take my mind off things by either doing a sport that I enjoy or just anything that can distract or make me not think of whatever is making me feel that way. Usually, exercise, socialising or even walking the dog helps me. - Emerson Brereton-Davies, UKI try to park whatever is making me stressed and go and do something I find enjoyable, play golf, cook a meal, have a glass of wine, watch a film or play with my son and then come at the problem refreshed and focus only on solutions. - Richard Williams, UKSlow my pace down, take a short break or walk, talk to someone internally or externally and come back to that particular task with a different approach or technique or even at a later date. - Jessica Evans, UK When I’m stressed I will silence my phone for half an hour and do something totally abstract like listening to a podcast to refocus. I find short mindfulness podcasts really useful for this, they provide perspective and relaxation techniques that you can apply to daily situations. - Amelia Mercer, UKI remind myself of the positive things I have done that day or week and use it to reset. I also play football twice a week with a group of my mates, I find playing a team sport with close friends is a great way to release any stress you have. - Ben Meoded, UKIf something happens in my working day that is particularly stressful, I’ll fight the instinct to react, and make a cup of tea or take a quick walk. If it is a more general overarching stressful day, you will either find me at the gym or at the bottom of a tub of ice cream! When I feel I am under unpleasant stress for more than a few days I’ll map it all out and see what I can delegate, what is unnecessary stress, what is the main source of the stress and most importantly, what do I need to do to reduce this. - Abigail Moss, UKTaking a step back and talking to my support network about what has me feeling stressed. Sometimes just saying it out loud and getting it off your chest can be a big help! - Sophie Daniel, UKWhen I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I make sure to take a step back and put a list together in order of priority, so I don’t end up trying to do it all at once. I am the opposite of a procrastinator, which sounds better than it actually is, I end up trying to do my entire to-do list in one day when in reality there is no need for it and the quality suffers! So taking a step back or going on a walk, definitely helps me a lot. - Rafaela Fakhre, UKWhen I feel stressed it helps to reach out to people around me, such as my team, friends and family who I know can support me in various ways to understand where the stress is coming from and offer help to relieve it. - Viveca Riley, UK I am very conscious of stress, having a Generalised Anxiety Disorder, I manage this through GBT & medication, it is very important for me to be aware of my triggers, ensure that stress does not pile up and communicate openly when having a bad day/run. I have been hugely supported in this by Eames, and it has allowed me to get through tougher periods quicker and continue to perform, which, in itself, helps reduce the stress if work-related! - Andrew Mackay, UK

We Asked #TeamEames: How do you prioritise your health & wellbeing?

By Sheridan Muir

Health and Wellbeing

We Asked #TeamEames: How do you prioritise your health & wellbeing?

It’s World Health Day. Amid a pandemic, a polluted planet, increasing diseases like cancer, asthma, and heart disease, the World Health Organisation encourages us to focus our attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy. We Asked #TeamEames: How do you prioritise your health & wellbeing?Chasing a toddler around is a good way of keeping active, but I have recently joined a gym and try to go on WFH days with a friend; having someone rely on you to go makes it more of a commitment. It is my focus for 2022 to increase my activity and lose some hard-earned lockdown lbs, so this and running at lunch when it gets warmer will be key. - Andy Mackay, UKI set health and wellbeing goals and review them from time to time. I enjoy daily meditation to weekly basketball sessions and set out to learn a new sport each year (it's wakeboarding this year). I feel it is important to make deliberate efforts in incorporating these into our calendars, and never to leave health and wellness to chance or convenience! - Kun Liang, SingaporeI do a lot of walking as it really helps to clear my head and live in the moment by taking in nature and the environment around me. I also practice mindfulness and read at night to help me switch off from the day. - Lauren Seal, UKI play team sport, for the exercise, competition, camaraderie and to switch-off from the pressures of work and everyday life. My knees are telling me that basketball and cricket are not a good idea any more though, so I try to get out on the bike or the golf course, or for a walk with my family. I’m also paying more attention to my diet, cooking vegetarian meals, reducing carbs, mainly in an effort to counteract the sweets in the office. - Richard Williams, UKI am an organised person but making a new to-do list every evening before I log off allows me to set my next day up and be aware of what is most urgent and what isn’t. This, therefore, allows me to plan my days better and hopefully reduces any added stress or worries. I try to ensure I take short breaks away from my laptop/desk even if this is to make a cup of tea or go for a short walk at lunchtime. - Jessica Evans, UKMake sure I take time away from my desk and get outside in the fresh air, go out for walks and take time away from screens. - Sophie Daniel, UKI go for walks! When I work from home, it’s easy to spend a full 24 hours inside the house, but my housemates and I always try to get each other out for a walk at lunch or in the evening. I also have a ‘goals’ book that I write in every day. - Viveca Riley, UKI prioritise my health and wellbeing with a balanced lifestyle (or at least I try my best to get close to that balance!). Incorporating an exercise routine into my week is a huge priority but treating myself over the weekend to drinks and food are all equally important for me! - Rafaela Fakhre, UKGoing to the gym 3 times a week really helps me because I am away from screens, from work and from my family so I can focus on just me and keeping fit. I am a massive foodie, so I believe in the importance of a balanced diet and eating seasonally to get maximum benefits from the vitamins in your fruit and veg. Perhaps because I’m a mum, I am also the advocate of an early night. - Abigail Moss, UKI prioritise my health and wellbeing by eating a balanced diet, staying active and allowing my body to get the necessary sleep and rest it needs. I tend to stay aligned with my future goals and ensure I am working hard everyday day towards them. - Ben Meoded, UKAfter work hours is largely family time so, me-time (or cave-time!) becomes secondary. I just got a new toy – a smart/sports watch (replacing my older Garmin one) that tracks my sleep and activity, which helps bring consciousness to how we are spending time daily and weekly. Still new to it, but over time you can use the info to better anticipate and structure the weekdays and weekends for health & wellbeing. - Vincent Yao, SingaporeBeing organised to see what is most important to do helps release my stress. I also make time and space for myself to do things that I like and enjoy. I always take good care of myself with good food and get some exercise done even if I am tired from work to ensure I am staying active. - Jojo Yeung, Hong KongExercise has always been big in my life, my diet is often questionable, so exercise keeps me in some kind of balance! - Harry Buttery, SingaporeStaying healthy has many benefits. So, I make sure I always put in a workout at least 3 times a week to sweat it out even if it’s for a short 15 mins! - Jasper Ang, SingaporeI start my day with my workouts. Just having that routine guarantees me a small win at the start of each day. - Fairuz Abu, SingaporeThis is a big priority, I do this by eating well, early to bed and try to lay off the alcohol! - Hazel Rowe, SingaporeI try to make sure that I stay focused around routine and making sure that I go to the gym frequently and maintain a healthy diet. That’s the biggest thing for me, working out- which keeps my head in the right place. - Emerson Brereton-Davies, UKI have a fitness and self-care routine that I stick to religiously! Over the years I found that exercise and mindfulness recharge me, so I make it a priority regardless of how busy I am. - Abigail Lee, Singapore​

4 ways you can create an environment at work that encourages self-care

By Sarah Roebuck

Health and Wellbeing

4 ways you can create an environment at work that encourages self-care

​​When you think of the phrase “self-care”, what springs to mind? Is it exercising, eating healthily, and reducing alcohol consumption, retail therapy, spending less time on social media, or socialising with friends?There can be many negative connotations around “self-care”, as some may jump to conclusions and think that this equals putting on face masks and binge-watching a Netflix series. However, self-care can come in many shapes and forms, and ultimately, it is unique to each individual with no “right” or “wrong” way to do it.If you’re not OK at home, you probably won’t be OK at work, so self-care is especially important to ensure that you are in a balanced headspace, as it will also reduce the risk of burning out.What does self-care actually mean to you?Firstly, it’s important to figure out what self-care means to you or your team. It can vary from physical, psychological, emotional, social or professional, to environmental, spiritual and financial.Some options within each category are easily achievable at work, whilst some may be harder to focus on. Equally, you may not need to focus on each area in such depth. Instead, it’s important to identify what you need to work on, which is usually influenced by your stress levels inside and outside of work.We often look at work as something entirely different to our personal lives, when in reality, we spend more time at work with our colleagues than we do with our friends and family. Thus, viewing self-care as an ongoing effort will allow you to draw parities with work and home life.How can you create a work environment that promotes self-care?The last 18 months have demonstrated how important it is to take care of ourselves. We are making a conscious effort to encourage employees to prioritise self-care in their everyday work. You mustn’t pay lip service to self-care, and instead, introduce and promote ways in which employees can see and experience a tangible connection to it.1. Set boundariesSetting boundaries requires discipline with yourself, as well as a healthy dose of courage too! Communicating your boundaries can feel daunting at first, but it’s a great way to build genuine connections with the people you work with. Recruitment is a challenging career path, and sometimes the days can feel all-consuming with meetings and calls whilst also trying to catch up on your inbox.Boundary setting allows you to establish what you are and aren’t comfortable doing, as well as educating your team, or your manager, on how you like to operate. This could be as simple as highlighting the tasks you can prioritise that day without overwhelming yourself, or it could be explaining that you won’t be responding to emails after a specific time.These two examples are effective ways of managing your workload and stress levels whilst keeping others in the loop on how you like to communicate.Another aspect of your work life (and personal life) that requires boundary setting is your relationship with technology. Covid-19 forced many people to work remotely all over the world, which for some, didn’t feel natural due to either their industry or their companies’ outlook on remote working. If you struggle to switch off and find yourself checking your emails at 10 pm on a Friday, you need to set some boundaries for yourself.The “always-on” and “hustle” culture can be very dangerous, so giving yourself time limits on technology can be a great way to reduce that. Whether that’s deleting your work emails from your phone or installing an app that locks certain applications for the weekend, being disciplined with your technology use can enable you to have a healthier relationship with it.​2. Set goalsIt can be easy to lose motivation when juggling multiple projects, especially if your role is process-driven. Setting goals is something we actively encourage, as, although we are incredibly purpose-driven, each individual still needs to have things to work towards.Sometimes, smaller goals can be better than bigger ones, as you can take stock regularly of what you’ve achieved - and often, we surprise ourselves with how much we’ve done.We also focus on breaking goals down into manageable chunks, whether this is working towards a promotion or something more personal. Creating “checkpoints” gives people a confidence boost, which is great for motivation and general wellbeing at work.If you lead a team, emphasise the importance of goal-setting and create regular touchpoints with your team to see how close they are to achieving them. You can do this by getting people to write down their goals or even gratitude lists at the end of the day.​3. Be honestThere is power in being honest in the workplace, and in some ways, this has a direct relation to boundary setting. Being honest about how you feel can be an act of self-care in itself. Whether you’re struggling mentally or you have a lot going on in your personal life, it’s important to communicate openly at work.If you’re in a leadership role, this is one of the most important traits to possess. Leaders must set an example to the rest of the team, who will all mimic and embody these behaviours.If a leader is open about how they feel, encouraging boundary setting, and showing their vulnerability, this will show other employees (whether they are being managed by this individual or they are peers) to do the same thing.It’s OK not to be OK - however, if no one at a senior level is actively talking about this regularly, you won’t achieve the level of honesty needed to combat issues that employees, colleagues, or peers are having.4. Provide the correct resources for employeesIf you are a leader or a company owner, it’s vital to provide the right resources for employees, so they can start to practice self-care. Whether it’s investing and setting aside a budget for wellness initiatives and group exercises to spread this message or providing a space in the office for employees to decompress and spend time away from technology, you have to give people the tools they need.Finally, don’t treat it like a tick-box exercise! If you celebrate mental health awareness week once a year, you can’t claim that you’re a company that encourages self-care at work. It has to be something you champion 365 days a year for it to be effective.A great way to do this is by creating a group of ambassadors internally at all seniority levels who can promote this. We do this via our Culture Board, which can regularly check that all aspects of our culture are being lived every day, whether by the senior leadership team or our junior employees.This keeps everybody accountable and provides you with regular feedback on how you can improve the environment at work - whether that’s for self-care initiatives or something else.In conclusion, self-care isn’t a linear process and takes time to master. However, staying disciplined with yourself and putting yourself first can allow you to be authentic at work without sacrificing your mental health and integrity in the process!Hear something you like? Connect with me on LinkedInto discuss further, or reach out by email: sarah.roebuck@eames-group.com.

Learning and Development team promotes Darren O'Connor to Senior L&D Consultant

By Danielle Rainert

Promotions

Learning and Development team promotes Darren O'Connor to Senior L&D Consultant

​Our Learning & Development function has promoted Darren O'Connor to senior L&D Consultant.Darren joined Eames Group less than a year ago, coming from a recruitment background but with no L&D experience. Since then, Darren has given 100% to developing not only his career but also the L&D function at Eames Group.Notably, Darren has rolled out desk coaching, a series sharing business development tips from senior leaders and billers, built a client development learning hub, taken over the 'Client Development Programme' and created business development roadmaps to upskill associate consultants. Of his promotion, People & Performance Director Danielle Rainert shares: "I think everyone will agree that Darren brings a level of energy and positivity to the business every day, which lifts others around him and makes him an absolute pleasure to work with (and go for a beer with!). Darren embodies all of our values, and I'm sure this is the first in many promotions and the development of a very successful L&D career at Eames Group. Thank you, Darren, you're an absolute star!"

Richard Lazaro promoted to senior consultant

By David Miles

Promotions

Richard Lazaro promoted to senior consultant

​We are delighted to announce the promotion of Richard Lazaro to senior consultant on the claims and underwriting team in New York. Richard joined Eames Consulting in January 2023 and was tasked with supporting the build-out of the underwriting and claims offering in the US. David Miles, partner and director, shares of his promotion: “Richard has dedicated himself to becoming a specialist in his area, focusing on E&S, Cyber and D&O. His work ethic is outstanding, and he leverages his previous experience in the insurance industry to provide high-value consultative service to his clients and candidates. He is a pleasure to work with and a great member of the team. Huge congratulations!”

Rafaela Fakhre promoted to associate director

By James Rydon

Promotions

Rafaela Fakhre promoted to associate director

​We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Rafaela Fakhre to associate director on the Actuarial team in the UK. Rafaela joined Eames Consulting as an associate consultant in 2019, and since then, her performance has been nothing short of remarkable. James Rydon, partner and director, shares of Rafaela’s promotion: “It goes without saying that you can’t get anywhere in recruitment without hard work, and Rafaela is living proof of this. She is the most determined and hard-working consultant I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I personally have a huge sense of pride in seeing how much Raf has achieved in such a short space of time in her career, and I greatly appreciate her support in helping to build out the actuarial team.  Congratulations again, Rafaela!”

Meet: Sanjeev Vegad, Partner & Director of our insurance team at Eames Consulting, UK

By Sarah Roebuck

Meet the Team

Meet: Sanjeev Vegad, Partner & Director of our insurance team at Eames Consulting, UK

Meet Sanjeev Vegad, Partner & Director of our insurance division at Eames Consulting the UK. Sanj joined the business in 2012 and has grown his career from senior consultant to director, securing an appointment to partner in ​2016. One of Eames Consulting's highest-performing divisions has flourished under Sanj's stewardship; our insurance team is regarded as one of the market's leading recruitment partners. Sanj is seeking more talented recruitment professionals to support future growth in the team across compliance, risk & legal, broking & underwriting and claims & operations. In this video, hear from Sanj on what makes a successful hire in his division, the culture and dynamic of the team and what opportunity we can offer experienced talent. Like what you hear? Connect with Sanj on LinkedIn or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team to explore career opportunities at Eames Consulting.

Meet: David Miles, Partner & Director at Eames Consulting, New York

By Sarah Roebuck

Meet the Team

Meet: David Miles, Partner & Director at Eames Consulting, New York

​Meet David Miles, Partner and Director at Eames Consulting. David joined the team in 2022 to lead our new office in New York City. His team at Eames Consulting in New York is growing, and he's looking for experienced recruitment talent that can leverage a strong platform and brand name and make opportunities for themselves and the market.In this video, hear from David about what makes a successful hire in his team, what he looks for in recruitment talent and why there has never been a better time to join #TeamEames in New York. Like what you hear? Connect with David on LinkedIn or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team to explore career opportunities at Eames Consulting.

Meet: James Rydon, Partner & Director of our actuarial team at Eames Consulting, UK

By Sarah Roebuck

Meet the Team

Meet: James Rydon, Partner & Director of our actuarial team at Eames Consulting, UK

​Meet James Rydon. James joined Eames as a senior consultant and has grown his career to Partner & Director, leading a successful team of actuarial and insurance risk recruitment professionals. His team at Eames Consulting in the UK is growing, and he's looking for experienced recruitment talent that can leverage a strong platform and brand name and make opportunities for themselves and the market. In this video, hear from James about what makes a successful hire in his team, the culture and dynamic within his division and the opportunities on offer for experienced recruitment talent, as well as those just starting their careers. Like what you hear? Connect with James on LinkedIn or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team to explore career opportunities at Eames Consulting.

HOT 100 ranking spotlights productivity gains at Eames Group

By Matthew Eames

Awards

HOT 100 ranking spotlights productivity gains at Eames Group

​​​Published by Recruiter Magazine, the HOT 100 is a list of the UK’s most efficient and profitable recruitment consultancies. Eames Group has ranked 29 in the 2023 list. The HOT 100 shines a spotlight on recruitment businesses that have successfully navigated the highly dynamic market in 2023, exhibiting sustained growth and prosperity despite a slowdown across the wider economy. Eames Group CEO Matthew Eames shares: "We are thrilled to be shortlisted in The Recruiter HOT 100, a testament to our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that not only encourages but passionately rewards high performance. Our dedication to delivering exceptional client service is reflected in the countless opportunities we've created for both clients and customers. The year 2023 marked a series of record-breaking financial performances, a testament to the hard work and resilience of our incredible team. In the pursuit of excellence, we invested heavily in our business and people throughout the year. Our strategic acquisition of Mainstay (now ECMS) in Hong Kong has enabled us to enhance our talent solutions, ensuring unparalleled support for our clients in Asia. We've strategically hired senior talent, particularly in technology, and made significant investments in our infrastructure and culture. In a landscape that is constantly evolving and fiercely competitive, businesses need capable and efficient partners to navigate the complexities of hiring and business transformation. This recognition in The Recruiter HOT 100 affirms our position as such a partner. #TeamEames, our success belongs to all of you – this is an opportunity to celebrate every individual at Eames Group, and I look forward to continuing our journey of excellence together."

Eames Group excels in employee engagement, earning 'outstanding' workplace recognition from Best Companies

By Ruth Foster

Culture

Eames Group excels in employee engagement, earning 'outstanding' workplace recognition from Best Companies

​Eames Group has been recognised as an 'outstanding' workplace in Best Companies' annual employee engagement survey. The results, based on feedback from over 120 #TeamEames members globally, highlight high employee engagement levels across all Eames Group brands, including Eames Consulting, Eames Partnership, ECMS, and within our internal Corporate Services function. Listening to employee feedback, we have implemented initiatives to improve in areas that supported employees' lives at work: We further extended our charitable efforts, supporting causes close to the hearts of our team members, including the MND Association in the UK, Feeding America in New York, CareER in Hong Kong, and MILK in Singapore. The launch of 'Belong@Eames' stands as a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This initiative, featuring six employee-led communities, aims to foster LGTBQ inclusion, promote female talent, advocate for racial equality, and support working parents through a series of events, content, and impact initiatives. We established partnerships with volunteering-focused organisations such as the Whitechapel Mission in London and various food banks in the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong by our Volunteering Team, exemplifying our commitment to making a positive impact in our local communities. The 'Secrets of Stress' series, led by the Mental Health & Neurodiversity team, aims to open up conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.Of the efforts of the Belong@Eames team, one colleague shared, "For me, promoting mental health and neurodiversity within the workplace is as important as standard training to do the job.” Another cited: “My hope for this group is that we celebrate our similarities and our differences. I have loved learning and hearing about my colleagues' experiences, and I want this group to be a safe space and a platform for all of us to learn more about each other so that we can bring out the best versions of ourselves." Eames Group wins 'Most Effective Back Office Operation' for second year in a rowEames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent AwardsThe engagement survey also recognised how our agile working environment allows team members to prioritise their preferences, irrespective of job style or location. The recent move to a new 7,800 sq. ft office space in London exemplifies the commitment to providing a modern and collaborative working environment. Recognition from Best Companies also extends to Eames Group's commitment to creating opportunities for every member of the organisation, as seen in personal development plans and structured learning programs. “I joined Eames because it was a platform which could take me to the next level in my career - I must say it has lived up to every single expectation I had and more", shared one long-serving employee. Notably, Best Companies recognised our focus on well-being and balance. Wellness programs encourage a healthy work-life balance, including an annual wellness week, providing each employee with a paid day of leave to focus on well-being. In the words of our team: “It’s not all about work here – Eames takes care of you and ensures your physical and mental well-being through a variety of initiatives." Being an Opportunity Maker is about helping one another achieve beyond our expectations, pushing and supporting each other to get the best out of our work and our lives. In the engagement survey, 92% of employees said their team was fun to work with, and 96% said they believed they make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation. Additionally, the 2023 league tables ranked Eames Group as the 30th best recruitment company to work for and among the UK’s top 75 best mid-sized companies to work for.

Eames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent Awards

By Ruth Foster

Awards

Eames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent Awards

​Recruiter's Investing in Talent Awards aims to recognise businesses in the recruitment sector that recognise the value of investing in their current and future talent.From competitive pay and benefits strategies to learning and development - companies shortlisted in the awards are selected for going above and beyond and delivering outstanding value to their business partnerships and people.We're delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Recruitment Company to Work For award for large companies employing over 100 staff.Of the nomination, Group COO Ruth Foster said: "We are honoured to be nominated for the 'Best Recruitment Company to Work For' at the Investing in Talent Awards. Our Belong@Eames initiative reflects our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion and ensuring that every team member feels a sense of belonging. The expansion of our global footprint with the opening of our New York office, the successful launch of Elevate, strategic acquisitions like ECMS (formerly Mainstay) in Hong Kong, and the introduction of Pathway for direct communication with senior billers showcase our continuous efforts to deliver outstanding value. The new London office symbolises our commitment to growth and collaboration. People are the core of our business, and I'm delighted to see this nomination recognise our commitment to investing in our workforce."CEO Matthew Eames shared: "I'm immensely proud of what Eames Group has achieved this past year. Thank you to everyone for your hard work, commitment, and resilience; we've built an inclusive, vibrant and successful culture. Your efforts have made Eames Group a standout in the recruitment sector and a great place to work. Thank you for your dedication and passion - I'm looking forward to achieving even more together."The awards take place in January 2024.

Eames announces Feeding America as U.S. charity partner for 2023

By Ruth Foster

CSR

Eames announces Feeding America as U.S. charity partner for 2023

​We’re delighted to share that our charity partner in the U.S. this year is Feeding America.The entire U.S. team is given the opportunity to vote on a corporate charity partner. Feeding America is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. They partner with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger. They advocate for policies that create long-term solutions to hunger.Collectively, #TeamEames have raised a significant amount of money over the years for charities across the globe. Feeding America is a wonderful and worthy cause - and we are all looking forward to organising and getting involved in different fundraising events and activities with them.

Eames announces MND Association as UK charity partner for 2023

By Ruth Foster

CSR

Eames announces MND Association as UK charity partner for 2023

We’re delighted to share that our charity partner in the UK this year is the MND Association. The entire UK team is given the opportunity to nominate and then vote on a corporate charity partner, and an overwhelming majority of #TeamEames backed the charity. The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by motor neurone disease (MND). MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. It is life-shortening, and there is no cure. In recent years, sports stars like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby bravely shared their MND diagnosis, which has helped raise public awareness of a disease that many knew not much about. MND has also impacted a member of our team who recently lost her father to this cruel disease. We’re delighted as a business to be able to support another charity this year that has a personal connection to a very valued member of #TeamEames. Driving the fundraising support is a volunteer group of employees who have pulled together a series of events to raise money and awareness throughout the year. We are looking forward to contributing to the efforts for greater awareness, access to care and research for the MND community in the UK. For more information on the MND Associate and the work they do, or for ways to support, please visit their website.

We Asked #TeamEames: What are some ways you can make a small impact on the environment?

By Sheridan Muir

People

We Asked #TeamEames: What are some ways you can make a small impact on the environment?

Today offers people around the world a chance to focus on the planet and the challenges facing it. And from plastic pollution to biodiversity collapse to the climate crisis, there’s no shortage of issues to tackle. This global environmental holiday is celebrated by an estimated 1 billion people. The day is meant to serve both as a reminder of the threats to our planet and a chance to appreciate everything the Earth offers. This Earth Day, we asked #TeamEames: What are some ways you can make a small impact on the environment? Replacing a drive with a walk or cycle is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and also allow you to appreciate what is around you and how that can lift your mood and improve your general health. Secondly is to utilise second hand or charity shops where you can. I have two small children, and the majority of their toys come from charity shops which helps reduce single-use plastic, packaging and distribution footprint. - Andrew Mackay, UKI would say be mindful when you shop. Opt for reusable products and sustainable packaging. I’m mindful of this, particularly with things like toiletries and buying take-out drinks. - Amelia Mercer, UKI try to do little things, like going a week without eating any meat every once in a while and walking part of my commute to reduce my carbon footprint. - Viveca Riley, UKWalking or using public transport instead of driving if you can! - Sophie Daniel, UKI reuse the same plastic bag every day when in the office. I also try to walk everywhere when possible. - Ben Meoded, UKGo paperless, recycle and walk or cycle instead of taking the car, although we’ve just bought an electric car to help on rainy days. - Richard Williams, UKI stick by reduce, reuse, recycle! - Kun Liang, Singapore I choose solar energy for my home! - Fairuz Abu, Singapore I try to cycle everywhere and get fewer Grabs or Ubers.- Harry Buttery, SingaporeThere are many ways we can do our part in saving the earth. For me, it is to digitalise all documents to use less paper and use fewer disposables such as eliminating the usage of plastic straws. - Jasper Ang, Singapore ‘Think global and act local.’ It sounds cliché, but it is something I think about when incorporating small actions into my day. Recycling is a big one in my house, and more recently, I have been more conscious with my online shopping after realising how much-unneeded packaging gets wasted in the process! - Rafaela Fakhre, UKIt’s awareness about the small things all adding up – and that if we all do those things, the future will be much brighter for the future generations. Single-use plastics are such an easy and obvious one. I always use reusable water bottles and shop locally where I can because they use far less packaging, products are organic, and it’s supporting local, smaller businesses to boot. - Ruth Foster, UKLooking at the ecological footprint of your food, if it has to take a number of air miles to get you your plate, it will have an increasingly negative impact on the environment. Try and have one vegan day a week to reduce your animal-based protein. Plant proteins have a much lower ecological impact, and it’s healthy too. - Abigail Moss, UKUnplug devices and appliances and turn off the lights! Recycle when you can and reuse items as much as possible. Try not to buy any single-use plastic and cycle more rather than drive. - Jessica Evans, UKWe can all do our bit for the environment, whether walking, recycling, choosing environmentally friendly packaging etc. Whilst these may seem like small things, if everyone did this, it would make a much more significant impact. - Lauren Seal, UKI walk and ride home from work, use public transport less, and be more energy efficient at home, especially as more of us are working from home. Little things like making sure the plugs are turned off and no food wastage always help. - Hazel Rowe, SingaporeI avoid printing documents and will try to use recycled paper if possible. I always try to re-use old items and see if I can do some DIY on them. I used an old dress to make a table mat on my study table and a little curtain for my book corner! - Jojo Yeung, Hong KongI try to remind myself only to use what I really need. There’s still so much wastage going on in this part of the world – plastic bags, utensils, etc. I try to put my purchases in my bags as often as possible. - Abigail Lee, SingaporeOne of the ways I try and make a small impact on the environment is by eating less meat. My partner and I once a week, try to cut out meat during our meals. - Nigel Ma, Singapore

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

By Chanel Wee

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

​We welcome Vincent Yao back to the Secrets of Success podcast, to share some insight into his incredibly successful year. In 2022, Vince will have spent most months at the top of the leaderboard at Eames Consulting, supporting a record number of clients and candidates in the Singapore compliance, risk and governance space. In this episode, Chanel Wee digs into how Vince has developed such a successful recruitment career. Vince is reflective on what he calls a “very rewarding year”, and what still keeps him motivated to grow and develop.There is absolutely something for everyone in this episode - for insight into how he’s developed his career to this level, and what his secrets to success are, take a listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

In this episode of Secrets of Success, we're joined by Heather Yardley, a principal consultant, specialising in commercial and personal lines at Eames Consulting.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.​

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

​In this Secrets of Success podcast episode, we meet Jared Cave, a specialist technology recruitment consultant in London.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

By Chanel Wee

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

​We welcome Vincent Yao back to the Secrets of Success podcast, to share some insight into his incredibly successful year. In 2022, Vince will have spent most months at the top of the leaderboard at Eames Consulting, supporting a record number of clients and candidates in the Singapore compliance, risk and governance space. In this episode, Chanel Wee digs into how Vince has developed such a successful recruitment career. Vince is reflective on what he calls a “very rewarding year”, and what still keeps him motivated to grow and develop.There is absolutely something for everyone in this episode - for insight into how he’s developed his career to this level, and what his secrets to success are, take a listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode of 7]

By Matthew Jones

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode of 7]

​In this episode of Secrets of Success, Matt Jones takes over as host and interviews associate director, Vincent Yao - the longest-standing Singaporean member of Team Eames!A 10+ year career with Eames and a family man, Vince gives some great advice about finding work-life balance, and why he believes it is important to be true to who you are both at home and at work. Watch the full episode below, or tune in on Apple, Spotify, and your other favourite podcast platforms.Like what you hear? Connect with Vince on LinkedIn or get in touch for a confidential conversation about recruitment careers at Eames in Asia: careers@eames-group.com.

Secrets of Success: Tom Davenport [Episode 6]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Tom Davenport [Episode 6]

​In this episode of Secrets of Success, Tom Davenport demonstrates that passion is the number one key to success, and taking a genuine interest in your specialism will pay dividends. Having climbed the recruitment career ladder with pace, Tom's got a good hold on what it takes to excel at business development quite early on in his recruitment career.This 20-minute watch is worthy of the advice and insight Tom sheds on specialisation, the importance of learning as much as you can.Watch the full episode below, or tune in on Apple, Spotify, and your other favourite podcast platforms.​​Like what you hear? Reach out to me for a confidential chat about your career on danielle.rainert@eamesconsulting.com.

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

By Chanel Wee

Featured-SOS

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

​We welcome Vincent Yao back to the Secrets of Success podcast, to share some insight into his incredibly successful year. In 2022, Vince will have spent most months at the top of the leaderboard at Eames Consulting, supporting a record number of clients and candidates in the Singapore compliance, risk and governance space. In this episode, Chanel Wee digs into how Vince has developed such a successful recruitment career. Vince is reflective on what he calls a “very rewarding year”, and what still keeps him motivated to grow and develop.There is absolutely something for everyone in this episode - for insight into how he’s developed his career to this level, and what his secrets to success are, take a listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

In this episode of Secrets of Success, we're joined by Heather Yardley, a principal consultant, specialising in commercial and personal lines at Eames Consulting.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.​

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

​In this Secrets of Success podcast episode, we meet Jared Cave, a specialist technology recruitment consultant in London.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

IWD: #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater

By Adele Bywater

Diversity and Inclusion

IWD: #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater

​​​This International Women's Day, we interviewed some of our team asking them to share their thoughts on how we can #EmbraceEquity.Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful. The IWD 2023 campaign theme seeks to forge a worldwide understanding about why equal opportunities aren’t enough, and a focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere. Collectively, we can all help create a diverse, equitable and inclusive world. #EmbraceEquity with Adele Bywater, talent manager at ECMS in the UK.​1. How can companies strive for more equitable talent attraction? To identify what someone needs to be successful, you have to know what an applicant’s priorities and requirements are. By being as open as possible in the recruitment process you have the advantage of attracting people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Once you have identified what the individual needs, steps can be taken to address how this can be accommodated in alignment with the meeting of business needs. 2. Within your market/industry sector, what progress have you seen businesses take to progress gender equity?How open a business is to there being an employment offering that attracts women in particular, not only comes down to the policies which it has in place, but the follow through of this both from a line manager perspective, but as importantly, from a senior leadership mentality. Like any successful leadership approach, ‘leading by example’ is invaluable. As more C-suite level individuals adopt an acceptance of female-friendly policies and approaches, then the more it filters down. Of course, in addition to setting the right ethos, practical steps would be the monitoring of gender in the form of applicants, hires, promotions and senior leadership posts. A focus on identifying individuals from female-focused sources is a great way to show to both the industry, as well as internal and external applicants of, a commitment towards this. The covid pandemic and subsequent acceptance by many of the successful ability to work from home has also opened up the option for enhanced gender equality in many, although not all business areas. 3. What is one action companies can take to further balance their talent attraction strategies?There are a few! Sourcing talent from a variety of resources opens up a varied applicant pool, which may otherwise be overlooked. Building into benefits offerings could be enhanced childcare options and support. Having female-specific policies in place around maternity leave, family-friendly policies and menopause. In a business area traditionally dominated by men, an approach of hiring females and then subsequent training to close any experience gaps which may have resulted from a lack of females in this area, could also be an approach to help with gender balance. Also, cultural acceptance and openness to discuss any of the above without fear of detrimental response is essential. 4. What is your top advice for making job descriptions more inclusive?People fall into so many categories, and even if we try not to categorise, we should try to take into consideration all who may be viewing the job and how it will come across to them. We should try and ensure that job descriptions are worded in a way that ensures it is open to as wide a range of suitable applicants as possible. With regard to the process, we should try to ensure it is accessible to all. 5. Do you think that more companies adopting a hybrid working pattern have helped to shift pre-conceived conceptions about flexible working for women, and why?More companies being open to hybrid and flexible working patterns has benefits for all in society regardless of background and gender. However, as a professional who also has family commitments in the shape of three young children, having the opportunity for flexible, part-time and hybrid working is a game changer in being able to re-enter the workforce to continue an office-based career in professional services. With the increase and acceptance of flexible working, there is more opportunity for ‘career’ roles, which traditionally required a full-time occupant, thus limiting opportunities for those with multiple, and often family, commitments.6. What does being an effective ally for women look like to you?Creating opportunities for all with flexible working and all that encompasses. Giving those returning to the workplace the opportunity to continue a career and not just a job. 7. International Women’s Day is also about celebrating women and their achievements. What woman/women inspire you?Jacinda Ardern, ex-Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017-2023).  Her attitude and genuine approach to leading stood out to me. Knowing when it was right to serve her country and knowing when it was right to walk away, I believe, showed strength, intuition and an approach to putting her country ahead of herself, which appears rare in Leadership roles. Having charisma, success and power combined with traits such as fairness, directness, an ability to empathise and a moral approach are all things which I value. Being Prime Minister of a country and having a young child is an amazing accomplishment for any woman.

Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month

Each October, around the world, we recognise Black History Month. It was first launched in London in the 1980s, where the aim was for the local community to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the British history that was not taught in schools. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. Over the past few months, we’ve connected with the community to bring together a series of podcast episodes focused on “The conversations we’re not having.” Our host, Piere Forbes says, “I wanted to bring awareness to some uncomfortable topics that we are not talking about in the workplace, from microaggressions to code-switching, and allyship to black excellence.” In celebration of Black History Month and beyond, we’ll be sharing these over the coming weeks and months.

Creating an inclusive, equal, and diverse digital experience at Eames Group

By Sarah Roebuck

featured-blog

Creating an inclusive, equal, and diverse digital experience at Eames Group

​Our workplace is for everyone. And our online communities should be too. We’re excited to share that the Eames Group website now provides enhanced accessibility support to create a barrier-free user experience. We now provide Recite Me assistive technology on our website to enable all our website visitors to customise their experience in a way that best suits individuals’ needs. One in five people has a disability that can prevent them from reading and understanding online content. Those who are most susceptible to access barriers are those who struggle with decreased vision, learning difficulties, literacy, language/linguistic problems, attention disorders and physical disabilities. We also recognise that our communities span borders, and Recite Me will enable users who speak English as a second language to utilise the translation tool, available with over 100 language options. Recite Me accessibility software implemented on our website provides users with the opportunity to customise their online experience. The toolbar includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages, including 35 texts to speech and styling options. This includes changes to the font size, type, and colour. To access the assistive toolbar on the Eames Group website, click the circular blue accessibility icon at the bottom right of the website. ------- Recite Me functionality is also available on our brand sites: Eames Consulting, Eames Partnership and ECMS. For more information on Recite Me, please visit their website here. For information on our partnership with Recite me please contact Sarah Roebuck, marketing director.

Learning and Development team promotes Darren O'Connor to Senior L&D Consultant

By Danielle Rainert

Promotions

Learning and Development team promotes Darren O'Connor to Senior L&D Consultant

​Our Learning & Development function has promoted Darren O'Connor to senior L&D Consultant.Darren joined Eames Group less than a year ago, coming from a recruitment background but with no L&D experience. Since then, Darren has given 100% to developing not only his career but also the L&D function at Eames Group.Notably, Darren has rolled out desk coaching, a series sharing business development tips from senior leaders and billers, built a client development learning hub, taken over the 'Client Development Programme' and created business development roadmaps to upskill associate consultants. Of his promotion, People & Performance Director Danielle Rainert shares: "I think everyone will agree that Darren brings a level of energy and positivity to the business every day, which lifts others around him and makes him an absolute pleasure to work with (and go for a beer with!). Darren embodies all of our values, and I'm sure this is the first in many promotions and the development of a very successful L&D career at Eames Group. Thank you, Darren, you're an absolute star!"

Richard Lazaro promoted to senior consultant

By David Miles

Promotions

Richard Lazaro promoted to senior consultant

​We are delighted to announce the promotion of Richard Lazaro to senior consultant on the claims and underwriting team in New York. Richard joined Eames Consulting in January 2023 and was tasked with supporting the build-out of the underwriting and claims offering in the US. David Miles, partner and director, shares of his promotion: “Richard has dedicated himself to becoming a specialist in his area, focusing on E&S, Cyber and D&O. His work ethic is outstanding, and he leverages his previous experience in the insurance industry to provide high-value consultative service to his clients and candidates. He is a pleasure to work with and a great member of the team. Huge congratulations!”

Rafaela Fakhre promoted to associate director

By James Rydon

Promotions

Rafaela Fakhre promoted to associate director

​We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Rafaela Fakhre to associate director on the Actuarial team in the UK. Rafaela joined Eames Consulting as an associate consultant in 2019, and since then, her performance has been nothing short of remarkable. James Rydon, partner and director, shares of Rafaela’s promotion: “It goes without saying that you can’t get anywhere in recruitment without hard work, and Rafaela is living proof of this. She is the most determined and hard-working consultant I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I personally have a huge sense of pride in seeing how much Raf has achieved in such a short space of time in her career, and I greatly appreciate her support in helping to build out the actuarial team.  Congratulations again, Rafaela!”

HOT 100 ranking spotlights productivity gains at Eames Group

By Matthew Eames

featured-blog

HOT 100 ranking spotlights productivity gains at Eames Group

​​​Published by Recruiter Magazine, the HOT 100 is a list of the UK’s most efficient and profitable recruitment consultancies. Eames Group has ranked 29 in the 2023 list. The HOT 100 shines a spotlight on recruitment businesses that have successfully navigated the highly dynamic market in 2023, exhibiting sustained growth and prosperity despite a slowdown across the wider economy. Eames Group CEO Matthew Eames shares: "We are thrilled to be shortlisted in The Recruiter HOT 100, a testament to our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that not only encourages but passionately rewards high performance. Our dedication to delivering exceptional client service is reflected in the countless opportunities we've created for both clients and customers. The year 2023 marked a series of record-breaking financial performances, a testament to the hard work and resilience of our incredible team. In the pursuit of excellence, we invested heavily in our business and people throughout the year. Our strategic acquisition of Mainstay (now ECMS) in Hong Kong has enabled us to enhance our talent solutions, ensuring unparalleled support for our clients in Asia. We've strategically hired senior talent, particularly in technology, and made significant investments in our infrastructure and culture. In a landscape that is constantly evolving and fiercely competitive, businesses need capable and efficient partners to navigate the complexities of hiring and business transformation. This recognition in The Recruiter HOT 100 affirms our position as such a partner. #TeamEames, our success belongs to all of you – this is an opportunity to celebrate every individual at Eames Group, and I look forward to continuing our journey of excellence together."

Eames Group excels in employee engagement, earning 'outstanding' workplace recognition from Best Companies

By Ruth Foster

featured-blog

Eames Group excels in employee engagement, earning 'outstanding' workplace recognition from Best Companies

​Eames Group has been recognised as an 'outstanding' workplace in Best Companies' annual employee engagement survey. The results, based on feedback from over 120 #TeamEames members globally, highlight high employee engagement levels across all Eames Group brands, including Eames Consulting, Eames Partnership, ECMS, and within our internal Corporate Services function. Listening to employee feedback, we have implemented initiatives to improve in areas that supported employees' lives at work: We further extended our charitable efforts, supporting causes close to the hearts of our team members, including the MND Association in the UK, Feeding America in New York, CareER in Hong Kong, and MILK in Singapore. The launch of 'Belong@Eames' stands as a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This initiative, featuring six employee-led communities, aims to foster LGTBQ inclusion, promote female talent, advocate for racial equality, and support working parents through a series of events, content, and impact initiatives. We established partnerships with volunteering-focused organisations such as the Whitechapel Mission in London and various food banks in the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong by our Volunteering Team, exemplifying our commitment to making a positive impact in our local communities. The 'Secrets of Stress' series, led by the Mental Health & Neurodiversity team, aims to open up conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.Of the efforts of the Belong@Eames team, one colleague shared, "For me, promoting mental health and neurodiversity within the workplace is as important as standard training to do the job.” Another cited: “My hope for this group is that we celebrate our similarities and our differences. I have loved learning and hearing about my colleagues' experiences, and I want this group to be a safe space and a platform for all of us to learn more about each other so that we can bring out the best versions of ourselves." Eames Group wins 'Most Effective Back Office Operation' for second year in a rowEames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent AwardsThe engagement survey also recognised how our agile working environment allows team members to prioritise their preferences, irrespective of job style or location. The recent move to a new 7,800 sq. ft office space in London exemplifies the commitment to providing a modern and collaborative working environment. Recognition from Best Companies also extends to Eames Group's commitment to creating opportunities for every member of the organisation, as seen in personal development plans and structured learning programs. “I joined Eames because it was a platform which could take me to the next level in my career - I must say it has lived up to every single expectation I had and more", shared one long-serving employee. Notably, Best Companies recognised our focus on well-being and balance. Wellness programs encourage a healthy work-life balance, including an annual wellness week, providing each employee with a paid day of leave to focus on well-being. In the words of our team: “It’s not all about work here – Eames takes care of you and ensures your physical and mental well-being through a variety of initiatives." Being an Opportunity Maker is about helping one another achieve beyond our expectations, pushing and supporting each other to get the best out of our work and our lives. In the engagement survey, 92% of employees said their team was fun to work with, and 96% said they believed they make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation. Additionally, the 2023 league tables ranked Eames Group as the 30th best recruitment company to work for and among the UK’s top 75 best mid-sized companies to work for.

Eames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent Awards

By Ruth Foster

Awards

Eames Group shortlisted for Best Recruitment Company to Work For at Investing in Talent Awards

​Recruiter's Investing in Talent Awards aims to recognise businesses in the recruitment sector that recognise the value of investing in their current and future talent.From competitive pay and benefits strategies to learning and development - companies shortlisted in the awards are selected for going above and beyond and delivering outstanding value to their business partnerships and people.We're delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Recruitment Company to Work For award for large companies employing over 100 staff.Of the nomination, Group COO Ruth Foster said: "We are honoured to be nominated for the 'Best Recruitment Company to Work For' at the Investing in Talent Awards. Our Belong@Eames initiative reflects our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion and ensuring that every team member feels a sense of belonging. The expansion of our global footprint with the opening of our New York office, the successful launch of Elevate, strategic acquisitions like ECMS (formerly Mainstay) in Hong Kong, and the introduction of Pathway for direct communication with senior billers showcase our continuous efforts to deliver outstanding value. The new London office symbolises our commitment to growth and collaboration. People are the core of our business, and I'm delighted to see this nomination recognise our commitment to investing in our workforce."CEO Matthew Eames shared: "I'm immensely proud of what Eames Group has achieved this past year. Thank you to everyone for your hard work, commitment, and resilience; we've built an inclusive, vibrant and successful culture. Your efforts have made Eames Group a standout in the recruitment sector and a great place to work. Thank you for your dedication and passion - I'm looking forward to achieving even more together."The awards take place in January 2024.

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

By Chanel Wee

Featured-SOS

Secrets of Success: Vincent Yao [Episode 28]

​We welcome Vincent Yao back to the Secrets of Success podcast, to share some insight into his incredibly successful year. In 2022, Vince will have spent most months at the top of the leaderboard at Eames Consulting, supporting a record number of clients and candidates in the Singapore compliance, risk and governance space. In this episode, Chanel Wee digs into how Vince has developed such a successful recruitment career. Vince is reflective on what he calls a “very rewarding year”, and what still keeps him motivated to grow and develop.There is absolutely something for everyone in this episode - for insight into how he’s developed his career to this level, and what his secrets to success are, take a listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Heather Yardley [Episode 27]

In this episode of Secrets of Success, we're joined by Heather Yardley, a principal consultant, specialising in commercial and personal lines at Eames Consulting.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.​

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

By Danielle Rainert

Secrets of Success

Secrets of Success: Jared Cave [Episode 26]

​In this Secrets of Success podcast episode, we meet Jared Cave, a specialist technology recruitment consultant in London.Listen on Apple, or Spotify or watch the full episode below.

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