Bra HQ Experience Day
D&I Charter Pledge 3: We will take positive action that supports open career opportunity and progression
D&I Charter Pledge 5: We commit to create a respectful, inclusive work environment within which every employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the company’s vision and values
Bravissimo is an omni-channel retailer who specialises in providing their customers with an experience that leaves them feeling confident and uplifted. Whether that is through the experience they give on the phones, through live chat, on a virtual fitting service or in one of their 25 UK stores, every team is committed to delivering their purpose.
Following feedback from team members in their customer facing teams, that career routes to HQ functions felt unclear and difficult to navigate, Bravissimo decided to launch their Bra HQ Experience Days.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for organising such an insightful and inspiring Bra HQ Day. It was wonderful to learn more about the amazing 'stuff' the Bravissimo Teams do and to see the passion and dedication behind it all.
Quarterly, they now open applications for team members across Customer Services, Warehouse, and Retail teams, to answer the questions:
- “Considering your long-term career aspirations, how do you think the Bra HQ Experience Day will benefit you?”
- “If successful, how do you intend to share with your peers what you’ve learnt about Bra HQ, CS and Warehouse?”
The Learning Manager, the Recruitment Manager and one of the Culture and Comms team then blind sift applications and pick ten people to attend.
For anyone unsuccessful, they offer a personal and tailored session with one of the panel to discuss career aspirations, CV and interview skills and answer any questions they may have on the support functions and teams at HQ.
For those that do attend, Bravissimo produced a workbook which details the function of each team, the challenges the team faces, and the skills needed to be successful. They also set challenging questions for the attendees to ponder and then be curious about and ask questions to find out the answers throughout the day.
It's showed me that I can progress within the company even if it's not at store level and that I should just go for things, because even if it doesn't work out, everything is an opportunity and you can learn and grow through those.
Bravissimo’s Senior Leadership Team host a ‘lunch and learn’ discussion with the attendees to de-bunk any myths about moving from the floor to the board, and it’s a great opportunity for the attendees to ask any no-holds-barred questions they, or their teams, may have.
The attendees move through the different teams at HQ, meeting key contacts and hearing about the career journey of many. These conversations also bring to life the many times people have gone for roles and not got them, focusing on the growth opportunity that comes from getting up and trying again!
Many people within Bravissimo’s HQ teams started their careers in customer-facing roles, so being able to bring the possibilities for a long-term and fulfilling career to life is really inspiring for all who take part.
