Employees and their bosses from four innovative businesses based at Newcastle Helix are taking on a starring role in a new series of podcasts all about the Future of Work.
Both Sides of the Desk is a podcast series created by Newcastle Helix that offers an inside look into workplace dynamics by featuring candid conversations between employees and their bosses.
Featuring Mesma, Leighton, Womble Bond Dickinson and Scott Logic, topics range from retaining ambitious tech talent and ensuring social mobility in law, to embedding charitable initiatives within corporate offices and addressing the growing challenge of an aging workforce balancing caregiving with careers.
John Seager, estates director at Newcastle Helix said: “Newcastle Helix is about the future. It’s not just a location; it’s a community and a glimpse into the future.
“These podcasts explore workplace culture, focusing on topics like talent retention in the competitive tech sector, promoting social mobility in law firms, integrating charitable initiatives into corporate environments, and managing the challenges of an aging workforce.
“Through these honest discussions, the series aims to shed light on how organisations here at Newcastle Helix are creating happy, productive and sustainable work environments.”
Mesma, a quality management software provider, is setting new standards for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by fostering a flexible, community-driven work culture.
It addresses the “sandwich generation” – particularly women balancing careers with childcare and elder care responsibilities, like Sally, Mesma’s marketing manager, who’s juggling her career with caring for young children and a mother with Alzheimer’s.
Unlike large corporations, small businesses have unique challenges in supporting employees while staying competitive. Mesma’s adoption of a four-day work week highlights its commitment to work-life balance, while its “apprenticeship-first” recruitment policy is tackling regional skills gaps.
These innovations and more are explored in Both Sides of the Desk, where Mesma’s approach to balancing personal and professional responsibilities is part of an honest conversation about what makes workplaces both happy and productive.
Louise Doyle, CEO at Mesma, said: “We need to be creative in providing what matters to our employees beyond salary. It’s about creating a place where people want to work.”
Leighton, a leading AWS software development company, has introduced a groundbreaking workplace culture that prioritises open communication, tailored career progression and flexible working arrangements.
In an environment where feedback is encouraged, employees are empowered to share insights, creating stronger relationships and a culture of trust.
A standout example is the retention of a top employee named Tom, a software engineer who, after being approached by a competitor, was offered a personalised career progression plan by Leighton, including mentorship and new opportunities.
This not only kept Tom on board but also reinforced his loyalty. Leighton’s flexible work model allows employees to choose their work environment, with the company contributing to office rental costs for those working remotely.
James Bunting, Leighton CEO, said: “Our approach is simple: we listen to our employees and support their growth. When our people succeed, our company thrives.”
Leading global law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, meanwhile, has taken a bold step by transforming its office dynamics, converting executive office spaces into communal areas for all employees. This move fosters collaboration and breaks down traditional hierarchical structures, driving employee engagement and a sense of community.
Post-pandemic, the firm has embraced flexible working models, balancing remote work with in-office collaboration to maintain company culture and mentorship. Additionally, the firm has implemented a contextual recruitment process to identify and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring social mobility and inclusion.
This firm’s journey in promoting social mobility and diversity is another focus of Both Sides of the Desk, where the challenges and triumphs of maintaining an inclusive workplace in a transatlantic law firm are discussed openly.
Finally, Scott Logic, a UK-based technology consultancy launched Altitude Foundation, is a charitable initiative aimed at improving social mobility through technology education in the North East. The foundation, which empowers underprivileged youth, aligns with Scott Logic’s commitment to regional development and social impact.
Founder Gary Scott spearheaded the foundation to provide resources and opportunities for aspiring technologists. The foundation operates independently but enjoys a close relationship with Scott Logic, whose innovative workplace culture – focused on trust and creativity – has been instrumental in fostering this initiative.
Altitude Foundation’s impact on social mobility is another topic featured in Both Sides of the Desk, highlighting how businesses can merge social responsibility with their core operations to create lasting change.
