A Workplace that Cares: Paul’s Experience with KWL’s Wellbeing Programme

Paul Pickering, 38, from East Hull, is a new member of the KWL team, bringing a wealth of experience in logistics, continuous improvement, and administration. After finishing school, Paul briefly attended college before deciding to enter the workforce. He took on multiple roles that shaped his career, with one of his standout positions at CEVA Logistics – the transport and logistics division of Crown Paints – where he worked as a Lean Change Agent, a role focused heavily on continuous improvement.

Paul explains: “I was there to improve all aspects of the business and managed to save the company £200,000 per year. This had been my favourite role of my career so far because I felt like I was making positive improvements, I had found my full potential. However, during lockdown, the role became redundant as it was classified as non-essential staff.”

When his brother needed support, Paul stepped in to assist with the family-run funeral directors business. Over four years, he provided vital administrative support, helping to organise and manage funeral arrangements and people during life’s most difficult moments. Paul valued this role deeply, appreciating the opportunity to offer compassionate assistance to local families.

Although he enjoyed working at the funeral directors, Paul wanted to pursue a career of his own and found that unlike his previous roles, Paul’s position at KWL as a Contract Assistant offers a fresh and exciting challenge. “Although I was hired based on my CEVA Logistics experience, the job I’m doing now is completely different. I raise orders, ensure all materials are covered, and look after non-housing and operational administration.”

Health Assessment

Paul immediately felt supported and valued at KWL, especially under the leadership of his manager, Tracy. He explains: “From the very beginning, I knew this job was going to be completely different. When I first joined, I was given a full physical and mental health check with YODHA. I felt it set me on the right path – a support I had never experienced before. Through YODHA, employees at KWL have access to GP appointments within four hours, as well as counselling, physiotherapy, and more.”

During his health assessment, Paul discovered he had high cholesterol, a condition that was previously undetected because it showed no symptoms. Paul lives with ADHD and epilepsy, and once these conditions were discussed during the health check, YODHA professionals provided further support and signposting to specialists.

Paul values KWL’s commitment to employee wellbeing: “It was such a nice surprise to know that my health and wellbeing are so important to my employer. I can imagine it comes at quite a cost to KWL, but it makes me and my team members feel well looked after and valued.”

Outside of work, Paul enjoys gaming and what he calls ‘nerdy’ board games. One of his favourites is Nemesis, a game that can take several hours to play and is perfect for socialising with friends. Living close to work improves his work-life balance, and at home, he is happily kept busy with his wife and their three boys.

Paul’s experience exemplifies how KWL truly invests in its people, fostering wellbeing, growth, and success. Welcome to KWL!