Could you give us a brief overview of your role at Pernod Ricard?
My role this year is as an HR Intern and I work closely with the HR Business Partners, as well as the wider HR team supporting all of Pernod Ricard’s 5 businesses in the UK. The dynamic nature of HR means I have been involved a wide range of people topics, so I’m exposed to a lot of learning opportunities and different areas within HR.
For example, at the moment I am analysing people data for our HR dashboards and working with an external supplier to manage the delivery of one of our wellbeing benefits: free on-site massages for our employees.
You’ll hear a lot about ‘conviviality’ at Pernod Ricard: what does conviviality mean to you?
When I was applying for my placement, I knew I wanted to do HR due to its dynamic nature and the opportunity to work with people. But I was interested in Pernod Ricard specifically because of the company’s culture. Conviviality is a word you will frequently hear during the application process and within the company - it truly sums up Pernod Ricard’s culture. It’s about being able to be yourself, working with people who acknowledge you and the value you bring to the team, having the opportunity to do something new and being trusted to see it through, and succeeding not just through your own efforts, but because you get the support of others.
How would you describe the overall work environment and culture at the company?
Right from the beginning of my placement, I truly felt welcomed and valued within the team and the broader company. Interns are given great opportunities to learn and develop their skills, even outside of their role, and are respected as full team members within the business. Culturally, it’s about loving a challenge, making great things happen together, delivering winning results and really caring deeply about climate and community.
What's your go-to lunch suggestion?
Personally, I love the food offered in office at the café. It’s very well priced for a full meal and I’ve always enjoyed it. The kitchen provides a good amount of meal options, so you’ll always find something you like. However, if the weather is good, I like to venture out into the Chiswick business park and try out the food trucks!
Have you had the opportunity to get involved in activities outside work?
I most definitely have! Pernod Ricard offers so many fun activities to get involved in and connect with colleagues. I always try to attend the Thursday Convivial Drinks, which take place at the bar located in our office, since they allow you to meet people you may have not otherwise come across, helping strengthen your connections throughout the company. Another great opportunity to get involved come through our employee United Networks, which champion diversity and inclusion, and provide a great opportunity to connect with wider communities.
We currently have three networks: Noir, which is forcolleagues from the African, Caribbean and Asian diaspora, Fluid, which is for colleagues who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, and Libra, which is for colleagues who identify as women and their allies. I have had the pleasure of working with members from Libra and witnessing the great work they do!
What has been your favourite company event so far?
Amongst the many, two company events have really stood out to me so far.
Firstly, Responsib’all Day for which Pernod Ricard employees spend the day learning about Sustainability and Responsibility and take part in activities that reflect these learnings. This year, the activities revolved around reusing materials that would otherwise go to waste. I participated in an activity which involved turning plastic bags into a sheet of material which could be used to make things like pencil cases and keychains.
The second event which is very memorable for me was our Financial Year Kick-Off Conference, during which the company’s achievements in the past fiscal year, as well as what the company strives to achieve in the upcoming year, are shared. It involves two days of educational speeches, from which I learnt a lot about the company and its brands
What is your favourite company benefit?
Pernod Ricard offers many great benefits. Two of my favourite benefits are the on-site massages and the staff shop allowance. The on-site massages occur twice a month and all employees are welcomed to sign up and enjoy a massage. The staff shop allowance is a very popular benefit loved by everyone at the company. Employees are given a monthly allowance which they can spend on our brands in the staff shop located in our London office.