PEOPLE

Feeling truly supported

We believe that a diverse workforce is a happy and productive workforce, and our strong commitment to our people – and their commitment to each other – has become characteristic of our culture. This unique story from Neals Coleman at ISS UK exemplifies what makes our people special.

People UK - Neals 5
We believe that a diverse workforce is a happy and productive workforce, and our strong commitment to our people – and their commitment to each other – has become characteristic of our culture.  

We focus on recruiting and retaining diverse, skilled, loyal and – above all – happy people. Neals Coleman is one such person. Neals has worked at ISS for 10 years, most recently as Bid Quality Director for ISS UK. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Neals moved to the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen at the height of the Iranian Revolution.  

Despite the upheaval, Neals affirms that it was a relatively seamless transition – both culturally and socially.  

“Throughout my working years in the UK, I never encountered prejudice about where I was born. If anything, it was about being a woman. There have been times when I felt I was held back because of my gender. Never at ISS, though.”  

“No matter what happens in this uncertain world and however we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, I know that ISS will remain an organisation with a positive and inclusive culture – an organisation that encourages and celebrates diversity.”

Neals Coleman, Bid Quality Director for ISS UK
“Something I haven’t seen elsewhere” 

Neals originally worked with large international ISS customers in the private sector. In her first few weeks, she was sent to Copenhagen for a three-day training programme, where she met and connected with fellow employees from around the world.  

“From very early on, I saw something in ISS that I haven’t seen elsewhere. I was surrounded by people from lots of different countries and backgrounds – and I felt truly supported. This opened my mind to the kind of organisation ISS was and set the tone for my entire experience – and it’s something I’ve carried through till today.” 

Throughout her time at ISS, Neals has shifted career tracks on multiple occasions and she credits much of her success to great leadership.  

“Sometimes I feel that my bosses know me better than I know myself. They’ll suggest things like ‘Why don’t you try this role?’ or ‘You’d be great at this’. I’m sitting there thinking, ‘How did you know?!’ I’ve learnt to listen to their advice because they truly care about my success.”  

 
A positive and inclusive culture 

As her role has changed over the years, her appreciation of ISS – and the people within our company – has only grown. 

“There is definitely something about ISS and although I can’t fully define it, all I can say is, long may it last. I’m now in my 10th year here and through all the ups and downs, it’s the inclusive culture of this organisation that has made me stay.” 

As for the future, Neals is positive.  

“No matter what happens in this uncertain world and however we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, I know that ISS will remain an organisation with a positive and inclusive culture – an organisation that encourages and celebrates diversity.” 

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