Investing in our people is a big part of what we stand for at Just Helpers. As part of our ethical ethos, we mentor our Helpers to grow in confidence, improve their communications skills, and where we can, to promote our Helpers to become managers. This is Monika’s Just Helpers’ journey from Helper to Manager.
Finding Just Helpers
Back in Bulgaria, Monika worked as a store manager.
Then, when she first moved to London she worked as a cleaner and also worked evening shifts in a pub in the city.
When Monika heard about Just Helpers she saw an opportunity to improve her financial situation. “I first found out about Just Helpers when I saw an ad on Facebook,” says Monika. “To be honest, the London Living Wage was a big part of why I decided to start working as a Helper. It really helped to top up my finances as well as working in the pub.”
Working for Just Helpers
Monika has come to really value what Just Helpers stands for.”The best thing about working for Just Helpers is knowing that you are working for an ethically and morally driven cleaning company,” she says. “Everyone is treated fairly, and [the founder] Antoinette is really supportive and kind”.
It has also been a great opportunity to learn and develop. “I’ve learned how to work more productively,” explains Monika.”I’ve also learned how to understand people who are different from me, and how to help them. And I’ve learned how to resolve complaints in a timely manner, which can sometimes be tricky!”
From Helper to Manager
To begin with, Monika found the step up from Helper to manager a big challenge, but it was one she was ready to take on. “When I first became I manager I found it a little overwhelming and stressful, but I’ve loved it. I felt like I was growing, and I was well prepared, so within a couple of months I was enjoying it,” she says.
Monika’s experience as a Helper has really benefited her work as a manager. “I think it’s really important that I worked as a Helper myself,” she says. “It means that I can help my Helper colleagues with navigation, with cleaning tips, accounting tips, with their mental health, and provide support.”
Her new role has provided Monika with lots of opportunities to develop. “I’ve learned to overcome my introvert side, and unlocking my extrovert side, so I can communicate more efficiently with people,” she explains. “I’ve also learned to be more open… I feel that I’ve grown up, I’ve become more mature and down to earth.”
Goals for 2020
With the current Corona Virus pandemic, this has been a challenging year for everyone at Just Helpers, but Monika is clear about what she wants to achieve. “In my work, my goals are to keep delivering great cleans to our lovely clients, and to keep supporting our Helpers during this Corona Virus outbreak,” she says. “In my personal life I want to keep my family safe. I want to place my little boy into nursery and to juggle the work, financial and family parts of my life.”
Longer term, Monika sees herself as continuing her career with Just Helpers. “In five years time I would love to be working for Just Helpers, if they’ll have me! I would also like to explore my tech side, and as this is part of the company’s growth plans, Just Helpers is the perfect situation for me at the moment – and I’m very happy about it!”
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