In celebration of Pride Month, we want to introduce Lee Burrows, Wickes Store Manager and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
In just three years, Lee has played a crucial role in launching our LGBTQ+ Allyship Programme, and has been a key member of the LGBTQ+ Network - overseeing important decisions and events - all while working hard to manage and support his store and colleagues.
We sat down with Lee to learn more about his lived experience at Wickes, and what it is that allows him to feel at home here.
Can you tell us a little more about how you found yourself working at Wickes?
It was the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community that made me take the job, as I saw a “proud to support the community” sticker at one of the stores. Before that, I was like there’s no way I’m going to go and work with a bunch of straight blokes. I wouldn’t be able to be myself, I wouldn’t fit in. But here we are and it’s one of the most inclusive businesses I’ve ever worked for.
Why do you think Wickes is such a special place to work?
The biggest thing for me is that it’s a family. As much as other businesses say “we’re a family,” Wickes really is. Anyone is free to talk to anyone, if you need advice or help you can reach out to anyone at any level and it doesn’t make a difference who they are.
Tell us more about your involvement in the LGBTQ+ Ally programme at Wickes
The Ally programme was developed by our team with the support of Stonewall. We knew it needed to be really impactful, so I spent a while preparing the presentation which has now been used to train over 190 allies in the business.
I saw a post that said “at least one person thinks they’re better off to be dead than to be gay” and thought “I cannot have anyone feel that way, especially not anyone in our business,” so I’ve taken it under my wing to push that as much as I can.
Can you explain why it’s so important that the LGBTQ+ community are celebrated in the workplace?
We built the LGBTQ+ events calendar across the year, from Pride to International Trans day of visibility, so that we can not only educate our people, but give colleagues under every umbrella of sexuality support and celebration. We celebrate as much as we can!
None of this stuff is from criteria we’re going to get a score for, this is about actually making sure that every single person in this business feels included.
Wickes was shortlisted at the British LGBT Awards as a top 10 Most Inclusive Employer in 2021. How did you feel when you heard that?
When I heard, I almost fell off my chair with excitement! It was so touching to be recognised externally for the work we do internally. I think it’s an absolutely outstanding award to even be nominated for, let alone be top 10. I’m so proud of the work that we’ve done up to this point and the ongoing work we’re doing to ensure everyone feels at home at Wickes.
Finally, do you feel at home at Wickes?
Yes, straight away. Never in the morning do I wake up and think “ugh I’ve got to go to work today.” I work in a retail shop, of course some days are going to be hard and stressful but like I said, Wickes to me feels like a family and it doesn’t matter whether I’ve known someone for the 3 years I’ve worked here, or someone I’ve just met, you always have the comfortable feeling and support of chatting with a friend.
Take the next step in your career with Wickes
We make sure that everyone has a voice at Wickes. We believe in valuing and empowering our colleagues, as well as fostering an environment that encourages everyone to participate. Our values mean that encouraging everyone to share their ideas is not only the correct thing to do, but an obligation for all organisations.
If you'd like to follow in Lee's footsteps and join Wickes, please browse our available jobs today and take the next step in your career.
