1. What does a typical working day look like?
I'm not sure there is such a thing in consultancy! Everyday is different - whether it's running a reward strategy session with a client, speaking at a conference, or discussing a new project with a prospective client. This week for example I am interviewing client stakeholders about their reward practice as part of an audit project, scoping a large project to review a client's global bonus scheme plan, catching up with internal colleagues and preparing for a webinar with our marketing team. As Director of the consulting team, a key part of my role is oversight of team resources to ensure we can deliver client projects and checking in with the team to ensure all is going to plan, so I always try and make sure i touch base with colleagues to make sure I'm in the loop with how projects are going and how everyone is feeling about their work.
2. What initially drew you to a career within Reward, and why did you choose this field?
I fell into reward - literally. Whilst I was studying for my CIPD, there was an internal restructure taking place in my company and we were asked to present for 10 minutes on one of four topics - I was studying for my reward module and so chose the presentation about reward. Next thing I know I am in a reward analyst role and the rest is history! I have a degree in psychology and have always been fascinated by what motivates us - reward is perfect for me as it blends this interest in human psychology with business challenge. As I worked with various consultants over the years, I found I learnt so much from them, and so when I saw the opportunity to move from in house to being a reward consultant I jumped at the chance to bring my in-house knowledge and expertise from four very different organisations to others.
3. What excites you about potential advancements or changes in Reward?
Reward doesn’t stand still - although some aspects like approaches to job valuation or pay benchmarking haven't changed much over time, the world and context reward operates in is continually changing. Who knew about ESG or gender pay reporting a few years ago? Adapting to hybrid working and the implications for pay frameworks, increased demand for pay transparency and what that means for how we communicate reward. These are hot topics that we are working with our clients on and because every organisation is different, there is no one answer to the problem. I also love the fact that reward has become so much more insightful - leveraging data to tell a story about pay practice can be eye opening for many organisations.
4. What sort of company is Innecto to work for?
Innecto is a very exciting company to work for - its fast paced, creative, and has amazing clients that are so diverse every project feels different. We have four key values that underpin everything we do: we innovate and fail forward; we are passionate about our subject, always keen to learn more; we do what we say we will, operating with integrity & honesty; and we work in partnership, supporting each other and catching each other if we fall. It's a truly collaborative team effort - we play hard but celebrate together. I've been with Innecto nearly 17 years - it's given me the opportunity to work part time, flexibly, and make life long friends.
5. Which is your favourite/most used employee benefit?
My favourite benefit is the Recognition allowance. Innecto is part of the Personal Group family, and we all get up to £10 a month to recognise peers through our engagement platform, Hapi. I love the fact that we can say thank you or choose to award a small token of appreciation. I truly believe that as a leader it is critical I say thank you and recognise others who have made a real effort or deserve praise for their contribution.
6. What are your passion areas of reward?
I am particularly interested in enabling companies to deliver what I regard as Responsible Reward – I have a keen focus on fair and transparent pay, not just following regulations, but going beyond, to implement simple and intuitive strategies and frameworks that deliver a positive social impact for employees and businesses. I am also passionate about creating a cohesive EVP that sings the same song internally as the external brand – I get a real kick supporting clients to bring the reward deal together in a way that is clear, aligned and meaningful.
7. What are your areas of specialism?
I cover most areas of reward, but typically I focus on supporting clients to develop Reward Strategies and Roadmaps, design variable pay schemes and recognition frameworks.
8. What clients/sectors have you worked with?
I work cross sector but have specific expertise in Professional services (Legal, Financial), Sport & Leisure, and Not for Profit sectors. Recent clients include Saga Insurance, The Law Society, DLA Piper, Bird & Bird, Caravan & Motorhome Club, England Cricket Board, European Tour, Nursing & Midwifery Council, and The Princes Trust.
9. What's your favourite moment at Innecto so far?
There have been many amazing moments over the years, but I think one of my favourites was running our dream balls recognition event - everyone was given £400 to spend on something that was tangible. We all put our wishes into the tumbler and each week different 'wishes' were selected. Team members chose things like pizza ovens, climbing frame for their kids, a trip to Bruges, and we had to share pictures enjoying our award - it has stuck with me all these years as a fun way to say thank you to the team.
10. What advice do you have for aspiring Reward professionals?
Immerse yourself and learn on the job - you have to really live the implications of reward decisions to understand how everything is pieced together. Work in different environments - whether its public sector, private sector or different industries - all manage reward in different ways depending on the context they operate in. Go for opportunities to do different things - whether its a bonus scheme redesign or new pay structure - getting involved in projects that move beyond day to day reward can massively grow your competence and confidence.
11. Which series/book are you hooked on?
I'm a bit of a true crime nut so listen to various podcasts like The Missing Cryptoqueen or Vishal and am watching Only Murders in the Building on Disney+.
Justine Woolf is Innecto's consultancy lead, heading up our client-facing services in her role as Director of Consulting. She has a strong reputation for delivering commercially focused reward and recognition programmes for clients that improve employee motivation and engagement, and positively impact the bottom line. Read more here.
