As part of our Why They Stayed series, Spinnaker asked maritime professionals who have remained with the same employer for more than 10 years what encouraged them to stay and grow.

Our next contributor, Stephanie Aubourg, Chief HR and Digital Solutions Officer at CSL Group, explains why courageous leadership, trust and opportunities to take on new challenges have been so important.

What have been the main reasons you have stayed with your employer?

The opportunities to grow, the people and culture, the work itself, trust and flexibility, and the pay and benefits have all contributed to my decision to stay.

What has helped you grow the most during your time there?

Support from a manager or mentor has been extremely important.

I have also benefited from new responsibilities, promotions and changes to my role, as well as having the freedom to try new things.

Was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted to stay?

Courage!

During my first few years with the company, two executives were let go because they did not live and breathe the company’s values.

It showed me that the organisation was prepared to put itself at risk to do what was right for its other employees. That made me incredibly proud to be part of the company.

How has your role changed since you first joined?

I joined as HR Director before becoming Chief Human Resources Officer. I am now Chief HR and Digital Solutions Officer.

My progression has allowed me to take on broader responsibilities and contribute to different areas of the organisation.

What did your employer do to help you take your next step?

I received a great deal of support, had impactful conversations and was shown repeated evidence of trust.

Most importantly, I always felt that the organisation had my back.

What advice would you give employers who want good people to stay and grow?

Have honest conversations and give people opportunities to try new things.

Put employees into stretch roles that allow them to test themselves and develop, while ensuring that support is never too far away.

Stephanie’s experience shows that employees notice when an organisation is prepared to stand by its values. Combined with trust, honest conversations and supported opportunities to stretch, courageous leadership can give talented people a powerful reason to stay.