As my stint in the Wood Group HR department has finished I am able to reflect over what I have learnt so far. Being placed in HR initially I think was a great opportunity for me to really understand the culture within Texas and the Wood Group, which I hope I will be able to develop in Corporate Communications. Some of the aspects of the culture, do intrinsically make people work hard, as discussed in my previous blogs. As much as they work hard they know how and when to switch off which is definitely something that the British work culture lacks. ‘Friday, is family day,’ as I was told my one employee. They finish their work and make sure that work is left in the office rather than being brought home. Many people leave early on Friday if everything is completed and with casual clothing mandatory on Fridays there is an atmosphere of acknowledging life outside the office, which is very refreshing.

I have now moved to the Corporate Communication department, corporate communications deals with the public interface of the company, from everything to the web pages, case studies and press releases. I was invited to a ‘business breakfast’ on my second day which happens once a month where all Wood Group employees in the building are invited. They discuss both personal and professional news, introduce new team member, give service awards and let people socialise within departments. I personally thought it was a great way to meet employees working in different areas. I continue to be impressed on the emphasis that the company places on having a enjoyable working environment. If it is not a breakfast that is being organised it’s a picnic or a baseball game. I believe that the Wood Group collates happy employees with productive employees.

During this week some incorrect and potentially damaging statements were printed about the Wood Group. This incident meant that a holding statement needed to be created. I was able to participate in the process involved in creating the statement and was able to see how a plan is formulated for dealing with any more potential articles. As time was of the essence it was a great lesson on quick thinking in an area that cannot afford mistakes. With the Wood Group being a multi national company there are many more factors that need to be considered with PR matters, such as cultural aspects, legislation and even working in different time zones. I understood a lot more about the importance of language when dealing with the press and public. We send considerable amount of time looking at individual words and the implications of our word choice. This week has been a real learning experience I look forward to the rest of my time in corporate communications.