Longest serving member of staff

This week is “International happiness at work week”, which aims to raise the awareness of the importance of happiness and wellbeing in the workplace.

At Galloways, we’re a pretty happy bunch and we work hard to promote a positive working environment.

Galloways longest serving member of staff is Logistics Manger, Mike “Rod” Walton, who has been with us for a staggering 41 years. An absolutely pivotal cog in the Galloways wheel, Mike is at the very heart of the business

We grabbed him while he put his feet up for a well-earned cuppa and gave us the low down on his considerable experience as one of the Galloways family – and what he thinks it takes to keep people happy at work.

41 years. That’s a hell of a long time!

It certainly is – I’ve been with Galloways for the majority of my working life and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I’ve seen many staff come through the business and the print industry is almost unrecognisable from what it was – and it keeps getting better and better. I’m extremely proud to be part of such a successful organisation.

So, what does Logistics Manager mean in real terms?

It’s my job to run the warehouse. In essence, that starts with managing the raw materials coming in, making sure that getting the correct materials arrive at the print room, checking that everything that Galloways produce is to the highest standard and then ensuring that the finished job arrives with the customer on time and in top condition.  So that’s the crooks of my job – that and quite a few bits in between!

Best bit of the job?

The best bit of the job is home time! But only because if it’s home time, it means that all the deliveries for that day are either successfully delivered to the customer or on their way. If they are not – it isn’t home time.

What do you think is key to happiness at work?

We spend so much time at work it’s essential that the staff are happy – and Galloways work hard to ensure the team enjoy coming to work.

There is a real sense of camaraderie and as a family business, we all feel like we play an important role – and that we are one of the family.

Recognition is also key – people don’t need grand gestures, but a thank you for a job well done goes a long way.

Oh – and a selection of top-notch biscuits in the canteen to fuel the troops is also high on the priority list!

You must have some stories to tell – tell us about a memorable job

Certainly the most amusing print request I’ve seen was actually one of our very own! Our in-house designer at the time created a very ‘arty’ Galloways Christmas card to be printed and sent out to customers  – and the design was a white Christmas tree on a white background. If you’ve ever seen the play by Yasmin Reza called ‘Art’ – some very differing and passionate opinions about what constitutes art – you’ll get the picture! Or the white background, as the case may be!

Is print dead?

Not at all –  people will always want the choice of holding a hard copy of something in their hand be it a book, high quality brochure, menu or a simple business card or throwaway leaflet

What’s the way forward for print?

In my opinion print will go ‘back to the future’…electronic versions of things will always have a place in this day and age but people will go back to what they like, especially in print

A little-known fact about yourself?

Most people outside of close workmates will not know that I have been part of the team who have run ‘SMILER’ the Rod Stewart Fan Club since 1981, Rod’s brother Don is also part of my team.

What’s your super power?

Being able to get through [Most days] with a smile on my face even if everything is going wrong!