As workplaces become more generationally diverse, creating an environment that supports employees at every stage of life is more important than ever. Matt Wood, CEO of Millwood Servicing, brings a unique perspective to this challenge, drawing on over 30 years of experience in the fire safety industry and a lifelong commitment to supporting charitable causes. As part of the Mind the Workplace Gap – From Boomers to Zoomers panel at The Office Event, Matt will share his insights on how businesses can boost engagement, productivity, and wellbeing across different generations. We caught up with Matt to learn more about his career journey, Millwood’s B Corp certification, and his thoughts on creating workplaces that work for everyone.
Can you tell us about your career journey and how you transitioned from your time in the Royal Navy to leading Millwood Servicing?
After leaving my 6 year service in the RN, I joined the family business in 1999 as a junior engineer at a time when there were just the 3 of us (Dad, Step Mum and Carol the Bookkeeper). Going into the role, I learnt and earnt my stripes rapidly and in doing so I quickly learnt and held every* position in our family firm as we grew and grew. With each major client-award and sizeable growth spurt so our team grew too; and by 2009 we had turned over £1m and had landed three major public sector clients on top of our existing and ever growing private clients.. This meant that I too had to grow into the roles and into the business and industry & subsequently over the last 26 years i’ve held every position going.
*Well almost, as the Senior Finance Role was always outsourced and the MD role has been held by two other people (over Dad) in our 32 years).
Millwood Servicing recently became the first fire safety firm to gain B Corp certification. What motivated you to pursue this, and what does it mean for the company?
There’s a saying in the Military, “Always a Little further”, this belongs to the SF (Special Forces) but it resonates well with all Military personnel and after 10 years of constantly exploring out WHY and our Purpose, and having gained credible awards such as: MIND Index Workforce Silver in 2018, various community excellence awards, Best Companies to work for in the UK ( Top 10 in our industry, Top 25 in London and Top 75 in the UK), we simply felt that we could and aim reach for the stars and push ourselves – Always a Little Further. We are incredibly proud to have been certified as a B Corp – it’s so much more than a badge, it’s a movement, a meaning and a direction to set our Moral Compass on. Mum who sadly passed away nearly three years ago would be so proud as it was Mum & Dad who started our very first business back in the 70s.
The panel you’re speaking on explores the challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. In your experience, what are some key differences in how different generations approach work and wellbeing?
From Baby Boomers to Gen X, Z, A and now B we as business leaders need to and indeed want to understand that there isn’t one size that fits all; just like a diet, a gym routine or a hairstyle everyone on the planet is different and so everyone needs that extra special attention, that extra slice of empathy and understanding. Our parents were from a different era – a Post War era and one when working and work environments were very different, we are not they. Our history is not theirs and so it’s essential that we adapt, move and model our way through business and as Jamil Qureshi says – “we should be surprised and disappointed to have the rugs pulled from under our feet, we should instead learn how to dance on moving carpets” Wow! What a profound quote.
The work force or ‘Team’ that we have working for us at Millwood are a complex blend of multi generational people, from all walks of life, backgrounds, faiths, feelings and beliefs. Over 70% of our team are under 40 and this might be to otters a weakness but to us it’s a powerhouse of positive people who bring bundles of energy, enthusiasm and talent to our already rish and diverse family ‘team’.
One classic and obvious example of different approaches to work comes in the shape of Hybrid working. We now in business have an Acronym Soup of new phrases when it comes to work approach and workflow: WFH, FWA, FT, RA… none of these were around in our parents’ day; you simply got up, went to work, came home and got paid and that was fine then. Now our team have the absolute right to the above form day one and we as business leaders should acknowledge and want to hear the desire from our team individuals. When we announced our 9 Day Fortnight last May and then rolled it out across the entire firm at Christmas.. It was the “BEST GIFT EVER” as said by our entire team.
How can businesses boost employee engagement and resilience across different generations? Are there any strategies you’ve seen work particularly well?
A business is a Boat, or a Bus, or an Orchestra of highly skilled Musicians; our job as business leaders is to be the Captain of the boat, the Driver of the Bus, the Conductor of the Orchestra and to get the right people onboard, facing the right way, heading in the right direction and working together as a team – to active the collective goal. Collaboration is key!, bring the teams together across the business, don’t allow Silos or Ergos to exist as neither of these are important, valid or necessary. Blend the business like you would blend the ingredients of your favorite dish, bring them all together in harmony like that Orchestra and if people want to get off the bus – let them as there are always spare seats.
What are some of the most significant wellbeing challenges you see in today’s workplaces, and how can businesses address them effectively?
Three simple rules:
- Forget Fresh Fruit on Friday, it’s an easy & low effort give away – they call [it] Low hanging fruit for a reason.
- Listen more – talk less. We are blessed with a 2:1 ratio (ears to mouth) for a reason so willingly seek out information from your team.
- Age is NOT irrelevant!, in fact it’s very relevant and everyone in the team is at a very different part of timer life, therefore when engaging with your team ensure you HEAR them in a way they can feel comfortable in telling your stuff – especially any age related cognition, or time in their life.
What workplace trends do you think will have the biggest impact on employee expectations and engagement over the next five years?
More FWH considerations.
More tech based and AI / VR/ AR innovations.
You can meet Matt in person at The Office Event where he’ll be speaking. The Office Event is a unique and timely trade show with free-to-attend content that offers a one-stop-shop for organisations who are rethinking their approach to workplace design, workplace experience and facilities management. Now in its second year, The Office will take place on 7th and 8th May 2025, at ExCel in London. Co-located with The Watercooler Event for the full 360-degree workplace culture and employee wellbeing experience. You can find out more here.
This article first appeared on https://makeadifference.media.