About a year ago, I found out I was being made redundant, right after pouring everything I had into the festive season in retail. Honestly, that was tough. I’d been running on fumes, giving 110% to make sure everything went smoothly, and then suddenly, it was over. That mix of exhaustion and uncertainty? It’s not something I’ll forget anytime soon.
But a lot can change in a year
Now, about eight months into my role at West Special Fasteners, I can honestly say it feels completely different from anywhere I’ve worked before. It’s not about the title or the teams size, it’s the way people treat each other that makes all the difference. Being part of a company that genuinely values its people has transformed my day to day. My motivation, energy, and mental wellbeing have all improved more than I ever expected.
For the first time in my career, I feel like I’m part of something that doesn’t just demand results, it invests in the people who deliver them.
The Power of Respecting Time Off
One of the first things I noticed at West Special Fasteners was how personal time is treated. There’s an unspoken (and spoken) rule here: when you’re off, you’re off. No “quick” Teams messages. No “urgent” emails that somehow need a reply on a Sunday afternoon. No guilt for turning off notifications.
At first, I didn’t quite know what to do with that space. I kept checking my phone out of habit, waiting for that next ping. But as the days went by, I realised no one expected me to be constantly available. The world didn’t fall apart because I didn’t reply immediately, and for the first time in a long time, I felt rested when I came back to work.
That separation, that real downtime has made a huge difference. My evenings actually feel like mine again, free from the low-level anxiety that used to hover over me after work.
Recognition That Feels Real
Another thing that stood out at West Special Fasteners is how recognition is handled. It’s not about corporate slogans, it’s about genuine appreciation. When someone does a great job, it’s noticed, and it’s acknowledged. A simple thank-you in a meeting or a message from a manager can go a long way. These actually stick with you, they don’t just make you feel good for a moment, they make you trust the people you work with
In my previous role, I often took on extra responsibilities, going above and beyond to keep things running smoothly. But instead of feeling appreciated, it started to feel expected. That constant overextension was exhausting. Now, being part of West Special Fasteners where effort is genuinely valued, has shown me how motivating acknowledgment can be. It makes you want to do even better, not out of obligation, but because your work truly matters.
Work-Life Balance That Actually Exists
Work-life balance gets thrown around a lot, but experiencing it at West Special Fasteners is something else entirely. Coming from shift work, where hours were unpredictable and days off often felt like an illusion, having set, reliable hours has been a revelation. I know exactly when my workday ends, and that boundary is respected, there’s no expectation to check emails or messages once the day is over.
That clarity has completely changed how I tackle each day. I come in focused and actually look forward to it, instead of dragging myself through. I feel genuinely rested between days, and perhaps most importantly, it has lifted the constant low-level stress I carried before. My mental health feels lighter, and I’m not just surviving the week, I’m genuinely enjoying it.
The Ripple Effect: Going the Extra Mile (Because I Want To)
Something unexpected has happened since joining West Special Fasteners: I want to give more. Not because I’m being pushed to, but because I genuinely care.
When you’re treated with respect and appreciation, it naturally inspires you to put in extra effort. I’ve found myself brainstorming new ideas outside of work hours, not out of pressure, but out of passion. I take pride in what I do because I know it matters.
And it’s not just about ideas. I’ve started looking at training in different areas to broaden my skills. The best part? I’m supported to do it. Having a company that encourages growth and backs you when you want to learn something new makes a huge difference. It’s not just about doing your job well; it’s about becoming better, and knowing you’ve got the backing to make it happen.
A Culture That Changes Everything
I don’t think I fully realised how much where you work can affect your day-to-day life until I experienced both sides, the burnout and the support. Now, after seeing the difference for myself, I can honestly say – this stuff matters. More than job titles, more than perks, more than anything I’d thought counted before.
Being part of West Special Fasteners, a company that respects boundaries, celebrates effort, and promotes balance has reminded me how fulfilling work can feel when your supported. I’m not just surviving from one weekend to the next, I’m thriving.
And honestly, this is how it should be. Somewhere along the way, we’ve become used to being counted on to go that extra mile and sacrifice our own time and energy for work, as if that’s normal. But it shouldn’t be that way. Respecting boundaries and valuing people isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of a healthy workplace. When companies get this right, everything changes.
And that’s something I never want to take for granted again.
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