City Of Change Partner: Hayley Schwab – Hargreaves Lansdown

At Hargreaves Lansdown, we believe in building a diverse and inclusive workforce not just because it is the right thing to do but because it is good for our clients, our business and our people. We believe that diversity of thought enables us to make better business decisions, manage risk more effectively, drive innovation and deliver better outcomes.

We are proud to be a Bristol business, and to contribute to the future of our unique and diverse city. We care about our community and have raised over £300,000 for good causes through the HL Charitable Foundation since its inception in 2016, with colleagues volunteering 2,165 hours in 2019 alone.

We recognise that it is an especially tough time for young people. 2020 has already been a significant year, from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, to Brexit and general political changes, to the social injustices highlighted by Black Lives Matter protests. Many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or ethnic minorities have been adversely impacted and we want to do what we can to try to provide help through opportunities at HL. Supporting this campaign is important, not only for the interest of these young people and their future but to support a project which is helping to provide sustainable, economic growth that is inclusive and socially cohesive.

What do you think young people may contribute to your organisation?

We look for talented people who are eager to learn, have enthusiasm and bring different perspectives. Young people contribute new ideas, fresh approaches and a positive challenge to the status quo and ultimately are crucial to future economic growth. Certain markets, especially those that are rapidly changing or new, are dominated by young customers today; they form our current and future clients, and bring valuable insights that allow us to learn, grow and drive HL forwards. We recognise that without our colleagues and diversity of thought, we wouldn’t be able to truly fulfil our purpose of empowering clients to save and invest with confidence and explore new and emerging markets and customer groups.

What do you hope younger people may contribute to your organisation?

Naturally, younger employees help us to better understand and engage with younger people. Most have grown up around technology and have an affinity with the digital world which will help us to remain current with new software and technologies.

They are also used to learning and bring unique perspectives when they enter the world of work. Their views are likely to be honest, unbiased and valuable.

With emerging markets, trends and new technologies, the rate of change is constantly increasing and studies suggest that younger people are adaptable and better equipped to respond to sudden change.

What do you think companies may be missing by having a lack of younger voices/influence in the organisation?

Young people under the age of 30 constitute more than 50% of today’s global population and projections say the figure will hit 75% by 2030. Companies will be missing the voices that align to products and services targeted to younger generations and are perhaps overlooking the part that millennials will play in the future. It’s vital to look at where our businesses are heading and what we may be lacking, not where we’ve been.

What advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Wherever you are in your career, you are on a track! Your interests are likely to change. Push yourself towards to new experiences but don’t be too hard on yourself. There is no such thing as the perfect path. You’ll learn from each set of experiences, good and bad and come back stronger each time.

If an opportunity presents itself – take it. Try. Give it a go. Approach with a learning mind-set. Own your learning, capture your learnings and your reflections. Reflect on things you have done well and always celebrate even the smallest wins.