What are the chances of a husband and wife working in different PPG departments receiving one award at the same time? Let’s meet Emma and Kit Pee from Birstall, UK, who were both recently awarded Employee Voice Awards (EVA) for their departments, and hear all about Kit’s reaction when he found out he was the overall winner!
The Couple Making Things Happen
Emma is our research and development (R&D) system specialist based in Birstall. She started with us 15 years ago in supply chain, working part time while studying at university.
I did not intend to stay, but when I saw the number of opportunities available at PPG, I ended up looking for a full time role.
Emma
Then, when she noticed we were looking for external candidates, she suggested that her partner, Kit, apply. He has now been with us for 13 years and is currently one of the cell leaders at Birstall.
I like to make things happen. Getting lots of chances to trouble shoot while supporting a great team gives me this opportunity.
Kit
“I Was Just Doing My Job”
Emma and Kit were recently each presented with a department Employee Voice Award for the first half of 2021, and Kit was even announced the overall winner! The awards take place twice a year and everyone in Birstall is welcome to enter their colleagues who demonstrate the spirit of our company culture, ‘The PPG Way’, in their daily work. Seven of the department heads pick their winner and then agree on the overall winner.
Kit doesn’t like a fuss, so I watched the video first and then called him over so I could watch his face when he saw he’d won.
Emma
Kit tells us that they were both pleasantly surprised.
It is just really nice to know that your colleagues think well enough of you that they take the time to nominate you. It makes you feel like you’re doing the job well!
Kit
Emma agrees that it feels great to be recognized for her hard work:
There is always that feeling that ‘I was just doing my job’. You feel proud, but also know that there are so many others who go above and beyond.
Emma
During the nominations, Emma's and Kit's colleagues agreed they are amazing peers to work with. They have especially been recognized for the way they always put people first, making sure they are happy with and competent at the work they are doing. Both Emma and Kit display a high work ethic, puting their hearts and souls into everything they do.
A Little Help From Your Colleagues – Plus the Bigger Picture
In their combined 28 years at PPG, the couple have faced their fair share of challenges and have learned some great ways of dealing with them.
Kit believes in focusing on the end goal and breaking any problems down into more manageable pieces. He also reminds us that we can’t deal with every challenge ourselves.
Emma agrees:
You can’t do things alone. You need to ask the right people for help. There is a wealth of experience at our company and it is likely someone has come across a similar situation before.
Emma
Kit tells us that a big motivation for him is learning new things. He tries to learn how different areas and systems work. This helps him see a wider picture when things need resolving.
Emma also likes to keep the bigger picture in view:
Always have a goal and try to keep that goal in mind. If you’re having an off day and nothing is going well, remember your goal and why you are doing things.
Emma
The Trials of Finding a Work-Life Balance
If you’re wondering what it is like to be a couple working and living together for the past 13 years, the pair tells us that they try not to discuss work at home but will sometimes make an exception when they need to bounce an idea around.
It is good that there is some knowledge crossover and you know you will get an honest opinion.
Kit
As Kit knows, no award can be complete without thanking all of those colleagues who help make it happen.
I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to those who nominated me. To Anne Marie Young, my manager, for giving me the opportunity of this role, and to my team who give it their all every day. I’m really grateful.
Kit