This National Inclusion Week, we want to highlight alternative routes into the built environment. Shawn Adams, Outreach Lead, spoke with Tannika Foote, our London Studio Assistant about her career journey with HTA.
Tannika joined HTA through the Hackney 100 Skills+ programme, a flagship employment initiative designed to create career opportunities for adults over the age of 25. She initially joined the practice on a three-month contract, working two days a week. After her placement, we couldn’t imagine the studio without her, and she was offered a six-month contract with increased hours. Just five months later, her hard work, dedication, and positive contribution to the team led to her securing a permanent role.
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Who are you and what is your role at HTA?
My name is Tannika Foote. I am currently working as a Studio Assistant at HTA, where I am responsible for managing the front-of-house area and being the first point of contact for staff, clients and visitors. My day-to-day responsibilities include greeting visitors, providing access to the building, assisting with general enquiries and helping to ensure the studio environment is welcoming, organised and running smoothly.
How long have you been with HTA, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have been working here for a year and 9 months, and I genuinely enjoy the working environment. Everyone is appreciative of the work you do, and your efforts are recognised and acknowledged when you do a good job. I also really value the enthusiasm and encouragement around personal growth and career progression. It is honestly a great place to work, and I feel proud to be part of the team.
What has been your proudest achievement during your time at HTA?
One of my biggest achievements since joining HTA has been progressing from a temporary position to becoming a permanent member of the team. I initially started working two days a week through a Hackney Council work programme, on a three-month contract. From the moment I interviewed, I knew I wanted to stay, so I worked hard, integrated myself into the team and always gave it my best. After three months, I was offered a six-month contract working four days a week, and after five months, I was made permanent. I am extremely proud of this achievement, which I believe is a result of my hard work, commitment and the support of my amazing team and line manager.
Another achievement, which is still ongoing, is being able to pursue my passion for interior design alongside my role. The resources, encouragement and mentorship I have received at HTA have given me the confidence and opportunity to study and work towards becoming an interior designer. This is something I genuinely don’t think would have been possible without the support and opportunities HTA has given me.
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Do you think inclusion is important in creating an inclusive workplace? If so, why?
Yes, I believe inclusion is important in creating a positive workplace, and I’ve experienced this first-hand during my time at HTA. From the beginning, I’ve always felt welcomed, supported and valued as part of the team. I was given the opportunity to prove myself, and my hard work was recognised, which allowed me to progress from working two days a week on a temporary contract to becoming a permanent member of the team.
For me, inclusion is about feeling like you belong and knowing that your contribution matters. I’ve always felt that my colleagues and managers genuinely want to see me do well and progress. Being given the support, resources and encouragement to study interior design alongside my job has meant a lot to me.
What role do members of staff play in building trust in the workplace?
I think staff play a really important role in building trust in the workplace. It starts with how we treat each other: being respectful, supportive, honest and approachable. Everyone should feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and sharing their ideas without feeling judged.
At HTA, I feel that people are encouraged to support one another and work as a team. In my role at the front of house, I know that being welcoming, helpful and approachable can make a big difference to how people feel when they come into the workplace. I believe when everyone does their part and looks out for each other, it creates a positive environment where people feel valued, included, and comfortable being themselves.
How can companies create an environment where people feel included and heard?
By giving everyone a space where they can share their thoughts, experiences and ideas. At HTA, we have inclusion groups where we can discuss important matters, have open conversations and raise things that are important to us. We also have social events, which give people the opportunity to connect outside of their usual teams and celebrate our different communities.
Another thing I really appreciate about HTA is how we celebrate different cultural events throughout the year. Even if you’re not part of that culture, everyone is welcomed and encouraged to get involved. I think that’s really important because it gives people the opportunity to learn about each other, celebrate our differences and feel comfortable being themselves. For me, that’s what true inclusion looks like.
