Employed for who I am: Claire's Story

After nearly a decade with Saint-Gobain, I’ve found not just a career path, but a workplace culture built on freedom, support, and inclusion, says Claire Payne, Head of Quality for Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions.

I joined Saint-Gobain Weber in 2016, making a leap from automotive to construction products – a big shift, but one I embraced. From the interview stage, the company felt right. The culture had a “family kind of feel,” and I slotted in easily. That made for a smooth transition.

Soon after, I was approached to join Insulation, and with the merger with British Gypsum, my journey evolved into becoming Head of Quality for Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions. Each step brought new challenges and pushed quality to the forefront.

What stands out about working here is that you develop as you want to develop, not how the business tells you you’re going to develop. That freedom allows us to show up as our best selves, and to feel like what we bring is genuinely valued. It’s about belonging and inclusion – and I love that.

No box-ticking exercises here

Saint-Gobain invests in people on an individual level. I’ve worked across global brands, and the culture is consistent across the UK. Moving between brands is encouraged for growth, but staying put is respected too. There is the feeling that ‘it’s your career, and you’re in charge of it’ – and that makes me want to stay to support others in doing the same.

Our inclusion efforts aren’t driven by quotas or KPIs. The Together as One, our DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) steering committee is there for colleagues to shape what comes next tailored to each brand. It’s not about “ticking boxes”. Instead, we ask what would help people succeed, then build around that.

I really rate the Insights Discovery personality test – a psychometric tool which explores personality styles and communication preferences. We are encouraged to learn more as it’s about respect: some people want details, others prefer less. It’s helped us communicate better and create space for everyone, whether they choose to participate. That’s inclusion too.

A safe space

Saint-Gobain is the first place I’ve worked where I feel employed for who I am, not just for my skillset. Psychological safety is built into everything. New teams start by creating “safe space” rules, so feeling supported becomes normal. Services like AXA mental health support mean you’re never on your own. You still have to do the job – but you’re surrounded by cushions that help keep you upright.