Championing Employee Wellbeing – Why People Come First

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• Championing Employee Wellbeing – Why People Come First

26 March 2025

John Conry Jr. from JPC by Samsic shares how he and his team are creating a wellbeing-led cleaning business. 

John is the Managing Director of JPC by Samsic, with over 25 years of expertise in the FM industry. Under his leadership, JPC remains as a family-run cleaning business, now recognised as one of London’s leading premium partners for modern workplace solutions. JPC is a £34 million operation with a portfolio of over 1,500 clients.

 

"The cleaning industry has long suffered from a perception problem. Too often, it’s seen as an invisible service, one that goes unnoticed unless something goes wrong. Our people play a vital role in creating safe and welcoming environments, and it’s time they were recognised for it."

 

 

A Business Built on Family Values

 

When I look at the success of JPC by Samsic, one truth stands out: our people are the foundation of everything we do. 

In an industry where operational efficiency is often prioritised above all else, I have always believed that true success comes from putting people first. Our employees are more than just a workforce, they are the heart of our business, the face of our clients, and the driving force behind our reputation.

My approach to leadership is deeply personal as having grown up in a family that understood the value of hard work and care. I was shaped by my grandmother, who worked in a cleaning role herself. She instilled in me the importance of respect, responsibility, and taking pride in the work you do, lessons that now form the foundation of our company culture.

These values are not just words on a company website, they are principles we live by. At JPC by Samsic support and empower our people to build long-term careers, not just jobs. Commitment to them is evident in everything from you do, from the way you listen to their needs to the way you celebrate their contributions.

 

Going Beyond the Basics

 

Employee wellbeing is often reduced to salary and benefits, however, I see it as much more than that. Whilst competitive pay and recognition matter, it’s the thoughtful touches that make a difference. The small gestures, such as, providing warm gloves and soup in the winter, sunscreen and ice cream in the summer do go a long way in showing our people they are valued.

Listening is key. 

For example, considering how the cost-of-living crisis affects our employees and responding with real, tangible support. Previously JPC by Samsic has offered covering personal care expenses like nail treatments to ensure our people knew we were there for them in more ways than one. 

According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS) Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24, as a result, a whopping 16.4 million of 33.7 million days were lost. As a company that genuinely cares for its employees, it will create an environment where people want to stay and thrive through resolving and supporting wellbeing issues.

 

Redefining the Cleaning Industry

 

The cleaning industry has long suffered from a perception problem. Too often, it’s seen as an invisible service, one that goes unnoticed unless something goes wrong. Our people play a vital role in creating safe and welcoming environments, and it’s time they were recognised for it.

Changing the narrative by ensuring our employees feel a sense of pride in their work is important. Not just training teams in cleaning techniques, but empowering them with leadership development, customer engagement skills, and a sense of ownership over their roles. 

Our approach to cleaning through the “hotelification” approach takes this a step further, transforming traditional workplace cleaning into a hospitality-driven experience that enhances the spaces we serve.

Our people are not just cleaners, they are brand ambassadors, customer service professionals, and key contributors to the wider experience of every building managed. When you invest in your employees, you invest in the success of clients and the industry as a whole.

 

Sustaining a People-First Culture with Business Growth

 

As a business expands, maintaining this personal approach becomes more challenging, but it’s a challenge welcomed. With over 800 employees, our focus is on ensuring that every team member, no matter their role, feels seen, heard, and supported. Our contract managers play a critical role in upholding our ethos, promoting an environment where people feel connected to the company’s mission and valued for their contributions.

Growth should never come at the expense of culture. 

The businesses that thrive in the long run are the ones that stay true to their core values. Ensuring that our leadership team remains accessible and committed to championing employee wellbeing at every level.

 

Leading with Authenticity

 

I don’t believe in luck when it comes to business success. The strength of a business comes from the alignment of people who share the same passion. When you build a team based on trust, respect, and genuine care, excellence follows naturally.

A people-first approach is not just good ethics, it’s good business. By prioritising wellbeing, encouraging a sense of pride, and investing in long-term careers, we are not only creating a thriving workforce but also setting standards that speak. 

Picture: a photograph of John Conry Jr.

Article written by John Conry Jr. | Published 26 March 2025

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