Listen: In this episode of the Employee Benefits podcast, Chris Lincoln, people director, talks about how the benefits proposition at Vagabond Wines helps to build and sustain a sense of connection and community among its employees.
The employer ensures that all employees have access to range of initiatives to help build connections throughout the organisation, whether it is through the yoga club or cricket club, while also embedding a culture where communication is key. This extends to feedback and communication around the benefits on offer, to ensure about the organisation is providing the most suitable and valued support schemes to staff.
At a glance
Vagabond Wines is a hospitality business that provides a wide range of wine to taste and discover alongside a wide selection of food. Typical job roles range from wine advisors to chefs, hospitality managers and a full central service provision.
It has 155 employees, with average ages in the early 20s, and the average length of service is two years.
What are the primary business objectives that impact on benefits for the coming year?
Vagabond Wines has a huge growth trajectory which brings challenges of protecting the core culture of the business. It wants to ensure it stays true to its DNA and keep its personal touch that enables anyone to have an impact on the way the business operates and interacts with its teams.
Career history 
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Chris Lincoln joined Vagabond Wines as people director in August 2021. Prior to this, he has held positions including head of people for Puttshack, head of learning and development for Be At One, head of resourcing and development for Levy Restaurants, a general manager for Tui Travel, and was a general manager in a small independent night club.
Lincoln says: “Nothing makes me prouder than the culture we have built at Vagabond; we have a huge collection of professional, passionate and self-evolving people within the business. In my previous role I also built a welfare-to-work programme that helped over 2,000 people get off of benefits and into employment, which is something I will cherish for the rest of my time.”