BT Consumer, which sells products and services including fixed lines, mobiles and broadband and digital television, knows it's good to talk.

Throughout the pandemic senior leaders have shared their personal stories and feelings with staff to reinforce the importance of connecting during difficult and uncertain times. The ‘Let's Stay Connected' campaign to help keep staff engaged and motivated has included bite-sized videos, personal experiences, and hints and tips from leaders across the company.

Managers have responded to the need for clarity through regular drop-in calls with their staff and chief executive, Marc Allera, holds monthly virtual coffee sessions open to all employees and, along with managing directors, regularly hosts virtual catch-ups and ‘Ask Me Anything' events.

Listening sessions help bosses to understand how employees are feeling, and the challenges they are facing. The private firm, which made a commitment not to furlough anyone, allowed all employees to continue working, offering tailored support whether their people are living alone or home-schooling young children.

BT Consumer has created a ‘Supporting our BT Kids' group and runs a range of social events. In partnership with the Department for Education, it has also launched ‘Lockdown Learning Kids', giving free, unlimited mobile data to disadvantaged families and offering Wi-Fi vouchers to ensure everyone can access online learning content.

In partnership with ITV, BT Consumer, which operates across the BT, EE and Plusnet brands broadcast 12 step-by-step daily tech tip films to help the nations stay connected through lockdown.