Peabody staff get it in the ear on International Women’s Day

Supported housing officer Luisa Proctor, who is also a qualified acupuncturist, sticks needles in the ear of colleague Annie Harrison in a demonstration of relaxation tips for International Women's Day at Peabody Trust.

International Women's Day is a universal day that connects women around the world and inspires them to achieve their full potential.

Supported housing officer and qualified acupuncturist Luisa Proctor stuck needles in the ears of female staff in the name of ‘auricular acupuncture' and offered relaxation tips while they ate lunch.

A female-focused information hour followed, which saw a talk on staff benefits by the assistant director of human resources, Caroline Alexander ,whilst senior construction manager Susan May shared her experience of the job-share scheme available at Peabody.

Job sharing is an increasingly popular option in the workplace and may be of particular interest to women who have, for example, childcare commitments

Director of community regeneration Maura Santos spoke about her career path to the top, in the light of recent reports calling for more flexible working hours and opportunities that encourage women into the ‘top jobs'. The UK also has the biggest pay gap in Europe between men and women.

Ms. Santos also spoke about some of the women's community projects that Peabody runs, which have taken innovative approaches to encourage women into education and promote long-term change for their families.

The activities were organised as part of the trust's diversity awareness programme, which has already run a number of events at its offices on Westminster Bridge Road to promote best practice in valuing diversity amongst residents and staff.

• Peabody has ten housing estates in the SE1 area.

• Public events for International Women's Week have been organised by both Lambeth and Southwark councils.