To mark the 6th anniversary of ‘Making Dundee a Living Wage City’ Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure, paid a special visit to Kanzen for Life to discuss their support of the Living Wage movement and thank them for the positive impact they have had.
Kanzen for Life, an award-winning social enterprise charity, has established a strong reputation across Dundee for their inspiring work in building stronger communities and transforming lives. They deliver a range of community activities, designed to engage and empower everyone ensuring their impact is felt citywide.
As part of their efforts to mark the progress of the real Living Wage in the city, Kanzen team member, Oliver Bruce spoke to Councillor Rome about how working for an accredited Living Wag employer has benefitted him, and also took the time to write this great blog:
Making an Impact with The Living Wage by Oliver Bruce
At Kanzen for Life, we are committed to building better lives and empowering communities. As a Living Wage employer, we’re proud to set a standard that reflects our values and puts people first. Our team is mainly made up of younger people and paying the Living Wage isn’t just a tick box exercise – it’s a statement about who we are and what we stand for.
Work is more than earning a living; it’s about self-respect and pride. By committing to the Living Wage, we ensure that every team member feels valued and recognised for their contribution. This isn’t just good for team spirit; it’s vital to creating a culture where people develop. When we value the dignity of work, we inspire our team to deliver their best.
Today, my generation are looking for more than pay. We want to work for organisations that have purpose, integrity, and impact. By paying the living wage, we show that we’re serious about taking care of our people and that we’re committed to making a difference to them and our communities. I know the difference it has made to me.
We believe in the potential of every person and this is one way we invest in our team, giving them the stability they need to focus on their work and purpose. It’s about more than just pay – it’s about creating opportunities for our team to learn, lead, and realise their potential. This generation will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Everything we do is about creating impact. By paying the Living Wage, we’re not just supporting our team, we’re supporting the wider community and economy. When young people feel respected, supported, and inspired in their work, they’re more likely to step up, give back, and create a knock-on effect that benefits everyone around them.
Paying the Living Wage isn’t just a policy for us, it’s part of who we are. It’s about leading with purpose, treating people with respect, and building better lives together. We’re not just creating jobs; we’re creating futures.