A late evening, a cough and a thoughtful offer led to an email from one chief executive to another – and an OCS TRUE Star Award for cleaner Nhân Trinh Xuan.
Chris Blenkiron was working late at Vector’s office while Nhân and his colleagues carried out their evening cleaning duties.
Nhân heard Chris coughing. He stopped at his office to check that he was all right, then shared a herbal recipe he thought might help. Nhân explained how to prepare it and said he hoped Chris would soon feel better.
Later, Chris emailed OCS Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Gareth Marriott to acknowledge Nhân’s care. As Vector’s Group Chief Executive, he knows the value of hearing when a colleague has made a difference.
“I’ve come to know Nhân over the last 12 months. He’s a great young guy who does a really good job,” Chris wrote.
“His genuine care to share a family recipe with me was incredibly thoughtful and quite touching. If all of us had Nhân’s approach to care, I think we could all learn a few things.”
The recipe was one Nhân knew from his own experience.
“My mother, who is a doctor, and my close friend An Hoang were both familiar with it. When An learned that I was unwell, she suggested I try it and helped me prepare it,” Nhân says.
“Growing up, my mother taught me to be thoughtful about how medicines are used rather than relying on them unnecessarily. I had noticed that Chris was taking cold medicine while he was unwell, so I simply wanted to share something from my own experience that might help him feel more comfortable.”
Nhân says he never expected anything in return.
“When people place their trust in me – whether they are my OCS colleagues or the people I work alongside at Vector – I don’t hesitate to help where I can.”
OCS recognised Nhân with a TRUE Star Award through the OCS Stars programme. The award acknowledges colleagues whose actions reflect Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment in their work.
Gareth says Nhân’s recognition carries a wider message for the business.
“Most customers experience OCS through colleagues like Nhân, often outside normal office hours and far from head office. The standard of his work builds confidence. The way he treats people builds trust.”
Reflecting his humble nature, Nhân also credits the people who supported him when he joined OCS.
“From my first days at Vector, Awot, Riya, Savita and Arjeet supported me with their knowledge, guidance and care. They treated me like part of a family,” he says. “Together with my mother and An, their kindness has influenced the way I try to care for and support the people around me.”
For Nhân, the award represents the three years he has worked at OCS.
“I never worked with the expectation of receiving an award. I simply tried to complete every job entrusted to me to the best standard I could.
“Knowing that Chris took the time to recognise that small act, and that OCS has recognised both my work and the way I treat people, means a great deal to me. It is something I will remember for a very long time.”
Soothing Cough – Ginger and Honey Drink
- Cut a few slices of fresh ginger, approximately 2 mm thick.
- Bring some water to the boil, add the ginger slices, and gently boil or simmer them for around 5–10 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse into the water.
- Remove from the heat and leave it to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
- Add a spoonful of honey, stir, and enjoy while it is still warm.
