Living is easy in a new wave office

Australia’s best offices are equipped with fun and luxurious mod-cons, creating a hotel resort-like environment or turning office space into a small amusement park.

Employers want to encourage their staff to work harder, be more motivated to come to work each day and ultimately stay at the firm rather than seek another job at a rival company.

Organisational psychologist Shelley Rogers says employers are looking at ways they can retain staff by engaging their employees.

“Employee engagement can happen at an emotional level, when (workers) think `I’m being cared for and my employer cares about me’,” she says.

“It can also be a range of practical things.

“That’s where childcare is a really important one but it’s only important if their staff are people in young families.”

She says thinking outside the square and installing new facilities to impress and capture the interest of staff only works if employers consult with employees, consider the nature of their workforce and find out their interests.

On-site childcare facilities, for example, may not be beneficial to a workforce in which most staff do not have children while the latest video game equipment may not be appealing to older employees.

Ms Rogers says one size does not fit all when trying to engage and motivate employees. “Even though we have had a slight rise in unemployment, there’s still a tight labour market for skilled people,” she says.

“Companies are needing to think about how they retain their talent.

“When a company really understands what engages and motivates their staff and they deliver the kind of support to do that, they are going to get increased engagement.”

Building supplier Bianco has three foosball tables and 10 arcade video machines in its lunch rooms at Gepps Cross and Newton for staff to use during breaks.

Marketing manager Roger Coventry says entertainment facilities, which also include a wall-mounted flat screen television, always have been provided free for staff to use.

“A happy staff is a productive and loyal staff,” he says.

“It is part of what is known as the Bianco culture.”

The Aurora on Pirie office building on Pirie St has a heated lap pool and spa, steam room, sauna, barbecue facilities and outdoor decking area on the rooftop for staff who work in the building.

Urban Construct chief executive Todd Brown says employees also have access to a concierge, dedicated business centre with its own receptionist and function rooms.

“Aurora on Pirie, which was developed by Urban Construct, is among the very few, new generation of commercial buildings that will meet demands placed by companies aiming to attract and retain quality staff in the competitive employment market,” he says.

“It was our goal to set it apart from other commercial properties through the range of staff and corporate amenities provided within the building.”

He says sharing facilities enables small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to access them and provide it for their staff.

The company has been overwhelmed with the response from owner occupiers and tenants who enjoy its uniqueness and would consider including similar facilities for future commercial developments, he says.

OsteoSA director Dr Sarah Crosby, 28, says there is no other building in the city that offers a similar working environment to the Aurora. “It is great to be able to work out in the gym before work and enjoy a glass of bubbly in the spa overlooking the hills and cityscape at night after a hard day’s work,” Dr Crosby says.

“At OsteoSA, we also take our patients up to the gym to show them specific exercises/workouts as part of their overall care.”

Community Bridging Services executive director Freddie Brincat says its clients and staff use the facilities for social and work requirements.

“I use the gym, pool and change facilities regularly, including weekends,” he says.

“The cafe downstairs encourages you to meet with clients and staff who respond best to a more informal environment.

“I like the concept of building a village style community based around where you work.”

PinSource director and franchisor Paul Harvey, 55, says the workplace environment feels more like an international hotel – “my wife is amazed that I ever leave it to come home.”

BEST OF BEST

What employers are offering their staff:

* Tearoom: A kitchen equipped with a breakfast bar, including various cereals, fruit and breads for staff to eat and beverages in addition to tea and coffee, which are fitted with cappuccino machines and toasters.

Staff can arrive at work early and eat before or on-the-job.

* Gym: A work space is designated as an exercise area for staff, complete with electronic machines, weights and stretch areas. Some workplaces hire staff to conduct classes or personal training sessions.

Staff may have to pay a subsidised cost for the service but can exercise before or after work or during scheduled breaks.

* Childcare: Childcare staff are hired to provide care for the children of employees at a location on-site away from work areas.

Parents can cut out travel times and stress with having to leave work on time to pick up children by bringing them to the office childcare centre. It also allows staff to have access to their children during scheduled breaks.

* Cafes: Office buildings are fitted out with food court-style restaurants, cafes and sandwich bars, often on the ground floor.

It allows employees at all offices in the building to have quick access to a variety of foods in a more relaxed environment during scheduled breaks.

Some companies provide employees with a three-course meal during their work day.

* Pool: A lap pool, spa and sauna is available to staff in the building to use before or after work or during scheduled breaks.

Staff receive unrestricted access to the area for fitness or social use.

* Snack fridge: Stocked by the employer with occasional treats ranging from soft drinks, chocolates and lollies to more nutritious food, such as nuts, savoury biscuits and fruit. Employees can stave off hunger pangs or meet a Friday afternoon sweet craving without leaving the office.

* Recreational area: Video games, TVs, couches, entertainment units and games are set up for staff to use during scheduled breaks.

It helps employees to relax and take time out of a stressful day and build social relationships with other staff.