MYOB moves to customised activity-based workplace
Those were themes the accounting software company and its employees chose for "neighbourhood" activity-based work zones following its recent move into the largest single-floor workspace in suburban Melbourne.
MYOB is the latest company to embrace activity-based working, an innovation that reduces space requirements by giving employees a laptop and a locker but no fixed desk.
The intent of MYOB's "neighbourhoods" is to create a "homey" rather than corporate workplace, retain key staff and foster a fun, innovative, collaborative space that drives interaction among staff.
The company moved from the Tally Ho Business Park in Burwood East to the top of The Glen shopping centre in Glen Waverley.
In doing so it reduced its office space from 6400 square metres to 4900 sq m while increasing the workforce from 450 to 500.
The refit was complete in 11 weeks, retained about 5 per cent of the original fitout and minimised costs for the remainder (about $850 per sq m) by including the builder in the design process throughout, Colliers International project services director Robert Sloan said.
MYOB was selective in its use of activity-based working, Mr Sloan said. The result was breakout areas for quick meetings but some departments, like the call centre, remained unchanged. Another advantage it gave was flexibility to scale up or down during peak demand periods.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
MYOB transformed its new single-floor workspace into themed “neighbourhoods” such as a festival zone, music studio, campsite, laneway and playing field. The redesign embraces activity-based working—giving staff laptops and lockers instead of fixed desks—and creates breakout areas for quick meetings to encourage interaction.
MYOB’s intent was to create a more “homey” rather than corporate workplace to retain key staff and foster a fun, innovative, collaborative environment. Activity-based working also reduces overall space requirements and increases flexibility for staff interaction.
MYOB moved from the Tally Ho Business Park in Burwood East to the top floor of The Glen shopping centre in Glen Waverley. The new location is the largest single-floor workspace in suburban Melbourne.
By adopting activity-based working, MYOB reduced its office area from 6,400 square metres to 4,900 square metres while growing its workforce from about 450 employees to 500.
At MYOB, activity-based working means employees generally use laptops and have personal lockers rather than assigned desks. Staff choose different neighbourhoods or breakout areas depending on the task, although some teams keep fixed spaces where needed.
Yes. MYOB was selective in applying activity-based working—departments such as the call centre remained unchanged and kept their existing setups.
The refit was completed in 11 weeks. About 5% of the original fitout was retained, and costs for the remainder were minimised to roughly $850 per square metre by involving the builder in the design process throughout, according to Colliers International project services director Robert Sloan.
The redesign delivered multiple benefits: reduced office footprint, improved ability to retain staff through a more engaging workplace, flexible scaling up or down during peak demand, dedicated breakout areas for quick meetings, and a collaborative, innovative culture.
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