CEO's Message July15

The days of employees dragging their feet through an 8 to 5 work day, confined to their cramped cubicle or tiny offices are rapidly coming to a close. With more companies looking for ways to motivate its employees, the overall redesign of the traditional corporate workspace has become an effective tool for organisational productivity. 
Research has shown that office space is being looked at more holistically. Companies are embracing an open-plan environment, which breaks down office and cubicle walls and leans toward large open work areas designed to encourage teamwork, cut down costs, improve productivity and, most importantly, promote team spirit. One of the key findings that we at Tyson Properties established is that our employees are getting inspiration by working alongside each other in an environment that is open, and that is not restricted by closed spaces.
To maximise our own office environments we brought in an interior design expert, Jacqueline Berry, owner of Jacqueline Berry Interiors. She explained that the philosophy that employees that have fun together work more effectively as a team is one that is driving the latest design trend, which is to create space for their employees to unwind and have fun – no longer are offices strictly for business.
Being the leading real estate brand, and a trendsetter in the property industry, we have taken our reputation to new heights, redefining the traditional real estate office concept to design a unique workspace that not only creates a better working environment for our employees but also a friendly atmosphere for our clients, potential clients and visitors. 
Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl is the first of the Tyson Properties offices to incorporate the new-look, and has set the tone for all Tyson Properties offices that will be opened in the future. With a commitment to open 50 new offices in the next 5 years, we have ensured that our redesign is progressive and will continue to achieve our objectives.
Jacqueline adopted the theme ‘Communication achieves results… let’s talk’, and highlighted the importance of communication between an agent and seller/buyer. She allocated half of the workspace to this very need. She also explained that open-plan workspaces allow for knowledge sharing and great communication between the employees.
A happy and professional working environment with excellent operational systems has been successfully achieved. By creating pockets of casual meeting areas the agents can sit down with their clients in an informal atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee and do what they do best – communicate. To achieve this, a welcoming coffee bar is clearly visible on entry.
The technological advances achieved in the past few decades have brought about a revolution in the business world, not only affecting nearly all aspects of a working life but also the basic requirements for any office set-up. Research shows that 77% of tech-savvy companies have a culture in which workers are open to concepts that challenge existing workplace practices, compared to 19% of companies that have not implemented technology solutions. 
Technology is constantly changing the way the workplace operates, but business should remember the reason they have an office in the first-place – for their staff to work together. The key to redesigning an office is therefore to find a balance between technology and face-to-face communication, which we have without doubt achieved! 
For private meetings and training, the Tyson Properties offices have created a luxurious boardroom with advanced satellite communication systems. 
Below the ‘industrial’ look and feel concrete ceilings, Jacqueline has installed crisp-white, sophisticated desks that were specially designed to give each agent ample workspace and storage. Large flat screen televisions were put on display in the shop front glazing which showcase the company’s portfolio of fabulous homes and apartments. The overall effect is a sleek, contemporary and efficient office.
The 2015 Workplace Report has highlights 4 important requirements for any productive office – Social Interaction, Ease and Efficiency, Physical Environment, and Personal Growth. A progressive and successful work environment is one that offers each of these elements to its employees. 
Considering that many of today’s office employees spend more time at work than at home, it’s important that working environments should be a comfortable, efficient and inspiring place.
We are extremely proud of the new office, as it accurately represents who Tyson Properties is as a brand. A well-designed office space can breathe life into an organisation by boosting creativity and output among employees and give the business credibility – through our office re-design we hope to continue to be at the forefront of our industry.