Re:work have created a hybrid space which helps them achieve their aim of ‘loving where they work’. Caroline Wherritt explains more.
Describe your business in no more than 100 words.
We help people to ‘love where they work’ by providing a range of office products and interior design services. We sell good quality used office furniture – which we acquire from businesses looking to update their own office space – in addition to new equipment that is sourced mainly from UK manufacturers. We also offer commercial fit outs and refurbishments.
What kind of workplace do you have? Factory, offices, home office...
Our workplace consists of a showroom, offices, warehouse and meeting room all combined under one roof, creating a hybrid space to facilitate all of our needs.
Is there an interesting history to your workplace? For example, did it have a different use before it became your workplace?
It has actually been quite a challenge to find out what the buildings original usage was, but we know it was built back in 1938, and still holds some of its original features. These include old style red brick – some of which we have kept in places. The high traditional-style ceiling and steel struts also give the space a vintage feel and bags of character – this is what I fell in love with.
What makes your workplace special?
Everything about the space is what we have always looked for. I love that it is ours, and that we now have room to breathe and really expand our brand. The new unit allows us to fully embrace our slogan ‘love where you work’ – we certainly do!
The building itself has been restored in places to its original state, and it’s a style we all love. We sit at the side of the M621, which may put some people off, but it’s nice to break up the day and watch the traffic go by as we work.
And finally, the team! We like to work hard but also have a giggle, and I think our surroundings have helped to produce a super working environment, which is also relaxed at the same time, with everyone able to feel comfortable and at ease.
Who is responsible for making your workplace brilliant?
Everybody! Without each of our amazing team members the place would fall apart.
But I also think it’s down to the business owner to make a workplace brilliant, as they should certainly take the lead on creating the right atmosphere. This is not just down to the space itself, but is also affected by how the business is run – all factors need to be considered in order to ensure a fantastic working area.
What made you want to deviate from the standard ‘desk, chair, kettle’ office setup?
Our old office was split out all over the place, so with our new space I really wanted to bring everyone together to create a more proactive working environment, and feel more like a complete team. We have standing desks for those who want to use them, a kitchen where drinks can be made throughout the day, and an open plan office area which means we can bounce ideas to one another and brainstorm.
I have a policy that means my door is always open – unless I have an important call to make – so everyone feels I am also a part of the team.
We spend a lot of time at work, so I think it is important that the space looks and feels good, to ensure that everyone enjoys being here.
How does this affect morale, productivity, staff retention?
It boosts the morale in the office massively. Providing people with a place in which they feel happy makes them enjoy coming to work and then becomes somewhere that they are proud to be a part of. I wanted to create a warm and inviting space too, which I hope helps with staff retention.
What other plans do you have to make your workplace even better?
My next plan is to get the meeting room up and running so people can use our space to have impromptu gatherings – and also to enable others to use the booths in the showroom as a practical working space. The staff room is another thing to improve as I want to create a friendly and cosy place for the team to break away and switch off from their work.
Further future plans are to expand our showroom, make the front of the building ‘pretty’ and add some more funky displays internally. Our workplace is already amazing and we all love it, but these extra things will help take us to the next level, and I can’t wait to see our plans unfold!
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