Can office design improve staff health?

In an attempt to improve employee wellness, innovation and leadership, Frasers Property Australia has unveiled its new head office located at the Rhodes Corporate Park in Sydney.

Architectural practice BVN, in conjunction with Frasers Property’s commercial division, led the $9.8m fit-out comprising 3,700 sqm spread across two levels.

Reini Otter, executive general manager commercial & industrial at Frasers Property Australia, said the design reflects the corporate values and culture of their business, as well as their future aspirations.

“What I personally like best is the inherent passive design approach that we have adopted here that encourages movement,” said Otter.

“This include basic things – for instance, we all come in the one entry door, which has a social aspect to it as well.

“Additionally, we have one central communal café and kitchen area called The Steps, whereas before we had four separate areas.

“Everybody also has lockers rather than storage at their desks – so all of these passive measures means that you have to move more."

Otter added that it’s not a ‘ram it down your throat’ kind of wellness approach. Rather, it’s a smart, passive design that encourages the outcomes that they want.

“What we are noticing is that the cultural aspects are great as well,” he said.

“You’ve got more visibility among people, people are seeing each other more and they are speaking more.

“It’s all about mental, as well as physical wellbeing.”

Otter added the company also wanted to encourage a much higher level of engagement and knowledge sharing both within teams and between teams.

“One thing we are very focused on in our business is empowering the right people and giving them the autonomy to do their job effectively,” he said.

“If people feel empowered in a workspace then that attitude flows through to how well they do their jobs.”

Five key principles that shaped the design include: