Why Frasers Property’s new HQ is very WELL done
Frasers Property Australia’s $9.8 million office fitout at Rhodes Corporate Park has achieved a gold WELL Building Standard rating, and has boosted staff satisfaction by 56 per cent into the bargain.
Located at 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes Corporate Park – covering 90,000 sqm – has been developed by Frasers Property in stages over the past 15 years.
The fitout, comprising 3,700 sqm spread across two levels, is just the second in Australia to receive the gold certification and just the 14th globally.
BVN Architects’ design “makes conscious use of passive design as part of a strategy to encourage movement – both for fitness and to promote unplanned conversations and collaboration,” says Reini Otter, Frasers Property’s executive general manager for commercial, industrial and investment property.
Paolo Bevilacqua, Frasers Property’s general manager of sustainability says mobility, natural daylight and comfort were important design considerations, and the diverse range of spaces – including a kitchen, steps, terrace and lounge, “have helped increase productivity”.
Staff satisfaction scores with the indoor environment quality have improved dramatically following the move. There has been a 56 per cent improvement in staff satisfaction for overall health and productivity. Spatial comfort is up 77 per cent, indoor air quality has improved by 64 per cent and visual comfort recorded a 44 per cent increase in satisfaction levels.
WELL buildings are given credits for seven categories including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
Among the features, 30 per cent of workstations feature sit-to-stand desks. High quality and diverse breakout and private spaces include quiet rooms, booths and benches. And a LED lighting system upgrade with sensor technology has improved light quality, control and efficiency.
End-of-trip facilities, equivalent to a five-star hotel, include showers, lockers, change rooms and a bike repair kit. Indoor plants and trees, up to three metres high, improve air quality and connection to nature.
And health and nutrition are prioritised with access to fruit and vegetables, a health and wellness library, as well as reimbursements and subsidies for some structured fitness programs and activities.
“The suburbs have been neglected in terms of innovation in the workplace with a focus on the main CBD areas,” Otter adds.
“However, employers and workers are now starting to demand more. To remain an employer of choice and attract the best talent, companies need to offer workplaces that offer choice, flexibility, technology and atmosphere.”