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BRIEFING Keep up to date with the latest news surrounding the role of the EA
‘ Hub & Spoke ’: the future business model ?
With 85 % of employees expecting continued flexibility to work from home post-COVID , many firms across the globe are considering downsizing or getting rid of city centre bases in place of smaller offices closer to where employees are based . This is known as the ‘ hub & spoke business model ’.
Firstly , it ’ s more cost-effective . Adopting the hub & spoke work model allows companies to downsize their city centre office – lowering overheads , rent , expenses , and business rates - all while maintaining brand image .
It ’ s also flexible . Now , more than ever , flexibility is vital for businesses . Increasingly in the past two years there have been more co-workspaces on the market . These fully serviced offices allow businesses to sign-up to shortterm licence agreements , with fewer
T & C ’ s , allowing spoke offices to be opened rapidly and at much lower risk
It helps meet employee expectations . Spoke offices meet in the middle of a company and employee ’ s needs . In return , a better work-life balance for them could mean higher productivity and output for the business . It will increase your company ’ s footprint . Adopting the hub & spoke model means that while your dispersed teams are going about their daily business , they are meeting local people and other companies , opening a range of doors and benefits including a broader reach for in-person services , new business partners and a more extensive network .
It also provides the opportunity to hire new talent . With a centralised office , businesses are confined to certain geographical compromises such as commute distance , time and cost . That means the majority of the country ’ s talent is lost on your business , and these individuals who might be the key to your future success could be hired by your competitors instead . S
Is your workplace taking mental health seriously ?
In a year that has turned everybody ’ s lives upside down , it ’ s taken a toll on mental health . Increased isolation and disconnection from your co-workers could have you feeling more down than usual . But what is your workplace doing about it ? While many businesses have stepped up to the plate and are taking good care of their employees , many also haven ’ t . The Allianz Future Thriving Workplaces report shows that workers compensation claim costs relating to mental health have increased by 80 %.
Black Dog Institute recently reported there are four signs your workplace isn ’ t taking mental health seriously . Does your office hold a morning tea on awareness days ? If so , they probably aren ’ t being as effective as they could be . Recent proof shows that Australia doesn ’ t have any problems with awareness and these campaigns
could be used as something more effective . Another red flag is if your company doesn ’ t offer flexible work arrangements . If they don ’ t , have you brought this up with your executive ? If not , make sure you speak up because workers need flexibility now more than ever .
If you feel guilty taking a mental health day , this is a bad sign . Your employers should be supporting your mental health , not making you feel bad about it . And lastly , if there ’ s no official mental health training or support systems in place , then you know your company doesn ’ t have your back . Again , as an EA you ’ re privy to these kinds of programs and protocols . If you think there ’ s a lack of mental health systems in place , have a chat to your executive about it . They might not be aware of the kind of culture these four signs are breeding in the office . S
New rules for Melbourne ’ s workers
As restrictions in Melbourne ease and remote workers begin the return to the office , it ’ s important your executives are across the new restrictions .
Although the lockdown has finished , the premier has announced that the 25-kilometre rule will stand . Melbourne will also keep its borders closed to regional Victoria for the meantime . But if workers are travelling to and from the city , they ’ ll need to show their work permit .
If employees have the option to work from home , then they must do so . But offices are no longer required to be on the “ permitted work ” list to return to the site . Keep in mind that offices will be subject to density quotas and record keeping . Frequent handwashing , face masks , physical distancing and the avoidance of contact must continue to be implemented . S
10 Chief of Staff | Issue 2 2020