The move has been highly successful... Thank you for your counsel and direct input through the process.
– Operational Readiness Working Group member
Your support, advice, expertise and patience has been a genuine catalyst for the success of our move.
– HR Operations Manager
Relocating to the CBD after more than 20 years in the suburbs was an opportunity to re-set their ways of working and increase collaboration.
the opportunity
A global leader in environmentally sustainable mining of bauxite and alumina, and production of aluminium, relocated their Australian head office from a suburban location into a modern, agile workspace in the Perth CBD. The move from Booragoon was an opportunity to re-imagine their established ways of working and bring different areas of the business together. Having been in the Booragoon site for over 20 years, and with the new CBD office 12km away, there were mixed feelings about the move.
In addition to the significant change in location, there were a number of other changes to work through with staff, including:
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Moving from assigned desks and private offices to unassigned desks and team neighbourhoods
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Transitioning from a solo tenancy to a multi-tenant office building
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Introducing new technology, a desk booking system, and electronic ‘smart’ lockers
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Navigating a significant change in commute and a dramatic reduction in onsite parking from over 200 down to 7 parking bays.
While some of these factors would appear challenging, the flip-side was a new, modern office environment, located in a premium location with excellent amenities nearby and good (and greatly improved) public transport access. The new office was an opportunity to modernise the working environment, improve the employee experience and build stronger collaboration and sense of team – with the longer-term benefits of increased space flexibility to accommodate changing organisational needs, and the ability to attract and retain talent across a wider geography.
our approach
In the early stages of the project, we started by listening and learning.
We reviewed existing workplace data and mapped out available communication channels and change forums. Then we designed and deployed a staff survey to capture baseline sentiment – how people were working, what was working well, and what was getting in the way. We visualised the results in a simple infographic and shared it with staff.
Focus groups with a cross-section of people (across departments and seniority) built an insight into concerns, change readiness, and needs across the organisation at different stages throughout the change process. An audit of storage methods and volumes helped identify opportunities for consolidation and departmental ‘must haves’.
All of this fed into a change strategy and detailed plan – built to support the transformation and create a positive experience for staff.
The Steering Committee immediately endorsed the plan and promptly engaged Puzzle to provide ongoing expert guidance and counsel and implementation support, including:
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Driving operational readiness, through establishing a working group, gaining alignment, ensuring clear roles and accountability, and driving progress
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Developing a neighbourhood plan, based on data analysis and leader consultation
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Establishing and engaging a dedicated Change Champion group, thereby creating open communication channels, rich engagement, opportunities to share feedback and ideas, built relationships across the organisation, and created a genuine sense of ownership and pride in the workplace change
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Supporting the client to co-create new ways of working and optimise the benefits of the new workplace design and support people to use and share the new spaces with ease
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Creating tailored communications materials and resources, such as a parking and public transport guides, and a workplace guide to help staff navigate the new environment and settle in as quickly and effortlessly as possible.
the results
Not only was the client operationally ready for the move, staff reported that they felt informed, supported, and engaged throughout the transition. The new workspace delivered on its promise of modernity, flexibility, and improved opportunities for collaboration.
blueprint
change
transition
transgrid head office
Transgrid, a leading electricity network operator, was struggling with office facilities that were outdated and not supporting modern ways of working.
leading financial
institution
Using data and evidence as a basis to drive “right-sizing” in CRE decision making.
federal government #3
Establishing a “new normal”, pioneering new ways of working, and building enthusiasm and positivity in the client’s team.
emergency
services
Puzzle were entrusted to manage the complex transition of a critical emergency services operation centre housing 600 staff.
local
government
The transformation of 6,195 square metres of council offices into an innovative, collaborative, flexible workplace.
public
hospital
No time to waste! Plan and relocate 900 health staff between 15 buildings and across 7 sites within 3 months!
leading mining company
Relocating to the CBD after more than 20 years in the suburbs was an opportunity to re-set their ways of working and increase collaboration
federal government #1
Using an evidence-based approach to test and refine a novel real estate strategy…the introduction of satellite Hubs.
leading financial institution
Establishing a “new normal”, pioneering new ways of working, and building enthusiasm and positivity in the client’s team.
state
government
We love a challenge...co-locate 2,800 staff from 10 sites (five departmental divisions and 10 agencies) to a new building...during a global pandemic.
financial institution FWOW
Navigating a path towards a ‘new normal’, leveraging the lessons from the remote working experience and defining future ways of working.
global law
firm
From negative to positive...how a change management program assisted to shift staff sentiment during a move to agile working.
federal government #2
Deploying new technology with a user-centred approach to drive high levels of engagement and adoption.
global comms
group
Leveraging a co-location project to re-define culture and drive improved agility, collaboration and flexibility.
national
broadcaster
The show must go on! Relocating three broadcast studios and 645 staff in an incredibly tight window between the evening newscast and the following days’ morning show.