7 minute read
FEATURE
Carlisle Homes’ new headquarters has future of work at its very heart
After creating homes for more than 14,000 Victorian families, Carlisle Homes is celebrating a housewarming of its own – moving into its impressive new multi-level office and flagship showroom boasting noteworthy green creds and cuttingedge technology in Mulgrave. Carlisle’s 500 team members have shifted into the company’s expansive new digs at 631 Springvale Road (approximately 30km from Melbourne’s CBD). The head office is co-located with Carlisle Homes’ Spectra Selection Centre – the most extensive showroom of its kind in Australia – where customers can browse and compare thousands of inspiring ideas, products, finishes and fixtures for their new home.
Guided by employee focus groups and feedback, the head office concept was painstakingly crafted by company founder and managing director John Doulgeridis, adhering to the guiding principle: what helps team members to thrive also helps Carlisle’s customers to thrive.
Mr Doulgeridis explained that the design and fit-out of the new head office reflects the company’s broader people and customer philosophy of enabling people and families to flourish. “Our motto is ‘Life’s better at Carlisle Homes’ and that’s how we want our people to feel about being here – to be engaged and inspired to do their best work,” he said. “Thanks to the countless virtual interactions that our team members have had over the past 18 months [because of COVID rules and precautions], we’ve all gained a deeper insight into each other’s home lives, families and interests, so we wanted to create an office space where our people feel just as comfortable. A space where they can bring their true self to work. “The office is no longer purely a physical location – it’s an extension of people’s home life; a hub where we come together and connect to do those things that we have missed in a virtual world.”
Mr Doulgeridis said the timing was right to relocate as the company’s lease of its previous head office was due to expire and Carlisle’s leadership team was keen to purpose-build a modern, best-inclass facility that encourages a cohesive office life in a post-pandemic world. “Designing a new headquarters during the uncertainty of a pandemic was challenging. Whilst most companies were reducing real estate and moving to hot desking, we had our sights set on more space, greater wellbeing elements and an elevated focus on human connection moments.” Creating a workplace that caters for the ‘new normal’ of working meant factoring in:
• Physically distancing workstations by at least 1.8m
• Having interactive technology and meeting spaces to seamlessly connect site, sales, office or workfrom-home locations
• Open-air meeting facilities and fully mobile AV technology • Employees’ decreased desire to use public transport or travel long distances
• Hybrid work arrangements to support work/life balance and family presence. “The future of the planet is hugely important to us, which is why the building is all-electric to support a carbon-neutral future. The site also has an 84,000-litre rainwater tank to supply
The Carlisle Homes new head office is a impressive new multi-level office and flagship showroom
the toilets and landscape irrigation, as well as electric vehicle chargers,” Mr Doulgeridis said. “The internal design and fit-out has a very welcoming and luxurious, five-star hotel quality feel that would be as much ‘at home’ in Silicon Valley as it is here in Mulgrave. It is about raising the bar of residential construction and promoting a world-class work environment outside the CBD.”
The building has lots of open spaces as well as pods where staff can retreat when they need to concentrate without distraction.
Every workstation and office desk has an ergonomic and adjustable sit-tostand desk functionality, dual monitors, wireless charging platforms and lightweight headsets. The state-of-the-art Learning Lab and Leaning Studio are available for staff training, team building and brainstorming sessions as well as wellbeing activities. A breakfast bar supports team members to start their day right, fuelled with a healthy breakfast. There are also spaces for relaxing and team-bonding, including games zones featuring both modern and ‘old school’ consoles, table tennis and pool and shuffleboard tables. Massage chairs are in the communal breakout areas adjoining the staff kitchens. As part of the business estate’s shared tenant facilities, Carlisle employees can access an outdoor terrace/piazza with BBQ facilities, health and fitness amenities (including a multi-use sports court for a hit of tennis or a game of volleyball or netball) and running/walking track.
“We feel strongly that a connected company culture is what Carlisle is all about and the future of work is, without a doubt, hybrid. We’ve created a space where people want to come and connect, and to be part of something special; where they feel a sense of team and are inspired to achieve greatness,” Mr Doulgeridis said. About Carlisle Homes
Carlisle Homes is an awardwinning residential builder who has completed over 14,000 homes since the company was established in 2004. Carlisle is a market leader amongst Victorian home builders, servicing the key growth areas of Melbourne and Geelong. The company ranks as the fifth largest home builder in the state, based on Housing Industry Australia (HIA) 2020/2021 data for new home starts.
Exceeding customers’ expectations is at the heart of the company’s mission. Carlisle’s commitment to unsurpassed customer service excellence is centred on a strong understanding of its customers’ needs and expectations and backed by a dedicated Customer Charter. This commitment is evidenced through achieving a 4.7-star rating on ProductReview.com.au, the highest of any major volume builder in Victoria. Since its inception, Carlisle has won numerous industry awards in building, design, quality and customer service, including the 2021 Australia’s Most Professional Major Builder award. Carlisle Homes has twice been recognised by Kincentric (formerly AON Hewitt) as a Best Employer, which is testament to the company’s genuine commitment to make life better for every one of its 500 employees. In addition to Carlisle’s commitment to its customers and employees, the company is also passionate about growing the communities in which they build homes through community grants and sports sponsorships. Carlisle is currently sponsoring six junior sports teams around metropolitan Melbourne to enable participation and community growth through sport. With a proud history of supporting local community groups and organisations, Carlisle Homes has been providing community and sporting grants since 2014.
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