Year
October 2022
Outcome
- Future-ready real estate
- Inclusive workplace
- Leesman+
Resources
Lmi score
79.1
Share
Quality over quantity
The opportunity
Initially, BHP’s Adelaide office was divided between two locations on the same street. Both spaces had a conventional design featuring an open-plan layout with dedicated desks for individual employees.
When their pre Leesman Office survey highlighted that only 32.6% of employees agreed that their office was ‘A place I’m proud to bring visitors to’ they knew something needed to change.
As an organisation that prides itself on its people and attracting and retaining the best global talent, BHP knew that its workplaces must provide a world class experience that enables people to do their best work.
The outcome
BHP went from two underperforming buildings to the best Leesman Index score rating in 2020 across all Leesman+ certified workplaces by focusing on creating a workplace that works for all.
Background
BHP x Leesman
As an organisation that operates across 20 different locations, BHP encounters a diverse range of workplace requirements.
BHP has worked with Leesman for over five years, aiming to maximise its spatial utilisation and truly understand employees’ requirements.
When the business planned to move its office to a new location 15 minutes’ walk away, leaders at BHP saw an opportunity to increase dynamic working with a more flexible approach; offering employees an open and creative space which increased worker productivity, benefitting both the employees in their career progression and overall development, as well as benefitting the business as a whole with increased productivity and employee engagement.
Approach
Designing for wellness
BHP undertook drastic measures to reshape its workplace, introducing flexible seating arrangements, dismantling physical barriers, and incorporating family-friendly and wellness zones. The result was a significant increase in office pride, from 32.6% to 91.6%. Moreover, employee sentiment regarding workplace enjoyment increased from 54.1% to 89.0% post-occupancy.
Notably, 92.5% of employees felt that their current workplace positively impacted corporate image, compared to a mere 38.9% before the changes.
Building a community
Creating sociable and open-plan spaces emerges as a successful strategy for enhancing the employee’s experience. Collaboration and social interaction, which were often limited during the lockdown, are facilitated through such layouts.
BHP’s transformation reflects these principles, aiming to improve connectivity, flexibility, and technology to support varied workstyles. This, in turn, improves workplace culture, community, individual productivity, and team performance.
BHP’s overarching goal was to establish a consistent and high-quality workplace experience that empowers employees to excel.
A Pre and Post Leesman Office survey guided the transition process, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities.
With a focus on attracting and retaining global talent, BHP recognised the crucial role of a strong company culture in enhancing both morale and productivity. The transformation also addressed the need for relaxation and breaks, elevating employee support from 39.1% to 95.8%.
Furthermore, BHP’s new flexible approach bolstered teamwork productivity, with an increase from 57.6% to 82.4%.
Creative thinking support surged from 29.6% to 81.7%, highlighting the positive impact of a mixed activity-based design. Implementing open-plan spaces and designated quiet rooms improved support for telephone and private conversations, as well as informal meetings.
Conclusion
The success of BHP’s revamped office spaces garnered attention, including acknowledgment from Australia’s Prime Minister. BHP’s approach, as recognised by Leesman, exemplifies the value of listening to employee needs and crafting a workplace that aligns with business goals.
BHP’s transformation journey underscores the importance of adapting office spaces to meet evolving employee expectations and work practices. By prioritising dynamic and open-plan designs, fostering collaboration, and addressing wellbeing needs, BHP achieved remarkable improvements in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and overall business success.
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