All paths lead to a new staff hub
Australia’s largest grain co-operative, the CBH Group, recently moved into a new head office in Perth’s CBD. The thoughtful and purposefully designed fit-out reflects the CBH commitment to a positive and productive employee culture.
All staff – including senior management – work at open plan desks, with easy access to dedicated hydration and informal meeting spaces. The lines of sight and overall floor plan naturally draw people towards an impressive, central staff hub. In stark contrast to CBH’s former ‘instant coffee’ kitchens and in-house cafeteria, the new hub – ‘Oasis’ – houses a modern galley with an expansive island bench, fridges, ample cupboards and dishwashers.
The kitchen zone is surrounded by 280 sqm of informal, comfortable seating with soft furnishings that echo the green and ochre tones of CBH’s agricultural base, with tables, bookshelves and acoustic ceilings that accent a wheat sheaf design.
Informal, comfortable seating with soft furnishings and biophilic design
Our early contribution at the design phase is recommended
Our BrewHub team started working with CBH during the design phase, to learn about their aspirations for the staff hub and coffee preferences. We proposed the installation of two state of the art TopBrewer machines under the island bench, with sleek swan neck taps and personalised beverage customisation through an iPad on the counter. After consultation with their staff, CBH selected two coffee blends, two milk options, hot chocolate and sparkling water.
A TopBrewer coffee machine in CBH’s Oasis breakout hub
The TopBrewer machines are perfect for CBH because they are an innovative way to service their staff of 340, but they also create a focal point, drawing people into the hub.
Interestingly, CBH chose to serve only water in their hydration stations which are situated throughout the open plan office. So, when staff take a coffee break or eat lunch, they are encouraged to meet at the Oasis.
As part of our discussions with CBH we recommended commercial crockery and cutlery, rather than unreliable retail lines. CBH made their selections and we handled the ordering and delivery, and, our valets set up and stocked the kitchen.
Valets = peace of mind
CBH were also looking for on-going help to manage their pantry. This is exactly what the BrewHub valet service offers – peace of mind. Every day the kitchen area is spotless, the coffee machines are cleaned, filled with consumables such as milk, tea and fruit are available 24/7.
A tailored staff hub experience for CBH
Clients like CBH tell us that streamlining services, administration and costs is important to them. BrewHub is the only company that provides a single point of contact for the coffee machines, coffee, milk, crockery, pantry items and comprehensive valet services – on a single invoice. This inclusive package eliminates the need for clients like CBH to resort to multiple providers and multiple invoices.
A positive report card – a social and regenerative hub
CBH reports that the Oasis hub is a huge hit!
Our staff love customising their coffee with the iPad touchscreen. The demand for fresh fruit is extremely high and our staff are enjoying their connection with the BrewHub valets who visit CBH twice a day.
Staff were concerned when we moved offices that they might not have access to quality coffee, but we have had nothing but positive feedback about the TopBrewer machines and the taste of the coffee too.
Prior to the move, CBH staff largely worked and mingled only within their operational teams. After only two months in the new premises the hub is challenging this dynamic.
Staff are telling us that they have met fellow CBH colleagues for the first time at the hub.
The increased communication and organisational cohesion is already having a positive impact on CBH’s work place culture.
Click here to read the condensed version of CBH Case Study.
The CBH Group is one of Australia’s leading grain organisations, a co-operative with operations extending along the value chain from grain storage, handling and transport to marketing, shipping and processing.
Owned and controlled by around 4,200 grain growers, their core purpose is to sustainably create and return value to West Australian growers. Since being established in Western Australia in 1993, they have continuously evolved, innovated and grown.