In a series of interviews with Spectrum Workplace, companies consider the changing requirements of both the business and the employee.
The interviews have been brought together as a report and published by DECISION magazine and then as a digital book.

Interview with GRAHAM NICHOLSON MANAGING DIRECTOR TONY GEE & PARTNERS

CREATING AN attractive environment for your employees obviously comes at a price, but should it be regarded as an investment or a cost? Graham Nicholson, MD of Tony Gee & Partners, admits he’s torn on that question. “But you have to be brave sometimes,” he says, “and have the belief that if you provide better offices you can recruit more people in a sector where there is a skills shortage.”

“We’re holding staff surveys to ask the question how they would like their working environment improved, although a company needs to be wary of raising expectations too high. I do like the idea of having an environment that is more homely and less office-y, where people can be relaxed and be social.”

“Our competitors and clients are waking up to the benefit of collaboration across disciplines,” says Nicholson. “When people talk and work together as a team they are not driven by ‘me’ but by the end result of what’s best for the client and the business; it works for us.”

Nicholson cedes that when a professional practice is considering change to its working environment, the discussion can be instigated and then driven by what competitors are doing with their offices. “One firm has introduced a restaurant and a reception area that look like a hotel lobby. But is that what people really want?