Workplace
Sep. 2, 2019
A lifestyle-based work environment creates a culture of creativity
A startup that explores what it really means to be human.
[Envato] Melbourne, Australia
Incorporating what’s outside the company and removing the borderline between work and life.
In pursuit of work and workplaces that do not have negative influences on the lifestyles of employees. This is made possible by expanding service capabilities and bringing in first-class personnel.
Envato is an Australia-based company that mediates between creators and their work and the digital marketplace. It has been consistently ranked as the most desirable company to work for in Australia.
The reason behind the company’s popularity is a work style based on the philosophy of work as an integral part of lifestyle. You can feel it the minute you step into their offices.
The semi-closed space designed in the shape of a tree as well as the local artists’ paintings on the wall are examples of the ideas that effortlessly break the boundary between what’s inside and outside the company.
HR director James Law says, “In the past, work and life were viewed as separate entities, so there was focus on the work-life balance. But times have changed, and now it’s possible for work to be a part of your lifestyle, and we need to think that we can enjoy time with our families and that life is worth looking forward to. When designing the office, we aimed for a flexible work style that does not separate work from one’s daily life.”
This building was used for wine storage 100 years ago.
Established: 2006
Revenue: Undisclosed
Net profit: Undisclosed
Employees: 180
http://www.envato.com
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Kitchen space. Fresh fruit and drinks are available, but meals are not provided because that would make employees feel that they have to work overtime.
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The underground indoor garden is full of plants. This is based on the same idea behind designing the office in the shape of a tree: incorporating the nature outside and bringing it inside.
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There are image boards everywhere. They’re covered with ideas and of course some funny illustrations.
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You can also use these kinds of spaces when you want to focus on your work alone.
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Members of the development team and the team leader use the glass wall of the meeting room for a progress check.
You can do your work while standing or build your own desk to match your height. A culture of building what you don’t have has permeated the workplace, so much so that the employees made their own teleconference system, computers and even digital cameras.
The core working hours are between 10:00 and 4:00. Employees can work in the mornings or evenings as they wish. There’s a rule about working at home once a week, and there are plans to add more work-at-home days. As long as the results are evident in your work, you can spend your time as you wish. You can work in between other tasks such as dropping off the kids, picking them up from school, housework, trips to the hospital or engaging in your hobbies. In the kitchen, only fruit and water are provided, “… lest the employees feel they have to work overtime.
The company policy is to lower any elements that might infringe on employees’ personal time as close to zero as possible.
Employees make standing desks that suit their height. The company culture is to build what you don’t have.
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Panoramic view of the work area.
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Art by local artists graces the walls. This shatters the image of a typical office.
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The cafeteria is decorated with portrait photos of employees.
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Space used for events and meetings.
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A MacBook connected to a web camera and mounted on a caster. This way, employees can have meetings remotely.
Adrian Fittolani is the program manager and leads the on-site development team. He says, “You don’t have to spend long hours in the office. We have about 90 employees overseas, and they work when it’s most convenient for them. We intend to create an environment that’s conducive for people who like to travel. For example, for three months in a year you can work anywhere in the world.”
“In other words, our goal is to respect every employee’s work style,” says Mr. Law without any hesitation.
The company philosophy of pursuing lifestyle-based work rather than work-based life is probably why, in addition to Australians, highly qualified individuals from Asia, America and Europe flock to the company. They can be what they imagine to be the true version of themselves.
Consultancy for Work Style: Büro
Interior Design: Büro
Architect: Büro
From WORKSIGHT 08（2015.10）
James Law
HR Director
James Law
Adrian Fittolani
Program Manager
