Mixing business with leisure
Work, rest and play is the mantra for splitting up your day, but who says they need to be separate? Here are some ideas for you to keep staff happy, to give yourself a break or to indulge in some of the finer things in life.
Work–Play Balance
Your office may not be a Googleplex full of toys like the famed search engine, but you don’t necessarily need a dedicated games room to keep staff happy. Sharing with staff can have as small a footprint as providing a coffee machine for a morning perk-up, or some wall space for a flat screen TV to glimpse the latest score at the cricket.
For a space the size of a standard cubicle, you can expand your repertoire to a foosball table, a pinball machine or a games console such as a Nintendo Wii (RRP $399.95; www.nintendo.com.au), Microsoft Xbox (RRP $399.95 for the 360; www.xbox.com.au) or a Sony Playstation (RRP $999.95 for the PS3; www.playstation.com.au). Friendly competition boosts staff morale, renews their energy levels and helps them focus on something other than work, to clear their headspace and keep them fresh. Better yet, you don’t need to be a whiz on the controller; programs like Wii Games (Nintendo) and Singstar (Playstation) don’t rely on too many buttons, and only take a few minutes to get through each round.
Kylie Bartlett ~ Founder, Quantum MUMS
www.quantumleapcorp.com.au
Favourite gadget: Satellite navigation in my car. It’s taken the stress out of trying to read a street directory while driving.
First aspirational item: As someone obsessed with cars, my first aspiration was to buy a new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, which I did on my 34th birthday.
Next on the wishlist: To set up a Quantum Residential Retreat where we can run Quantum MUMS, Quantum Lifestyle and eventually Quantum Kids personal and professional development programs.
The Box Seat
It matters where your business sits in the marketplace and it matters where you sit in your business. How about in the most comfortable chair in the office? The elegant leather and wood form of the aptly named President Chair (left) is a statement; it says ‘sit on me’ ($1,232; www.progressiveoffice.com.au). Or, if you’re a caring, sharing kind of boss, you may like a Homedics E-Lounger (right) to ease away stress. “Staff will often take some reading material or even a laptop, sit in the massage chair and use the downtime to complete some work,” says Nigel Hobbs of Sit Back & Relax (from $995; www.sitbackandrelax.com.au).
Then there’s entertainment; box seats at the opera for the arts buff, or a stadium corporate box to impress the sports nut.
David Moore ~ Director, Gloss Salon
www.glosssalon.com.au
Favourite gadget: There’s the four iPods, the two laptops, the desktop, the iTouch, the sat nav, the Blackberry, the PS3, the PSP and the DVD. My favourite part of all of them is the ‘OFF’ switch.
First aspirational item: Expanding the business enough to open a second salon. Now I’m looking for the third… I want 10 salons. I’m not working my butt off for nothing; I plan to enjoy the fruits of my labour.”
Next on the wishlist: A month in Europe then a week shopping in New York!
Make a Splash
There’s no doubt that impressive events make your business more memorable, but how do you get away from hosting parties and pulling stunts? Intimacy is the key when it comes to cruising with the Haines Signature 600C (from $54,000; www.thehainesgroup.com), fit for six. With a full galley option, sink and toilet facilities, you can cater on board and make sure you keep your clients’ full attention.
The boat can also be used as a treat for staff, or for a weekend out on the water, using the twin sleeping berths below deck. Don’t forget the fishing rods!
Chris Tourgelis ~ Director, Opus Design, Octopus and Sydney Urban Developments
www.opusdesign.com.au
Favourite gadget: My Philippe Starck alarm clock/weather station. It looks cool and tells me all about the weather at a glance.
First aspirational item: My Rolex Submariner watch. I bought it nearly ten years ago and I still love it.
Next on the wishlist: I am car mad, so a Porsche 911 would be nice, otherwise a trip to the Greek Islands would do the trick!
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