Workplaces of the future, with standing and treadmill desks, virtual noticeboards and activity-based workspaces are not as futuristic as we might think. A lot of it’s already here – in Adelaide.

Bendigo Bank and Microsoft Australia have embraced the concept of less structured, more dynamic workplaces in their respective state-of-the-art city headquarters. Each business has adopted activity-based spaces, a new and innovative way of working which has resulted in more engaged, energetic and productive employees.

As part of its October National Safe Work Month program, SafeWork SA is highlighting the benefits of innovative workplace design and management through a series of four tours of the Bendigo Bank and Microsoft Australia premises.

“Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s workplaces,’’ says SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director Dini Soulio. “These workplace tours highlight the mutual benefit that various flexible arrangements make to the employer and the employee in balancing commitments.

“Enabling workers to have greater flexibility in when, where and how they work has the potential to unlock higher productivity and better outcomes as well as increase worker wellbeing and resilience, and achieve economies of scale from reducing office accommodation and infrastructure costs.”

The tours will cover smart, open, digital office culture and the potential benefits of implementing similar initiatives in local workplaces.

In 2014, the Bendigo Bank opened its new purpose built 11-storey Adelaide offices at 80 Grenfell Street. It features five-star Green Star architectural design such as:

• Open plan floors
• Vertically integrated floors to encourage greater connectivity
• A variety of working space options
• Large terrace level and staff café

The bank’s new Adelaide headquarters brings together more than 1000 staff who work in a one-team environment, encouraging greater connectivity, says Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank Executive of Corporate Resources, Ms Stella Thredgold.

“Our new work environment breaks down silos, encourages collaboration and a high performance culture, and it gives our people the opportunity to build stronger relationships with colleagues in a flexible workspace,” Ms Thredgold said.

“Our people can easily work individually or in teams, supported by ergonomic, world class building design, and the right technology to encourage mobility.

“Our new home has been well embraced by our people because they can choose the workspace that is most appropriate for their task and that suits their work style.’’

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s dynamic headquarters.

It’s a concept also embraced by Microsoft at its Pirie Street headquarters. Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, State Director for Microsoft in South Australia said: “We believe that work is a thing you do, not a place you go.”

“We’re very focused on outcomes, and believe that Microsoft employees should have the freedom and choice to work in the styles, locations and at the times that enable them to achieve outcomes.

“Activity-based working has broken down the old divides and created a vibrant, integrated work environment for us in Adelaide. We’ve seen employee satisfaction and collaboration rise and we have increased our retention rate and ability to attract top talent.”