The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 54)

aNz ’s J a N e ha M IltoN : leverag I Ng I NtaNg I Ble s to cre ate v alue fo r the e Nte rp rIse And why not, if you ponder the analogy that a progressive workplace is a well-done stage production that features good scripting (change management) and strong technical support (mobile and collaborative technologies), along with excellent casting (knowledge workers, talent and intellectual capital)? ANZ’s new Melbourne workplace at 833 Collins Street is currently playing a lead role. Known as the Victoria Harbour Docklands because of the development’s location on the banks of Yarra River, the 1.5-million sq.-ft. (135,000-sq.-m.) site and 914,932-sq.-ft. (85,000-sq.-m.) building will open late next year with the understanding that work isn’t so much about ‘where’ as it is about ‘how.’ “The main motivator,” as Hamilton outlines the case for the Docklands project, is creativity. The building is “a tool to redefine how you work.” It’s also an indicator of effectiveness prevailing over efficiency, because Hamilton insists that, although cost reduction is important, “it’s not a cost-driven exercise,” and that cost reduction is a byproduct of the more strategic end result of higher productivity and out-performance. So it’s clear that ANZ is positioning itself longer-term to also attract younger customers and talented young staff. As clear is the take-away that the 833 project is an excellent current example of how companies are grasping the triangular relationship between sustainability (including the relation to brand reputation), workplace and the ability to find and keep talent. 833 is viewed as a prototype, or “front runner” as Hamilton calls it, to enable the bank “to develop and innovate” around workplace strategies. BuIldINg WIth a purpose Workplace is supporting another major corporate objective: expansion in Asia. Hamilton also points to ANZ’s new Bangalore operations center. “We built a product that reflects India. It’s based on Indian design principles,” Hamilton adds. These include respect for ancient custom, spirituality, and the introduction of light and air. The business case for the Bangalore investment, however, balances local cultural preferences with purpose. “It’s the right building at the right price,” as Hamilton puts it. “Always build on the right economics,” she continues. Also, be sure to combine “aesthetics with the purpose of the building by using local suppliers and contractors connected to the local environment.” She quickly links the sustainable philosophy back to the Victoria Docklands project, whose design evokes an Australian aesthetic, that of driftwood. Like Bangalore, the Melbourne site instills an “understanding the purpose of property for staff with architectural and environmental integrity with a lasting, satisfying connection to users.” Hamilton highlights the following key features of 833 Collins Street: - Open workplace design over 10 floors - Emphasis on interaction in hubs connected to elevator lobbies, walkways - Flexibility stressing unassigned space and desk-sharing - Supports the bank’s role to out-perform - Promotes collaboration, cross-functionality - Treats property and workplace as a strategic tool “Shared space is a key to our workplace concept,” Hamilton adds. So is sustainability. aIMINg for a greeN aNd healthy BuIldINg Hamilton articulates ANZ’s version of the 3BL around financial, physical and spiritual dimensions. The economics makes for a good business case, but so does the idea of the “Sustainability Centre” branded within 833 Collins Street. “Wellness is a total proposition,” she mentions, using physical, financial and mental fitness for staff as examples of how ANZ is building sustainability into its workplace designs. The view extends to the community but not just in the environmental sense. For ANZ, social responsibility also equates to promoting financial literacy among its customers, for example. That’s why the Docklands project is aiming for Australia’s highest equivalent of LEED certification by pursuing a high Green Star rating. Achieving it would place ANZ on par with other high-level adopters in financial services like the Royal Bank of Scotland, ING or Bank of America. To help ANZ reach carbon neutrality in coming years, 833 also features: River cooling Solar power Wind turbines Tri-generation Black water recycling Storm water reuse Green rooftop Under-floor HVAC Hamilton has taken on a lifecycle management perspective that also incorporates workplace design. Workplace practices represent one of the most established forms of corporate sustain- the le ade r 54 J u ly / a u g u s t

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

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