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‘Hold them captive’: Australian billionaire boss aims to end staff going out for coffee
(www.theguardian.com)
this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2024
426 points (98.2% liked)
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“So another reason for them to come and enjoy work: drop the little tykes off next door. We’ve got doctors on board and nurses, we’re going to feed them, but mum and dad will be working in our office.”
The fact that you needed to explicitly SAY that is a little disturbing. What was your original plan? To store the kids in a fridge?
And then some minion had to tell you, "sir, children need food water and air to stay alive."
Maybe the guy said it a bit awkward, but are we really complaining that his company is offering a variety of amenities to make it easier for people to work in the office?
A lot of these sound similar to what my company offers except we have no childcare but do have free EV charging. Those are all good things ….. maybe it’s just how they were presented, plus we’re only being asked to be in the office 2 days/week
Don't worry guys, the company men are good. They even set up a general store right next door that we can buy anything we need using this stuff they're calling scrip.
“Free”
Just load 16 tons
I was just listening to that song! (You better not be my kid who pointed it out to me).
Check out Geoff Castellucci on Spotify and presumably other services! He’s got the deepest voice I’ve ever heard, and his version of that is something to listen to — but listen on an actual speaker if you can. Not just a phone
Have no fear, my parents are dead!
Wait a minute, are you that zombie that keeps hanging out in my driveway
I think many people would like employers to stop wasting money (on stuff like amenities and activities that were not requested). Instead, make the job more attractive by listening and responding to actual concerns (like WFH, hours, wages).
Maybe. Maybe I’m a bit spoiled in the software field, but I feel like they’ve done pretty well:
Aside from just plain not wanting to go in, that pretty well covers any specifics I might complain about
Fwiw I think that the people you're discussing this with haven't had the same experience in the workforce that you have had.
How about just wanting to go outside for a few minutes and see real sunlight?
We do have a pretty good deck and they let groups sign up for the grills, or it’s a nice walk around the complex
I really do not think you understand the mental toll just being at work can take on someone and how getting away from work entirely for even a few minutes can get you destressed enough to return.
Let’s see how that goes in a market starved of high level workers and full of employers happy to let their staff work from home.
I assume that means food is included, so you don't need to pack a lunch the night before.
I think he got a bad read and people aren't aware of context.
It was a finance meeting. think about how you'd justify why you're spending money on creches doctors and nurses when you're a mining company. It doesnt make sense right surely you'd want explosives and dump truck drivers . So you go to explain it.
OK so what were trying to do is make work attractive to be here in our offices because we believe that people on-site are more productive
we have parents who want to work with us but they have commitments outside of work so we realised that we could maybe take away some of the need to service those commitments
parents have kids and need childcare, so we solved that problem for them by providing a creche
our staff need to go see doctors or nurses, so we solved that problem for them by providing a clinic
our staff like to socialise over food and coffee, so we set up restaurants and cafes in the building
all these things cost money but you know what, it balances out because they're on-site and being productive as a group
why do we need them on-site - because we believe people to be more productive when they work together. We've said we want you in all day every day, we're trying to make it possible for this to happen.
I know it's about as human as a thrown axe but people are resources. Companies exist because of their people. I actually respect that he's open about this and I can tell you, this approach would appeal to a lot of young families in Perth. It's hard to get childcare and hard to see doctors.
I think he meant exactly what he said. The arrogance and entitlement of millionaires is VERY well documented.
"Hold them captive." Those are HIS words. There is no other way to interpret that.
Sure mate. Have a good one.
Words mean things. Stop simping for millionaires. It's embarrassing to watch.
One of those temporarily embarrassed millionaires simping for billionaires
Man the projection is wild here. Have a good one mate. You're welcome to visit Australia any time, you'll fit right in.
"Words mean things" - inspired. I think I'll have a t-shirt made.
Have an awesome day, you're a top bloke with a lot going for you.