In a recent statement on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of Mineral Resources Ltd., Ch. Ellison, expressed his desire to keep employees in the office all day. „I want to keep them in the building. I don’t want them going out to the street for a cup of coffee. A few years ago, we figured out how much that costs,“ he stated firmly.
Ellison defended the benefits of working in the office, citing the amenities available at the company’s headquarters in Perth, which include a café, restaurant, gym, childcare center, contemplation room, and wellness center. The 67-year-old mining industry veteran claimed that employees „enjoy working“ in this building, and its conveniences „tie“ them to the premises.
„I adhere to the principle of not working from home,“ he said during a conversation with analysts following the presentation of the updated profit report. „I would like everyone else to accept this, and the sooner, the better.“
„We cannot allow people to work three days a week and get paid for five days a week,“ he added.
Ellison’s office policy in Australia, where remote work has become the norm among employees, stands out as an exception. Many companies allow their employees to work remotely at least two days a week, and many parents are delighted with the newfound flexibility.
Ellison mentioned that for individuals juggling a demanding work schedule and childcare, the company’s daycare center will only cost $20 Australian dollars per day, compared to around $180 per day elsewhere.
„Leave your little ones right here, outside the door,“ he said. „We’ll feed them, but mom and dad will work in our office.“
The approach taken by Ch. Ellison and Mineral Resources Ltd. sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace, where the balance between work and personal life is being redefined. As companies explore innovative ways to support their employees, the concept of a holistic work environment that caters to various needs is gaining traction. It remains to be seen how this trend will continue to shape the future of work culture globally.