Architecture, Urban and Interior design practice Allen Jack+Cottier (AJ+C) has announced they are rewarding all their employees with a day of paid leave to thank them for their work during the COVID crisis.

The AJ+C Wellbeing day will take place on Friday 7th August which will see all 75 staff members take the day off.

“With COVID-19 reshaping the way we run our business and live our lives, it’s important that we acknowledge the people helping our client’s and our practice stay steady during turbulent times.” Said Michael Heenan, CEO, AJ+C “Rewarding everyone with a day’s leave is one way we can continue to thank our teams for the tremendous dedication and commitment under these trying circumstances.”

Considering the health and wellbeing of their staff has been an important focus for AJ+C, initiatives have included mental health, resilience and mindfulness webinars, online yoga classes, on top of programs that were already in place such as employee assistance program, regular staff pulse check surveys and increased communication throughout the business.

The company’s typical end of financial year celebration is not possible, and the Wellbeing Day is an alternative which rewards its employees whilst providing time away from work to reflect, relax and recharge.

“Competing home and work demands, new health risks and feelings of loss linked to COVID-19 have impacted everyone.” Said Jayde Hunt, People and Culture Manager, AJ+C “All the initiatives we have at AJ+C have been well received by our employees; however, we want to support our employees in being their best selves and know that a practice with employees that are rested is linked to better creativity and innovation.”

For interviews or information, contact Joanne Sim, Clients + Markets Manager t: +61 415 548 532; e: joanne.sim@architectsajc.com

(Last Updated 11.00am and 31 March 2020)

In response to the evolving COVID-19 crisis, we have moved to a remote working model to protect the health of our staff, clients, fellow consultants and the wider community at this difficult time.

Impact on the industry

At the moment it is business as usual however we are monitoring how this crisis could impact your projects this could include:

• a shortfall of staff/consultants/council staff…and this may impact the project documentation.

• Delays to the delivery of some products which would require alternative products to be selected, and possibly the resubmission of documentation to the PCA/or council.

• Site closures, which then impact AJ+C services e.g. site observations/defects inspections.

Any delays will be flagged as soon as we are aware of this.

Communication

We have identified communication as one of our highest priorities. Utilising the latest technologies, we will communicate with you as usual on projects, we are ensuring our teams continue to communicate effectively internally and externally and finally we encourage all our clients to contact us with any concerns, delays you may be encountering or just to say hello during these isolated times.

Stay Safe

Michael Heenan

CEO, Principal, Design