Brand new building for Southland Times
June 19, 2016 marked the first day of The Southland Times in its new home. At the time reporter Georgia Weaver explored the modern workforce, challenges ahead and what businesses may need to consider when they plan for the future.
If I’m going to call my mum from work, it won’t be through a phone. Well, it will, and it won’t.
As a reporter my entire workplace now exists inside my Lenovo laptop. And that, literally includes the new telephone system.
In the past six months, as an employee, the change has been dramatic at work.
It’s been a rollercoaster of new systems, new equipment, new people and, let’s face it, the very hard reality of working when many long-term staff have left.
In my first job, it’s been hard to learn how to handle different emotions as the workplace has been disrupted around me.
But today, we’re in our new building and we’re adjusting to using some of the most advanced technology.
When we left Esk St, it wasn’t the end.
Fairfax real estate and workplace national manager Sinead Bowie says after all these years in the same building it is time for The Southland Times to move on, because the building is no longer fit for purpose.
The upgrade is part of a nationwide investment strategy being rolled out by Fairfax Media to replace older buildings and give staff the tools to focus on digital content, demonstrating our continuing commitment to the regions the company operates in.
‘‘We are committed to Southland; we’re here to stay. We have entered into a lease for six years and invested capital in a new fitout and technology.’’
The new technology going into the building is key to enabling ease of mobility and collaboration within and outside the office.
Towards the end of 2015, Forbes contributor Dan Schawbel predicted 10 workplace trends he expected to see in 2016.
Among those, he says companies would get serious about office design and use it as a way to increase collaboration and attract talent.
This is what we are seeing happen at The Southland Times. Reporters are equipped with upto-date technology, and our new modern workplace will help increase productivity.
This kind of change is a must for businesses to survive but it also presents many amazing opportunities for the region and the country.
Today, six years on, Invercargill’s business landscape is quite different to the one it was with a host of new purpose-built buildings popping up throughout the city.