Promoting Wellbeing: Creating a Kinder, Healthier, and Sustainable Workplace

8th August 2023

Premier Block Management is on cloud nine, basking in the glorious afterglow of their recent triumph at the 2023 ARMA Ace Awards. The whole team is beaming with pride and delight, and you can practically feel the positive energy radiating through the office.

Managing Director Gary Cane appreciates it is moments like these that remind us why we do what we do every day. It’s the little things that add up to big success. He understands that it’s the small decisions, the resilience, and the empathy shown in tough situations that truly make a difference. It’s all the behind-the-scenes magic that sets pbm apart.

But pbm’s commitment to excellence doesn’t stop at managing properties. They go above and beyond to prioritise the physical and mental well-being of their team. It’s not just a coincidence that pbm has a family-oriented culture—it’s the result of thoughtful strategies and a genuine dedication to creating a supportive work environment.

In fact, pbm has established five pillars of well-being: Safety, Space, Goals, Autonomy, and Support. These pillars form the foundation of their wellness initiatives, setting new standards for improving working life. And they don’t just guess what their team needs—they listen. Through internal surveys and data analysis, pbm gains valuable insights into their team’s well-being and adjusts their practices accordingly.

Flexibility is key, and pbm understands that collaboration and face-to-face connections are vital for team dynamics. That’s why they’ve embraced a hybrid work model. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between flexibility and maintaining strong office connections.

But pbm goes beyond the office walls—they care about the well-being of their employees outside of work too. Trained mental health first aiders are always available to check in with colleagues, and mental health fitness days are offered to those who need some time to recharge. The TOIL (Time off in lieu) policy ensures a healthy work-life balance, giving employees the opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate.

Managing difficult buildings can be challenging, and pbm acknowledges the potential stress that comes with it. That’s why they introduced a rating system for property managers to evaluate their workload and stress levels. This data helps the leadership team identify areas that need improvement and make necessary adjustments to support their employees.

Creating a pleasant working environment is a top priority for pbm. They have redesigned their office space to include a relaxing breakout area, complete with cozy sofas, plants, flowers, and inspiring quotes. Stand-up huddles and weekly meetings foster open communication and connection, and team leaders have the freedom to organise company funded off-site activities with their teams once a month.