The Very Group prepares for hybrid working with Liverpool HQ revamp
Digital retailer The Very Group has refurbished its Liverpool HQ with an emphasis on hybrid working.
At Skyways House – a 12,400-square metre, former aircraft hangar – the company, formerly known as Shop Direct and owner of the Very and Littlewoods brands, has introduced an open plan environment with various break-out and collaboration spaces.
The aim, according to a press release, is to create “the optimum team working space when the group’s 2,100 Liverpool-based colleagues begin to split their time between home and office working when circumstances allow later this year”.
Hot desks have been installed to enable colleagues and teams to work from anywhere on site, while green spaces are also included.
The Hub, the second office on campus and future home to 750 of the group’s customer care colleagues, has been overhauled, featuring features quiet pods, training rooms and break out spaces of different sizes and specifications.
The renovations, completed by Greenmount Projects, which have also been replicated at The Very Group’s Bolton customer care centre, complement the existing wellbeing area at the Liverpool HQ.
This space includes a conference centre, juice bar, relaxation zone and a colleague gym with regular fitness classes.
Sarah Willett, Chief People Officer at The Very Group, says: “Remote working during Covid-19 has seen our people operate with even greater ingenuity at a time when we’re attracting record numbers of new customers.”
“Our colleagues have told us they like the greater flexibility that comes with working from home and when the UK starts re-opening, we’ll make some permanent changes to the way we work.”
“We want our people to be productive at home and super collaborative in the office. That’s why we’ve invested in reconfiguring our workspaces, and we’re absolutely delighted with the results. We’ll also continue investing in our technology and systems to make sure our people have the best tools for the job.”
She concludes: “Our plans aren’t just about productivity. They’re about how we can offer our colleagues true value and get value back in return.’
“By offering better balance, increased flexibility, interesting work, and an amazing place to come together, we can attract even more outstanding people – and retain the ones we already have.”
