Paragon was commissioned to work with the leadership team to develop a data-informed action plan. We conducted one-to-one interviews with members of the team to better understand perspectives and priorities before deploying Optima, our sentiment-based workplace performance tool. By combining data with advanced algorithms, Optima can pinpoint where workplaces are performing well and where there are opportunities for improvement.
The survey achieved a 72% response rate with employees answering questions on how they used the workplace and what was important to them. By analysing the data, we confirmed the company was on the right track and also recommended change – for example, that the plan to let out a floor of the building was cost-effective and the right thing to do, but that reconfiguring other areas would give staff more of what they wanted (designated quiet spaces and smaller meeting rooms for more focused work). At the same time, we found that staff still wanted spaces to collaborate, and cited informal social connection as an important reason for coming to the office. In response, the company introduced free breakfasts to create a sense of community, and provided high-end coffee machines.