Mining boss opposes staff leaving office for coffee
According to Chris Ellison, Managing Director of Mineral Resources, employees leaving the head office for a coffee break is costing the Australian mining firm too much money. During a financial results presentation, Ellison expressed his desire to keep staff on-site all day, stating, “I don’t want them leaving the building.”
The Perth head office is equipped with a restaurant, nine staff psychologists, a gym, and various other amenities to encourage employees to stay at work. Ellison, who enforces a strict “no work from home” policy, explained, “We’ve added many benefits to ensure staff remain on-site because when I get them in the morning, I want them here all day long.”
He elaborated that the company has analyzed the cost of employees stepping out for coffee and concluded that it is significant. Ellison also suggested that the mining industry should adopt a similar approach, arguing, “The industry can’t afford the practice of working three days a week while receiving full-time pay.”
The company culture at Mining Resources also extends to Mr. Ellison’s views on parents, with the company building a daycare center on-site big enough for 105 children.
“Another reason for them to come in and enjoy work,” he said.
“Drop their little tykes off next door. We have doctors on board and nurses who are going to feed them, but mum and Dad will be working in our office.”
Mr Ellison is not the only boss to enforce a no work-from-home policy.
Last week, the head of London-based smartphone maker Nothing sent an all-staff email to announce the end of hybrid working and a move to fully office-based work.
“I know this is a controversial decision that may not be a fit for everyone, and there are companies out there that thrive in remote or hybrid setups,” he wrote in the email.
“But that’s not right for our type of business, and won’t help us fully realize our potential as a company.”
