Ritika Janiya
Well, Virgin Media O2, one of the major telecommunication companies, is relocating to a new office in the very heart of Manchester, and this will have an impact on about 1,500 employees. Let’s briefly dive into what this will mean for both the company and the city.
Currently, its customer service team is based in the suburb of Wythenshawe, outside of Manchester a bit. Now they’re relocating their offices to a bright new place in the city center on John Dalton Street. This is a pretty big deal because it shows how much Virgin Media thinks in belonging to the community in Manchester.
The new building is more than just a simple office; it is designed to be a net-zero carbon workspace. This actually provides that the building will generate as much energy as it consumes, thereby bringing some relief to the environment. Patricia Cobian, the representative from Virgin Media, noted that the new office has fantastic environmental credentials. That means the company seriously wishes to be eco-friendly.
Why the Move?
So why is Virgin Media doing this? There are quite a few reasons:
Better Location: This new office will be situated in the very centre of the city so it will be easier for employees to travel to work. The transport links will be good; there will be all sorts of ways to get to and from work, such as by bus, tram, or train.
A Modern Workspace: As of now, Virgin Media has been occupying a large office at Concord House in Wythenshawe since 1991. Its lease however ends in 2026. In this case, relocation to a new office would give a modern workplace for the employees of Virgin Media which would enhance their comfort and productivity.
Commitment to Sustainability: The upsurge in environmental sensitivity makes it impossible for companies to continue following the same patterns as before. Virgin Media has made a commitment to its promise toward sustainability and has opted for a net-zero carbon building. While it will benefit the planet, it will be smart business as it opens the door to attracting talent who truly care about the environment.
What will the new office look like?
The John Dalton Street still remains a construction site, but once completed, it would be a fantastic place to work. Their design was to set up the best environment for comfort and inspiration for the employees. Some of the features that can be expected are the following:
Open Spaces: Modern offices tend to have open spaces that would call for an employee to be open to collaborate with the fellow workers. This is the structure of the areas that teams will make faster transactions as well as share ideas.
This office is environmentally friendly, so the green features that one might see there would include an energy-efficient lighting scheme and sustainable material use. Therefore, this will ensure a healthier workplace and reduce the carbon footprint left by the company.
Relaxation Area: This office may create relaxing areas to help the employees take a break and recharge. These might include cozy seating, greenery, and spots to enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee.
Impact on Employees
For the 1,500 that will be moved, very exciting prospects await them. This is because;
Shorter Commute: Employees who will be nearer to the city center will not find traveling to work a problem as their daily commutes would be shorter and could save much time and decrease the levels of stress.
Better Work Environment: A new office will likely have a better job satisfaction. Workers may feel more inspired and motivated to work in a newly designed space that addresses comfort and welfare needs.
Part of the Community: A city center location affords more opportunities to interact with the local community. Virgin Media could be participating in events or projects in the immediate neighborhood, where employees may become engaged with neighbors.
As Virgin Media prepares for this momentous change, the company will be making it a smooth and gentle transition for its staff. The team is going to look at offering support and resources in terms of helping employees make such transitions within the new office environment.
And as it develops, Virgin Media will update everyone with how the new building is coming along. Employees could even see firsthand how the place is developing, which could build much-needed excitement for an upcoming move.
What’s Next?
We cannot but wonder how it will make a difference when this new office, which admits its first employee, soon reports for duty. Other companies too will have to do the same to take investments in more environmentally friendly workspaces. Only time will tell; undoubtedly, the future looks bright for Virgin Media and its employees.
