Outside the Office: Exploring the Woodland Workplace

Interaction's Thrivalism

Podcast Show Notes: Outside the Office - Exploring The Woodland Workplace.
Toby Brown in Conversation with Tom Vaughton of Varn Search Marketing.

Intro:

• Host: Toby Brown, Head of Marketing, Interaction
• Guest: Tom Vaughton, Founder and MD of Varn Search Marketing

Introduction:

• Toby introduces the episode and his guest, Tom Vaughton, from Varn Search Marketing Agency.
• Toby highlights how impressed he was with Tom's innovative approach to workplace well-being during the lockdown.

Transition to Woodland Office:

• Tom shares that they are in their woodland office, a unique and inspiring workspace surrounded by nature.
• Toby acknowledges the unconventional nature of having a woodland office for a marketing agency and expresses his curiosity about the impact it has had on the team and business.

Creating the Woodland Office:

• Tom explains that the idea of the woodland office evolved due to COVID-19 and their belief in making work enjoyable and beneficial.
• He emphasizes that the team played a crucial role in shaping the concept, offering ideas, and providing feedback.
• Tom mentions that the journey included trial and error, with some ideas not working out.
• Toby asks about challenges, and Tom discusses initial timeline expectations and the logistical issues of setting up the woodland office during the pandemic.

Balancing Freedom and Structure:

• Toby inquires about the team's work setup and flexibility.
• Tom outlines their flexible work model, with one day a week working from home and the rest being a mix of woodland and brick-and-mortar office work.
• Tom emphasizes the importance of creating a professional and engaging workspace in the woods.

Benefits and Productivity:

• Toby delves into the topic of productivity and asks Tom how they measure it.
• Tom explains their billable hours model and how they track scheduled work versus delivered work.
• Tom shares that they have been more productive in the woods and have even saved money on recruitment fees.
• Toby and Tom discuss the impact of the natural environment on productivity and creativity.

Well-Being During COVID:

• Toby mentions how Tom's company focused on employee well-being during the pandemic, including longer lunch breaks to encourage outdoor walks.
• Tom highlights the importance of access to natural light and fresh air for well-being and productivity.

Looking to the Future:

• Toby inquires about Tom's plans for the woodland office's future.
• Tom discusses plans for more insulated structures and breakout pods for winter.
• Tom mentions the possibility of creating workspaces in other inspiring locations, like by the beach.

Balancing Responsibilities:

• Toby acknowledges that owning a woodland comes with responsibilities and asks how it affects their planning.
• Tom shares that they think long-term and consider sharing the space with organizations like the Children's Hospice South West.

Reflections and Advice:

• Toby asks if Tom wishes they had done anything differently in the process.
• Tom expresses the desire to have started the woodland office sooner.
• Toby inquires about the potential for other businesses to adopt a similar approach.
• Tom advises businesses to view their office as an investment and encourages open communication with employees to expl

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