Interaction's Thrivalism
Welcome to Thrivalism, Interaction’s podcast focused on the art of thriving – flourishing and evolving under any conditions. In this series we’ll examine how to create thriving businesses, culture, careers and places. We’ll explore key topics such as: workplace design and build, culture and community, sustainability, and, of course, the future of ‘work’. Join us and our guests as we explore how people and business can set themselves up to not just to survive – but thrive.
Interaction's Thrivalism
Outside the Office: Exploring the Woodland Workplace
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
Thanks for listening! Check out Interaction's website for more workplace culture content and case studies (or just follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter).
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
Thanks for listening! Check out Interaction's website for more workplace culture content and case studies (or just follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter).
