Working towards the ideal office

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 23

Working towards the ideal office

While 5.1.M.U., are building office blocks, they are also aiming to build the ultimate streamlined, cost-effi-cient office.

The philosophy behind SXM-U.’s suburban expansion is one of taking it to the people — a move General Manager Mr Bruce McKessar sees as essential for a “retail” insurance company. S.I.M.U. now have seven offices in Christchurch, largely independent of

each other, but linked by a computer system.

This means that although a policy can be handled from issue to claim by one office, it’s possible to make a claim at any office regardless of where the policy is held.

According to Mr McKessar, the goal is a fast, cost-efficient and almost paperless operation.

This policy is largely behind the design of the

new Riccarton offices, where the main work area is divided into individual “work stations,” each equipped with a computer terminal and keyboard. The stations were specially designed by Accord Furniture to break down barriers between employee and client, enabling them to face each other over an uncluttered (and supposedly less intimidating) desk. The design also allows both parties to see

the computer terminal screen, on which all the work is done bar the final policy print-out. Mr Kevin Riley, Riccarton Office’s Customer Services Supervisor, sees them as 'providing a more private approach. “When a person comes in to discuss a claim, they don’t want everyone listening — they want to sit down and talk to one person in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.” The more comfortable

surroundings will benefit not only the client, but the office’s 10 staff as well. “With the new building it’s going to be a much happier working environment," smiles Mr Riley. The Riccarton Office will handle all S.I.M.U.’s operations independently of Head Office, in Latimer Square, with the exception of commercial insurance, which once past the enquiry stage becomes the sole preserveof Head Office.