Working in the safest conditions

While strictly following the recommendations of local authorities with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented and reinforced the necessary safety measures to ensure all employees were protected while at our headquarters, country offices and shopping centre management offices.

To remind employees of the safety precautions to be taken, several “Do’s and Don’ts” campaigns were activated. Among them were reminders to respect employee quotas on site and proper distancing, instructions regarding temperature checks and recommendations to commute – when necessary – as safely as possible. Complying with the local protocols, URW employees continued to be encouraged to work from home on a regular basis. The balance achieved allowed us to reduce risk while continuing to promote a dynamic work environment with enriching interaction.

Opening to a flexible work scheme

Though being physically together is critical to our business and central to our purpose “Reinvent Being Together”, the Group has been promoting new practices that allow us to offer more flexibility to each individual and strengthen trust, autonomy and accountability.

While reopening our offices when allowed by local authorities, the Group introduced a new flexible work framework with up to two days a week of remote work for “head office” employees. Our local leaders will set the appropriate policies to support reasonable flexibility for asset-based teams, depending on individual roles and in-person requirements.

Extending the office floor – digitally

In this new context, where collaborative modes have transformed quite radically, it’s been essential to leverage digital tools that bring us virtually closer, even while physically being apart. To support the evolution of our working modes, URW’s IT team has reinforced our Microsoft 365 Suite with many more functional tools. Chatting on Teams, creating channels in project mode, navigating communities on Yammer, sharing documents and synchronising via OneDrive … it’s all meant to simplify interactions, whether the teams are physically together or apart.

An “a la carte” work environment

Following the summer holidays in France, employees were greeted by exciting progress made on the renovation project of 7 Adenauer, our company headquarters in Paris. The new floor layout and working environment have proved conducive to efficient work. There are more open and flexible spaces adaptable to all needs, from concentrated work to collective brainstorming, favouring innovation and experience-sharing. The vision for this space is set to become the inspiration for office environments across the Group.