REA : evolution of hybrid working

In early 2021, we launched the first iteration of our Guide to hybrid working, where we outlined the key "moments" we have at REA and provided guidance to our people on how and where these moments are best experienced.

We know that at times, working from home to complete those focused tasks is simply invaluable, whilst being in the office allows our people to connect, collaborate and form ideas together.

With this guide, we knew it was as much about the journey as the destination, so we've continued to take a 'test-and-learn' approach, pivoting along the way with input from all our people through design sprints and real-time feedback. We've learned a lot about what works for us (and what doesn't!).

As a result, I am delighted to announce we have launched our Guide to Hybrid Working 2.0 with some exciting new inclusions. These updates to our guide support the evolution of our ways of working as we've continued to test, learn and listen to our people over the past year.

So… What's new?

Summer Fridays

Summer Fridays is an initiative we trialled in the summer of 2020/21 that involves meeting free time every Friday afternoon during summer. If work commitments allows this is intended as time for our people to focus on what matters most to them.

Some might choose to spend the time catching up on planning, a wellness activity or if they have finished their work for the week, to start the weekend early.

Summer Fridays is about taking the time when it makes sense, and we understand there will be some moments when this is not possible. In short, it needs to work for the individual, their team, and REA.

Location, Location, Location

We know the places we work from in Hybrid mode can vary - from an REA office with our core team, an REA office away from one's typical office location, at home or somewhere else - the way we work has changed in the past 18 months.

REA's Location Change provides guidance and parameters for those considering making an interstate move to another REA office or a move to a regional area of Australia. We believe some connection to one of our amazing REA offices remans important, just as regular connection within a team is key no matter where you're located.

What's been amazing is that we've already seen a number of employees take this offer up - including design and tech team members who have relocated to be closer to family in Perth; to our increasing footprint of team members heading north from Melbourne to Sydney for new career opportunities - we're looking forward to supporting both new recruits and our existing team to confirm the right location in the months ahead.

Making it official: Zoom free time

We've all really appreciated the Zoom Free time at REA, where between 12 - 2pm we aim to avoid video meetings, helping break up our day and manage zoom fatigue.

In making it official and encouraging our whole business to take part, we're all less likely to set meetings during this period unless it's necessary.

Expanded reasons for personal leave year-round

We first introduced an extension of eligibility to personal leave during lockdowns in 2020 and we're now thrilled to be offering this eligibility all year round to everyone.

In addition to our existing Leave Policy, moving forward as part of our Hybrid Working Guide, personal leave can be accessed where a need arises for things like home schooling, caring for children unable to attend childcare, getting vaccinated, or mental wellbeing activities.

Offering support for life's moments

At REA we talk a lot about the moments that matter, so we're excited to have partnered with Circle In to support our people through their biggest moments. ​

Circle In provides a range of support and resources tailored to our caregiving needs - whether planning for a caregiving journey, becoming a new parent, juggling family life, caring for aging parents or perhaps just some much needed self-care.

Circle in provides virtual support and resources not only to caregivers, but also to their people leaders so they can be better equipped to help their team navigate the balance of home and work life in our Hybrid way of working.

Climate change and hybrid working

REA is certified carbon neutral, and we are committed to addressing climate change through reducing and offsetting our carbon emissions each year. In a hybrid working environment we need to continue to manage and monitor our energy consumption so we can meet the science-based aligned targets (SBTs) we have set.

So, what's next?

We look forward to continuing to hear from our people and their experiences to help keep us connected for the next phase of hybrid working at REA. In 2022 we'll be focusing on the continued evolution of our hybrid ways of working, supporting our leaders to thrive leading hybrid teams, and making the hybrid places and spaces we work (even more) amazing! A huge thanks to everyone at REA who has taken part in contributing their feedback and helped to bring this to life - we look forward to sharing more soon.

Until next time.