Work-life solutions provider, SeventeenHundred recently launched its interactive, online platform, ‘The Work & Life Hub,’ against the backdrop of a recent report that reveals that 61 per cent of Australian employees are ‘experiencing negative emotions at work.’
On a grassroots level, the report shows that ‘stress’ is felt by 32 per cent of workers and 29 per cent of employees are ‘frustrated’ at work, with ‘stated loyalty’ at a low of 55.3 per cent.
SeventeenHundred prides itself on being wholly inclusive and diverse – moving away from boxing employees into one, single box, so to speak.
Their innovative new platform provides large and small companies with customised advice, information and tools to help their employees strike up a healthy work-life balance.
Employees are provided content, resources and services that cater to all stages of life and all areas including parenting, aged care, flexible working, new to the workforce, mature age and areas of health and wellbeing with a strong focus on mental health support.
The platform is meant to support the busy lives of a changing and diverse workforce while delivering data and insights for companies to better understand their people.
A core feature of the Hub is its human resource interface, which allows organisations to confidentially access strong metrics related to the work-life trends and behaviours of their employees.
Why is such a platform necessary right now?
“If the majority of Australian employees are ‘experiencing negative emotions at work’, there is something seriously wrong,” SeventeenHundred CEO and founder, Ryan Meldrum (pictured) stated.
“This is not only hugely costly for organisations in terms of productivity but the detrimental impact on the individuals themselves cannot be overlooked.
“The human resource interface is invaluable for getting to the bottom of what is missing at work for employees and what an organisation can do to better support, equip and engage with them.
“Ultimately, the Hub creates transparency around how organisations can be enhancing the workplace culture, while ensuring the process for employees is kept completely anonymous.”
The report also revealed that employees are not very likely to recommend their own organisation’s products and services, need to feel a personal link to an organisation goal or purpose beyond just earning money and that their engagement is related to their position in the organisation.
With a global study in 2013 revealing that disengaged workers are costing the economy around AU$54.8 billion, organisations interested in learning more about the economic value of implementing work-life, diversity and inclusion initiatives can check out SeventeenHundred’s online ROI calculator.
What is the story behind SeventeenHundred?
At 24, Ryan started a boutique recruitment and training business for the childcare sector called Expect A Star. After building up Expect A Star to have a national presence, he successfully exited last year – after 10 years – to focus on SeventeenHundred.
He founded SeventeenHundred in 2013, driven by the idea that people work more effectively when they feel valued and recognised for who they are, and for what unique talents and life experiences they bring to work.
“The name ‘SeventeenHundred’ is 24-hour time for 5pm – the traditional time people would clock off work for the day,” Ryan told Anthill about the interesting choice of name.
“In the past, it was a distinct barrier that used to exist between work and the rest of life. In today’s technological age, this barrier is hazy, even non-existent.
“Instead, what it represents is that crucial point where work and life meet – where work impacts on a person’s family, health, culture and identity and vice versa, where one’s personal life and identity shapes what value they bring to the table.
“It’s at this point that SeventeenHundred can help companies support their people as they navigate that balance and create a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.
“I recognised that the workplace is ever-evolving, so we are in a constant cycle of research and development to ensure our products and services are relevant.
He revealed that the main focus ahead for his company is the next wave of platform and tech advancements for The Hub and continual expansion throughout Australia and New Zealand in order to build on the 140,000 employees it currently supports from an impressive client list that includes Virgin Australia, IBM, AMP, Energy Australia and IAG.
