Time at accountancy firm far from taxing

A Teesside accountancy firm is promoting staff wellbeing and the importance of spending time as a team with a new social space.

Anderson Barrowcliff has recently converted the top floor of its offices in Stockton into two break-out areas for its staff to relax and socialise.

The zones provide two very different environments for team members, the first being a quiet space for staff to work away from their desks, to help those who need time out of the normal office environment to be more productive. The second is a social area which is brightly decorated and has a kitchen with a fully stocked beer, wine and soft drinks fridge, comfy sofas, large screen TVs, games consoles, table tennis and a pool table.

The conversion will help alleviate stress and create a positive working environment in which the team feel valued and motivated while helping them socialise with each other more.

Speaking about the importance of the space, Partner Andy Dewing said: “We wanted to give staff the space to get away from their desks and switch off.

“Staff wellbeing is of the greatest importance to us and we want to continually invest in it. We pride ourselves on being a 'people-first' firm and all decisions are made with this core value in mind.”

The space will also be used for informal meetings, to catch up with business contacts over a game of pool, and on the last Friday of each month, it will be open for staff members and their friends and families to socialise.

The firm has gone from strength to strength in recent years and has taken on two new trainees in the last month, with plans for more appointments in the near future.

James Dale, partner at Anderson Barrowcliff said: “We always believe in developing our own and take trainees on each year. We are committed to growing without sacrificing service levels for our clients and the break-out area gives us the greatest possible chance of getting the best out of our staff.”