Mining boss opposes staff leaving office for coffee

Chris Ellison, managing director of Australian mining firm Mineral Resources, has voiced a strong stance against staff leaving the office for coffee breaks, citing significant costs and productivity concerns. During a financial results presentation on Wednesday, Ellison expressed his desire to keep employees in the office throughout the workday.

Ellison highlighted the comprehensive facilities available at their Perth head office, which include a restaurant, nine staff psychologists, and a gym. These amenities are part of a broader strategy to encourage employees to remain onsite rather than stepping out for routine activities like buying coffee. He revealed that the company has calculated the financial impact of such breaks, which he believes is substantial.

“I want to hold them captive all day long,” Ellison said. “I don’t want them leaving the building for something as trivial as a cup of coffee. We’ve determined the cost of these small absences and it’s more than you might think.”

According to Ellison, this approach is a fundamental part of the company’s broader operational philosophy. “We’ve introduced various benefits to keep our employees engaged and productive within our premises,” he explained. The firm’s strict “no work from home” policy further emphasizes their commitment to maintaining a fully office-based work environment.

Ellison also believes that the rest of the mining industry should adopt similar practices to maximize efficiency. “The industry cannot sustain a model where employees work part-time from home but receive full-time pay,” he argued. He suggests that this imbalance affects overall productivity and financial viability.

The company’s focus on office-based work extends to its approach to family life as well. Mineral Resources has established an on-site daycare center with capacity for 105 children. “This facility is another reason for employees to stay at work,” Ellison said. “Parents can drop off their children next door and have peace of mind while they work.”

Ellison’s stance reflects a broader trend among some executives who are enforcing stricter office-based policies. For instance, last week, the head of London-based smartphone manufacturer Nothing announced a similar shift. The company is transitioning from a hybrid working model to a fully office-based setup.

In a company-wide email, the executive acknowledged that this decision might not suit everyone but emphasized its necessity for the company’s success. “I know this is a controversial decision,” the email stated. “There are companies that thrive in remote or hybrid environments, but that’s not the case for us. Being fully office-based will help us realize our full potential.”

Both Ellison’s and the Nothing executive’s decisions reflect a growing sentiment among some leaders that physical office presence is crucial for maintaining productivity and cohesion. They argue that having employees on-site can foster better collaboration, streamline operations, and reduce the hidden costs associated with remote or hybrid working models.

As the debate over remote versus office work continues, these examples highlight the varied approaches companies are taking to balance employee flexibility with operational efficiency.