At Yass Valley Property (YVP), co-owner and licensed real estate agent Andrew Curlewis said the basis of a strong company culture is the philosophy of ensuring employees are happy to come into work every day.
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“It doesn’t happen by accident, but there are no secrets.
“It simply requires a conscientious effort to create somewhere where you’re happy to be working,” he said.
Mr Curlewis, having had a rural background before entering property, credited this culture – which he said was a team effort – for YVP securing the ‘Employer of Choice’ award at the 2017 Yass Valley Business Chamber Awards on August 10.
The award recognises organisations that have strategies and initiatives that create stimulating and supportive workplace environments for employees.
Mr Curlewis said a happy clientele comes only from ensuring those whom you work with directly enjoy their work.
“It comes about by default – that is, our results are reflective and a byproduct of how employees are treated.
“We’ve got our employees’ backs and are all supportive of each other,” he said. Asked about the award, he said it was a surprise.
“It’s flattering that employees and colleagues thought we deserved that award.
Although creating an environment where “everyone can feel comfortable in their own skin” is key, Mr Curlewis said that it did not mean there were no difficulties.
“But you learn how to manage and find solutions to problems. We’re really fortunate that we’ve got a really strong team,” he said.
For office manager Alice Cox, she has been at YVP since 2014 and she said the award was validation for the team’s effort.
“It wasn’t a surprise to me. It’s a very open office and we think of each other as family, where the atmosphere is fun and we’re comfortable being ourselves,” Ms Cox said.
Similarly, co-owner and property manager Sophie Curlewis said a strength to any team work is to appreciate everyone as a collective while balancing each individuality.
“It’s the appreciation and respect we all show towards each other. We work as a team, as friends and as a family,” Mrs Curlewis said.
“Everyone is an individual at same time they're a team player and we’re all treated with support and respect,” she said.
YVP was started by Mr Curlewis’ father, Peter, who has more than 45 years of experience.
“He ran business at his farm out of town because he was semi-retired,” Mr Curlewis said.
In 2018, YVP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of its Comur Street storefront. Mr Curlewis said celebration planning should begin soon.
