Staff at Premier Holidays are being encouraged to ‘get lost’ in the destinations they sell after the company installed palm trees, beach scenes and a ski lift in their new premises.
The independent operator, which has moved its head office from Cambridge to Cambourne, nine miles to the west, is modelled on the offices of Google and Facebook, which encourage a happy working environment.
On breaks, the 90 members of staff can relax in oasis-style social hubs or a soundproof ‘cow shed’ pod with artificial grass. They can eat on a ski-lift table with a snowy mountain backdrop or dine in an airport lounge-style setting.
There is also a large flatscreen TV with internet, PlayStation and Netflix, so employees can relax. Desks are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling posters of beach scenes, indoor palm trees and surf boards.
Susan Papworth, Premier Holidays group managing director, said: “Our move to more modern premises has brought a lot of change to Premier – we want to alter the culture and ethos of the business to make it more cutting edge, a fun place to work and, above all, to give our employees a sense of pride in their company.
“We are placing a big emphasis on staff wellbeing.
“We spend so much of our life at work that we really want Premier to be a welcoming and friendly place for all.”
Premier, which also operates 20 travel agencies and is celebrating its 80th anniversary, encourages employees to get active during the working day. It has put together ‘get active’ cards featuring simple stretches to do at desks and created a wellbeing team, called Evolve, across its agencies that will organise lunchtime walking groups, after‑work running clubs and other healthy activities. Bikes are available to use on lunch breaks at the new head office.