Thursday June 16, 2016
By Nisha T. Naidu
What is it like to come to work in an organisation that lets you stroll in in jeans daily, work from a different spot everyday and blow off steam with a game of pool?
As millennials start to flood the workforce, more organisations are recognising the need for different, non-traditional working environment to energise and motivate their current workforce.
Previously featuring some trendy workplaces such as Ikea, Leo Burnett, Maxis, Salty Customs, and KFit, myStarjob.com visits the next fancy office in town, a company that is well-known by many shopaholics in Malaysia, Lazada Malaysia, to find out first-hand what it’s like to work in one of Malaysia’s largest e-commerce company.
Lazada Malaysia is an online shopping marketplace with more than four million products listed on its website. Beginning in 2012 with a headcount of around 90, Lazada has expanded to a company of over 700 employees reportedly, with business operations extending to the Southeast Asia market.
Company values are displayed stylishly at this discussion corner.
The working culture at Lazada
Sukhveer Singh Ajay
Labeling themselves as an equal opportunity employer, Lazada hires and is on the lookout for go-getters who are highly motivated and are passionate about the e-commerce industry, says Lazada Malaysia head of employee and labour relations Sukhveer Singh Ajay.
“In Lazada we don’t believe in the phrase ‘we can’t do it because it’s difficult’. It’s difficult, that’s what makes us different,” says Ajay.
While excellence is expected from Lazada employees, the management is not in the habit of dictating how to go about achieving it. Micromanaging is not an issue at Lazada. The culture and environment is relaxed, which promotes open communication and creative problem-solving.
“Our culture can be described as free and easy,” says Ajay. “People who work here are highly intellectual, very highly motivated by what they do, and are self-driven.”
When stressed or in need of a break, employees are encouraged to blow off steam by playing pool, grabbing a drink, or maybe playing a round or two of video games on their PlayStation. All of these are provided on Lazada’s premises for employees to use freely.
While the floor plan in Lazada features an open office concept, employees are not expected to be constantly working from their assigned desks. They can easily adjourn to one of the many lounges for a bit of quiet or a change of scene.
A snazzy office and flexibility of work are not the only perks of working in Lazada.
It’s not uncommon to find employees taking a break with a game of pool.
Employees are provided with free snacks via vending machines, and Lazada vouchers are distributed on certain occasions such as staff’s birthday or Christmas.
The company holds regular team-building retreats, as well as an annual dinner where they identify and present the Lazada Ambassador Awards to selected employees from each department for adhering to Lazada’s values.
This dazzling yellow pantry adds a vibe of excitement and positivity to the workplace.
Major festivities are observed and celebrated in the office to promote cultural awareness, especially because the company employs a mix of ethnicities, with a number of foreign talent on its team.
Inter-department movement is also encouraged in the company. Talents are allowed to move from one role to another, to prevent stagnation and encourage continuous growth and learning.
Lazada’s office space
Occupying two floors in Menara Worldwide, KL, Lazada’s office layout is that of an open office concept, featuring several lounges which are regularly used as alternative workstations. Lockers are also provided for staff to store their belongings.
Anywhere with a seat is an appropriate place to work in Lazada.
“When designing Lazada’s workspace, the priority was in making sure that everybody is as comfortable as possible,” says Ajay. “The management aspires to make sure that the work environment is conducive.”
The official workstations are open, with lockers provided on the side.
Drawing from its corporate colours, Lazada Malaysia’s office is for the most part decorated in bright orange and navy blue, with the elements of urban style of décor in the lounges, café area and pantry,
Cosy spots such as this one is a popular haunt for employees.
While meeting rooms are available on the premises, it would not be uncommon to find a team discussion taking place in one of the café areas or lounges.
However, with lots of open space dedicated for group-settings, the company did not leave out those who may prefer some quiet while working.
Several individual-booths can be found along the floors of Lazada which is open for employees to use at any time they wish, be it for a private call, or simply to get some zen while working on their projects.
Individual booths are provided for some privacy.
Lazada Malaysia CEO Hans Peter and COO Kevin Lee played a very involved role in the designing of the office, says Ajay, even personally testing out the office chairs for comfort before making a definitive decision.
The company practices an open-door policy, a practice that cascades from top to bottom.
Says Ajay: “We all have this relationship – the management are very good mentors and they actively train the younger generation. They are very aware that those are the people who are going to take over in the future.”
Another cosy discussions corner for employees.
Lazada is hiring!
If you’re sold by the description of Lazada’s workplace from the above, you’ll be glad to know that the company is now hiring. Check out and apply for their vacancies below:
Vendor Management Analyst
Business Development Analyst (Vendor Acquisition)
Do you work in an awesome office or know of one? Email the details over to editor@mystarjob.com for an opportunity to be featured on myStarjob.com! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with our latest insightful articles and career advice.
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