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## Environmental benefits of real-time working 

Following the implementation of real-time working at our main Sydney and Melbourne offices, we have significantly reduced our real-estate footprint by optimising the use of space to better align with desk usage and adopting more contemporary working practices. 

The move to real-time working has produced environmental returns in the form of recycling stationery, work stations and computer technology. As the Sydney and Melbourne offices have adopted real-time working, several charities have benefited from donations of surplus equipment as well as some cash raised by staff. For example, the NSW Department of Education and Grace Removals assisted with the distribution of 300 under- desk pedestal units that were donated to schools in the community that were in need. 

## PEoPlE AnD CultuRE 

## A diverse, innovative and engaged workforce is important in enhancing the quality and creativity which underpins our brands and businesses. 

Fairfax is in the middle of a significant transformation and understands its business has a predominantly digital future. The transformation involves a three-year restructuring program that will see the workforce reduced to about 8,000 and the adoption of new business practices and behaviours. We are on track to deliver total annualised cost savings of $311 million by 2015. In addition, there are several new revenue streams that are actively being pursued. 

Despite headcount reductions, we’ve implemented smarter processes, and overall efficiency and output has increased in many business areas. A new digital-facing way of working and greater sharing of content within our Australian metropolitan newsrooms has seen a reduction in staff numbers of about 22 per cent within the editorial departments. Smaller teams of producers are now working across print, online and the tablet app, replacing traditionally fractured sub-editing roles and removing production silos. Reporters are filing digital-first stories throughout the day, increasing original content by 25 per cent on these platforms. Common publishing systems across all metropolitan publishing platforms allow news lists and all content across digital and print to be shared seamlessly, resulting in increased efficiency. 

Some more key figures about our people: 

• 730 employees in Australia use Fairfax-subsidised gym facilities. 

• 2106 employees in Australia and New Zealand took up the offer of a free flu vaccination. 

• 827 employees participated in the Fairfax-managed fun runs and swim events offered free of charge to staff. 

• Established in 1959, the Fairfax Foundation operates separately from the business for the purpose of helping current and former Fairfax employees and their dependents. During the past financial year, the Foundation has provided financial grants, loans and other benefits to the value of $359,251. 

• Fairfax continued to offer independent external assistance and counselling services to all Fairfax employees and their immediate families, as well as an independent external “whistleblower” hotline for staff to report concerns about ethics and harassment. 

