Being local is core to the WOTSO identity so it means a lot to the business and the teams at WOTSO Blacktown, Pyrmont and North Strathfield to be recognised for their great work by winning key categories at the Local Business Awards.
Busy Blacktown, one of WOTSO’s largest sites, beat a strong field to be named ‘Outstanding Specialised Business’ in the regional finals, while Pyrmont and North Strathfield were recognised as the ‘Most Inclusive Employer’ in the Sydney city and Inner West suburbs.
Arianna Pozzobon, WOTSO Pyrmont’s Space Leader, who accepted the award, said “inclusivity is a non-negotiable at WOTSO and is embedded across every part of the business, from staffing through to the way spaces are managed and communities are built”. WOTSO actively works to bring members together while also creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with diverse abilities.
WOTSO partners with NOVA Employment and currently has 10 team members who joined the business through the partnership. At Pyrmont in particular, one of those team members has been part of the WOTSO community for more than five years.
In addition to the partnership with NOVA Employment, community connection remains a strong focus. “We organise events at least once a week to bring people together,” said Pozzobon. “Some people can be shy, so we make a real effort to create a welcoming community inside the workspace where people feel comfortable connecting.”
“The type of event depends on the members at each location. For example, at Pyrmont ‘Thirsty Thursday’ is a big thing. A lot of our members stay after work for a nibble and a drink and a chat.”
She adds that as an employer, WOTSO makes every effort to accommodate demands outside work. “I’m a mother of two and the company has been super flexible around my duties,” says Pozzobon.
As for Blacktown, Regional Manager Tilly Eder saw the award as validation of the vital role WOTSO plays in the vibrant local community.
“We’re providing a crucial business service to the community that local businesses need and have limited access to,” Eder says.
“The commute from Blacktown into the Sydney CBD takes a long time, and providing local small businesses with an option closer to home is central to the WOTSO business model.”
Meanwhile, WOTSO Zetland was a finalist in the ‘Most Inclusive Employer’ category’ and ‘Outstanding Specialised Business’.
