Proactive measures instigated by real estate company The Agency has got the backing of the majority of its staff, in an effort to retain its team.

Managing Director, Paul Niardone gives assurances that the measures won't have an impact on The Agency’s ability to deliver its real estate services to clients, property agents, home buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants. 

“As the Managing Director of The Agency I am tasked with protecting the business and its staff, and it is clear that there is a need for immediate measures to ensure our company continues to meet its goal of delivering industry-leading real estate services,” said Mr Niardone. 

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Paul Niardone, Managing Director of The Agency. Photo: The Agency

“We do not want to follow the example of other large companies and stand down the workforce to ride this crisis out.

"We want to avoid staff reduction as much as possible and avoid causing anyone the additional stress of having to find a job in what is already a trying time.

"What we do want to do is work together to ensure that we support each other and remain in employment.” 

Mr Niardone said it is not just about ensuring the business and all its staff can successfully navigate this period of uncertainty, but that they use this time to reinforce systems and practices and ensure they are well positioned to take advantage of whatever the market is post-Coronavirus. 

Effective mid-April 2020 all non-commissioned staff will temporarily have working hours reduced in line with reduced workloads as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative impact it is having on the Australian real estate sector. 

The amount of reduction will be at management’s discretion and scaled if need be over time to be aligned with economic conditions or government restrictions. 

“Pleasingly, the vast majority of our staff have responded positively to these measures and have, as we have, wanted to show commitment to each other and the wider The Agency Group," said Mr Niardone.

Mr Niardone said The Agency Group is not immune from this impact of the Coronavirus and will continue to be affected by the downward trend in buyer sentiment, which is expected to be sustained for the foreseeable future. 

By implementing these initiatives, the company now has the flexibility to follow any new Government measures while maintaining everyone’s employment. 

“We are so proud of the loyal and talented team we have built here at The Agency, our success to date has been achieved by this valuable team,” said The Agency CEO, Matt Lahood.

"Our top priority is working to keep the team together, safe and secure. “ 

The Agency notes and applauds the Federal Government’s recently announced “Job Keeper” program, which will see eligible employers paid $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee.

“This new initiative will assist us in keeping our team employed and potentially lessen the time they will be working to reduced hours,” said Mr Niardone.

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