- Winston Sill In the open office on the second floor of the Jamaica Money Market Brokers, plants hide unsightly computer cables and create a homey feel.
Avia Ustanny, Staff Reporter
ON visiting Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) in New Kingston recently we were greeted by a setting of birds and plants and the employees sporting jeans and company T-shirts. It was hard to distinguish the supervisors from line staff, since they were all in a large, open office. Ironically, the doorman was the only person wearing a suit.
The tour took us to a terrace where events such as baby showers, bridal showers and office parties are held. In keeping with the family-like environment, JMMB has also set up a nursery in the complex, where employees' children up to 12 years are kept accommodated during working hours free of cost to the staffers.
There is also a gym and all of the nearly 110 members of the JMMB team get a full body massage every three months. A meditation room has also been set up for the more stressed employees.
JMMB has taken the theory of comfort zone to the extreme.
According to Janice Gayle, the company's public relations manager, the late founder of the company, Joan Duncan, was adamant that the institution not follow the traditional rules of corporate businesses. So, there is little hierarchy at JMMB, because of what Janice termed the 'flat organisation' that Mrs. Duncan created.
At JMMB, Janice said, "everyone gets involved in decisions, even on how money is invested."
"This kind of environment works," she said, "as people are more motivated to participate because ideas and input are encouraged."
According to Janice it is a world trend to adopt a less formal approach to business.
And the company's chief executive officer, Donna Duncan, pointed out that with a 'flat organisation' there was less bureaucracy and things got done quicker.
