New Delhi: An Australian mining company has instructed its staff members not to leave company premises to take a coffee break as it wants to ‘hold staff captive all day long’.
Chris Ellison, the managing director of Mineral Resources, reportedly claimed that coffee break was costing the company a fortune.
Ellison announced that amenities will be arranged at the head office in Perth ensuring employees do not leave building during work hours.
The instruction were made during financial results presentation with Ellison disapproving of staff leaving the building for coffee or having work from home as they cost the companying a lot.
Ellison reportedly said that he wanted to hold workers ‘captive all day long’, adding he didn’t want them leave the building, walking down the road for a cup of coffee.
He criticised remote work arrangements that other companies continue since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mining company banned work-from-home arrangements last year.
The Australian company has set up a restaurant, gym, staff psychologists, and a creche with Ellison believing that these facilities will make office a desirable for place for workers, eliminating the need for going out.
Meanwhile, Ellison expressed concerns about the trend of shorter working weeks, saying the industry cannot afford employees working fewer days, receiving full pay.