Refurbished IALA HQ brings out the Wow factor!
There is nothing quite as uplifting as settling down on a routine morning to a day’s work at a desk that looks somewhat tired and with a computer that has seen better days, and suddenly realizing that something is not quite so familiar and indeed pleasantly surprising in a “Wow!” kind of way.
Anniversaries are good occasions for bringing out the Wow factor. Similarly, organizations that are successful know how to delight and wow – and indeed motivate and retain – their members by going that extra mile and exceeding expectations. With 2017 marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the IALA Constitution, on 1 July 1957, and a record number of new Members having joined over the past year alone, the Secretariat has reason to be pleased with the progress achieved in refurbishing its home base in St Germain-en-Laye.
Delegates attending the forthcoming Committee sessions this month will have that special Wow experience as they discover a completely redesigned Headquarters, focused on modernity and simplicity and fit-for-purpose for a 21st century, efficient and transparent organization.
The successful completion of the first phase of refurbishment of all offices and meeting rooms follows on from the comprehensive installation of smart IT and video-conferencing facilities in the latter part of last year. A second and final phase of improvement works is scheduled for the middle of this year.
The reorganization of the available space is particularly welcome in view of the need to optimize usage to suit the different requirements for office work space and storage space. In addition, it has been possible to improve the capacity of the lounge area. This is important in view of the growing membership and its incremental impact on Committee attendance. The Secretariat, too, must be prepared to meet the demands associated with that growth, which also raises the prospect of a potential increase in administrative personnel.
Together, these various projects are an important element in the new visual identity of the Association. Members will recall that in 2016 the decision was taken to redesign the logo of the little mermaid and adopt a new corporate style guide including for all technical documentation. In addition, a complete overhaul of the website has been a high priority to serve the membership even better and present the Association to the wider maritime community as an up-to-date, effective, visible, outreach-oriented and cooperative organization.
Meanwhile, the prospect of IALA’s change of status brings its own challenges for continuous improvement and Members will therefore have the chance to delight in many more Wow experiences in the years to come.
