Travelling the world in Penrose

Industrial Penrose is an unlikely prelude for the relaxed welcome you receive when you find your way to Comacc's front desk. And a tour of the office reveals that friendliness is not confined to the reception area. Meeting Comacc's staff is like taking a brief tour of the globe; people from China, India, Russia, Transylvania, South Africa and the Pacific appear to work happily and effectively alongside each other in sales, training and programming roles.

When Steve Nathan and his father, Peter, started their payroll business they knew they needed smart, committed people who could provide innovative people management solutions to clients. Now, 16 years later, they employ 40 permanent staff and 12 temps in their Auckland office, and another three people in Sydney.

Their workforce is ethnically diverse, not by design but purely because the Nathans employ on the basis of skill and attitude, not race or culture.

Comacc also employs a young woman with Downs Syndrome, Narelle Pemberton, on a part-time basis. Narelle was initially employed to keep the office kitchens in good order but her role has evolved to include administrative work.

One of Comacc's newest employees is Anita Mittal who recently joined the telemarketing team. Comacc recruited Anita through an Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Industry programme, which matches mothers with employers who can provide work that suits their family commitments.

Anita was born in India and arrived in New Zealand in 1998 after 16 years working in corporate roles in the US. She spent a number of years out of the paid workforce so she could look after her two daughters. With both of them well settled in school she was ready to find paid work.

Anita knew it would be difficult to find work near her home that would fit around the school day and allow some flexibility for family emergencies. She says she would never have taken a job which meant she had to neglect her children but she didn't expect to find an employer as supportive as Comacc.

"They consider you as an individual and respect everyone regardless of who you are or where you come from," she says. "That's very important to me. It's also a relaxed atmosphere, unlike some of the corporate jobs I've had, and that contributes to people's productivity."

Anita had no previous experience in telemarketing but she's obviously taken to the job, saying she goes out of her way to make sure customers are satisfied. Her role involves developing relationships with customers and setting up appointments for Account Manager Michael Desouza.

She soon realised she could be more effective if she understood Michael's role better, so she took the initiative and suggested that she accompany him to a client meeting. "We've created a good team," she says.

Steve Nathan was happy to employ Anita on the basis of her personality and attitude, and also because he believes that women with young children are excellent employees. "They are very committed because they are focussed on their financial futures."

He invests heavily in upskilling staff and endeavours to offer opportunities for growth within Comacc. Anita is confident that in time, she will be able to move to a role at Comacc that will extend her more, but says the telemarketing job suits her for the moment with her children still needing much care and attention.

Anita is intensely loyal to Steve and Comacc. "Steve gave me an opportunity when I needed it. When you get such a response you want to put your heart into your job."

Staff turnover at Comacc is around 10 per cent. Steve says a number of recent departures have been people setting up their own businesses. "Quite often people leave Comacc for a period and then wish to return. I'm always happy to re-employ good people provided we have an appropriate opening."

The business continues to expand into new areas, taking advantage of its extensive database and existing customer relationships to provide a wide range of people management and payroll solutions.

Steve says the wide variety of nationalities and cultures working together at Comacc add value to the business. He encourages understanding through team meetings and social gatherings although his natural respect for everyone, regardless of their background, probably sends the strongest message of all