ABA Labels is celebrating its recent investments into its operations, after being named as one of the Australian Financial Review's 2021 Best Places to Work.
The business was recognised as one of the top five Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Entertainment Best Places to Work in Australia and New Zealand.
Founder Paul El Sibai said he was thrilled to accept the honour.
"After what has felt like one of the biggest years for change at ABA Labels, being recognised as one of the best places to work in Australia and New Zealand has been the icing on the cake.
"We have implemented so many new processes, as well as a number of people-focused initiatives such as our ‘No Questions Asked Day Policy’.
"This encourages employees experiencing mental ill-health or any other related concerns to take personal leave, and feel comfortable in doing so.
"We have since integrated this policy into personal leave allowance with the belief that mental ill-health should be treated the same as physical illness.
"Overall, my team and I have really pushed ourselves and the business to create one of the most innovative, supportive, modern and collaborative businesses in the world, and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised," he said.
Alongside the innovations in its leave policy, ABA Labels has also recently streamlined its day-to-day operations by relocating its office to its Mascot warehouse, enabling teams to work together more cohesively.
El Sibai added that the business used COVID to reassess its whole business structure.
"We took everything apart.
"Dissected the business and re-assessed what was working, what wasn’t working and what we could do better.
"By streamlining our location and the facilities that we have here, we are spending less time on communications and email back and forth, and more time on what is most important - proactive creativity.
"The whole business can now master everything from one, innovative space.
"From garment research, design and even sampling to producing marketing materials and social media content from our new, in-house photography studio," he said.
Since its foundation in 2016, ABA Labels has grown to encompass nine womenswear brands: Willa, Reux, Savel, Bwldr, St Mrlo, The Fated, Chancery, Tussah and Calli.
The business has also grown its team alongside its brand count, recently welcoming Sara Wilson as its new head of creative.
Speaking on the revamped workspace, Wilson added that it allows her to collaborate effectively.
"The new, open space is the perfect environment to collaborate as a team, and we encourage everyone to get involved in the creative process, and to share their own ideas.
"After all, that is what fashion is all about; expressing your identity through the garments you wear.
"Making the AFR Boss 2021 Best Places To Work list is both an honour and well deserved for ABA Labels," she said.
The annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine, is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia’s leading behavioural science consultancy, Inventium.