POPCORN, Netflix and fake grass are not unusual sights at this Kidlington-based office.

Digital marketing agency, Zest Digital, has been recognised for its quirky office space.

It has converted part of its office into an 'breakout' area where employees can relax, de-stress and take a break from their work day.

The agency has now been nominated for Office Breakout of the Year, an award run by UK games room specialist, Home Leisure Direct.

The award seeks to reveal the most inspirational office-based breakout space that the UK has to offer and Zest Digital is one of ten offices to be shortlisted.

Playstation tournaments, football, Netflix and even picnics with clients are held in its converted space.

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Alex Minchin, managing director of Zest Digital, believes his office's working environment has an impact on the productivity of employees.

Oxford Mail:

He said: "There's a lot of work that we all have to take on so it's important to have a balance. Some people are task-driven while others are people-driven so we try to manage different types of personality.

"A happy team means happy clients and happy clients mean a happy business. Getting feedback helps us to make sure we are doing the right things."

Zest Digital is a digital agency, focused on driving revenue growth for its ambitious clients.

It specialises in positively influencing the two most important metrics that challenge businesses marketing online today; increasing the volume and quality of traffic and conversions from digital channels.

Their office was converted when the business moved from Oxford Science Park into their current Kidlington site in 2016.

Mr Minchin said: "When we moved in, the space was used as a meeting room. It was an awkward size, pretty boring and quite bland. So we decided to get rid of it and make it into a multifunctional area.

"We made it into a space that has a British garden and picnic theme where people can use at any time to unwind."

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But the space is not just used as a 'breakout' area as it can also be used for team meetings too.

Oxford Mail:

Every other Friday afternoon is dedicated to LOAF - Learning on a Friday - where employees give presentations and offer ideas to help each other with their clients.

Mr Minchin emphasised that the space provides a good way for the team to bond and help each other with any problems at work.

He said: "The space allows the whole team to get involved in helping to crack each other's challenges or problems. It provides a way for us to share ideas that may help someone with their client. In the end, its a huge value for our clients."

The team have to balance play and work, ensuring that too much play does not stop them from reaching their targets.

Mr Minchin said the key to achieving this is to 'know your numbers.'

He measures monthly how much his employees are working as teams and individuals, the revenue to wage bill - making sure that they are 'always running lean' - and a three month run rate which is whether the agency is sustaining its growth.

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Occasionally LOAF will not be held if targets have not been met but the company cherish the space and everyone is encouraged to go.

Mr Minchin said: "We do skip LOAF sometimes if we need to get work done but it is a very protected time. If someone is working during LOAF then they’ll get pulled up on it."

The agency also holds an annual summer party and quarterly trips.

To vote for Zest Digital go to: https://www.homeleisuredirect.com/company/office-breakout-of-the-year/voting/