We have been in the building in Brainpark near the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for about four and a half years. At the time, we set that up for the way we worked at the time, so a lot of flex spaces and office gardens. So a lot of open spaces. With the COVID-19 pandemic around the corner last year and the need to work partly at home, partly in the office, we researched internally where our employees’ needs were in that area with the pressing question: what do you need to optimize your work experience? It was clear that the current layout and workplaces no longer met the “hybrid” and work happiness ambitions we were pursuing.
Second home
For just about all of the 30 Integronners, the office feels like a second home. Everyone knows each other. We form a close-knit team. So it is important that we can work in an inspiring environment where we can do our work optimally and what we can consider a social meeting place. We value contact with our colleagues. This can be done in the office, or of course, online. Last year, we held regular Friday afternoon drinks online and spontaneous ideas arose on several occasions to “spice up” the drinks resulting in hilarious moments. Also, in corona time, everyone came and comes to the office an average of a few times a week to keep in touch with each other. The hybrid office is now set up so that we can meet all offline as well as online needs. Pleasant cooperation is the starting point.
Professionalizing
With the transformation to a hybrid office, we also took a professionalization step. For example, we have a professional recording studio with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities. We use these for our webinars and presentations, among other things. We can also use this studio in collaboration with our clients. Furthermore, there are screens and cameras in all rooms, so we can get out digitally and without frustration everywhere. In addition, our project coordinators have been moved to a quieter area of the building so that they can do their work undisturbed. To bring out Integron’s DNA, all spaces have been restyled into inspiring environments for every type of work. And in our “living room” where we normally hold Friday afternoon drinks, the necessary “fun elements” have been implemented, such as a table tennis table, miniature golf course and a karaoke set. Work-life balance is important to us. The great thing is that our clients will also benefit as we experience more job happiness.
Are you curious about what your employees would like to see in a future-proof hybrid office environment?
With a focused thematic survey, we can help. Check out our Future Proof Work Survey or contact us for more information.
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