Financial Services Hybrid Working

jmarchitects supported our client through a change in working culture that was triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and assisted with the subsequent implementation and roll out of their hybrid working programme across a number of its sites the UK.

Date

2021

Client

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Value

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This project was run in conjunction with a post-pandemic Return to Office Programme and was triggered by the recognition of change in culture that occurred as a result of working practices during Covid-19. The successful roll out of this hybrid working programme has facilitated more efficient use of their buildings and ultimately releasing sub-lettable office floorspace.

Our services included the production of information pertaining to architectural fit-out, interior design and FF&E specification as well as engaging with staff at various level across the company and participating in the consultation and orientation workshops required to support the new working strategies.

jmarchitects were responsible for developing space planning, interior design and FF&E conceptual design proposals for four different departments, across a variety of scales of working neighbourhoods. Taking a lead from feedback at early staff engagement sessions we proposed a new interior design brand concept based on biophilic principles that would unify the sites across the UK.

The FF&E strategy proposed a shift from traditional office furniture to one which offered a variety of working environments to the office occupier, based on the 4Cs of smart working: concentration, contemplation, collaboration and communication. Where possible and appropriate we reused existing furniture as part of our proposals and any furniture which was made redundant was recycled or donated in line with our client’s internal sustainability policies.

We advocated for, supported and helped explain to staff the implementation of new sensor technology to gather ongoing evidence-based data regarding the use of these new work environments to help inform future projects within the company.

We worked closely with a specialist workplace consultant to help support our client, team leaders and department working groups through a series of engagement sessions and workshops. We utilised a variety of information mediums ranging from numerical data to 3D information and graphical collages to ensure that we were able to clearly communicate concepts and proposals to staff.

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The Challenge

To create a series of unified fit out solutions across the UK, which also responded to the individual needs of each team whilst helping support a change in working culture for the staff.

The Solution

By utilising a variety of engagement tools and reporting methods and appreciating that there is not a ‘one-fits all’ solution for workplace design we were able to work closely with our client and their staff to develop the ideal design solutions.

The Outcome

The successful roll out of this hybrid working programme has facilitated more efficient use of their buildings and ultimately releasing sub-lettable office floorspace.