Vodafone

Vodafone

Auckland, New Zealand

Workplace Issues:

• Ways of working
• Flexibility/ease of change
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Innovation
• Corporate image/Branding

Application:

• Collaboration/team
• Entire facility
• Hoteling
• Open office

Project Scope:

• 172,000 sqft
• 1,300 employees and contractors

Products:

• Resolve System
• Caper Chairs

Overview:

When Vodafone moved into their new headquarters, they commissioned a huge Resolve installation, and introduced a work environment that didn't tie staff to the same desk every day.
A workplace performance metrics study found unprecedented employee satisfaction with the new space.

Why Resolve:

To transform itself into a role model of mobility, Vodafone knew that its technology, work practices, and furniture all would have to chip in. Staff mostly offsite, for instance, are equipped with wireless laptops and "mobility printer cards" so they can work anywhere in the building. When it's time to retrieve a printout, they simply swipe their card through the nearest "mobility printer" and out it comes.

In scrutinizing its work practices, Vodafone overhauled its approach to records management, launching one initiative aimed at reducing clutter and another at streamlining its filing system. Reason: It's easier to be mobile when there's not so much stuff tying you to a desk.

As for furniture, Resolve systems proved to be the answer. In addition, Resolve café tables are used for standing touchdowns and Resolve input tables for seated touchdowns. Meanwhile, meeting areas throughout the building sport Herman Miller's Caper seating.

"The intuitive flexibility of Resolve was a key driver because Vodafone's business changes so frequently," Bertenshaw says. "Their teams can grow and shrink in a matter of months, so they wanted something with a small kit of parts that they could move and modify quickly."

The company also took advantage of Herman Miller's Customer's Own Image program to imprint Resolve screens with custom graphics that reinforce corporate culture everywhere you turn. "Be supportive," says one. "Take risks," says another.
Workstations, touchdowns, breakdowns
Rather than simply count heads and make sure there were enough conventional workstations to go around, the client decided to integrate scores of unconventional work areas that would allow it to make more efficient use of space, while demonstrating the virtues of mobility. Its headquarters contains about 1,500 work areas that take a variety of forms:

• Allocated workstations are assigned to employees who need to work in the same spot every day.

• Unallocated workstations are reserved for off-site staff, who can decide where to work each morning depending on what the day has in store.

• Seated and standing touchdowns are scattered throughout for employees who need to duck in for short stretches.

• Standing-height collaboration tables are conveniently located for quick meetings.

• Backyards offer comfortable lounge seating for relaxation or informal team meetings.

The abundance of unallocated workstations means that many employees can pretty much work wherever they want - here today, over there tomorrow. Are you a salesperson wrapping up paperwork between appointments? Try a standing touchdown. Are you a marketing exec who needs to meet with someone from finance? Set up shop in an unallocated workstation nearby. Do you need to pull your team together for a fast meeting? Relax in the nearest backyard.

"The flexibility improves collaboration and creates better integration between departments," says Kate North, strategic business director for Matisse. "Their internal departments used to be somewhat tribal - now they're all part of the same team."