Barcelona
Fragrance and flavour house
360 Workplace case study
Oxfordshire
JDE
The Brief
Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), a renowned coffee-making company, operates a significant manufacturing facility in Banbury, UK. In addition to its substantial production and distribution centre, JDE also maintains smaller offices in Henley and Dublin.
Approaching a lease break, JDE's Henley office was facing challenges linked to the growing trend of remote work. This shift became evident in the office space, which experienced a notable decrease in engagement. Concerns also surfaced regarding the reduced face-to-face interactions and the impact this was having on team dynamics. Seeking expertise in the built environment, JDE approached 360 Workplace to revitalise their Henley workplace. JDE expressed a desire for a space that not only encouraged in-person engagement but also facilitated effective communication and collaboration with international teams. The challenge extended to incorporating diverse cultures into the office environment.
About:
Workplace Strategy
Where:
Henley
What We Did
To gain insights into employee attitudes, an engagement survey was conducted. While the desire for increased in-person interactions was evident, the data revealed a preference for flexibility. The heritage of the company played a significant role, with employees showcasing a strong connection to the brand.
Upon completing surveys and analysing data, we proposed several key recommendations:
To enhance communication with international teams, a space booking system for meeting and focus rooms was recommended. This would facilitate efficient scheduling and utilisation of collaborative spaces, ensuring seamless interactions across borders.
Acknowledging the need for a comprehensive transformation, we proposed a complete redesign of the Henley office. This included a collaborative effort to develop a design brief that aligned with JDE’s goals and addressed the challenges identified in the survey.
Recognising employee preference for flexibility, the design approach aimed to strike a balance. Spaces were conceptualised to promote both in-person collaboration and flexibility, accommodating the diverse needs and expectations of the workforce.
The Outcome
Following the delivery of a comprehensive workplace strategy project, the Henley office underwent a remarkable transformation. The introduction of the space booking system improved communication with international teams. The redesigned office space successfully balanced the desire for in-person engagement with the flexibility valued by employees. The celebration of JDE’s heritage created a work environment where employees felt a deep connection to the company and its products.