This corporate headquarters located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, aimed for a fresh start for its space and its employees. 

One of the biggest changes to this modern office was transforming it from a mere workspace into a destination. Our goal was to provide furnishings throughout the space that would support a refreshing environment for employees to connect with friends and coworkers, find inspiration, collaborate, and re-establish connections. 

With a focus on wellness and flexibility, the multiple areas crafted with furnishings were intentional and designed to accommodate a diverse staff and various functions. As you move through the spaces, you encounter a range of workspace options, including touch-down stations, lounge areas, small and large meeting rooms, and multifunctional leisure spaces. These designs promote accessible and flexible work styles while prioritizing employee wellness. 

We collaborated closely with the client to create a new and efficient environment that supports both independent and collaborative work, optimizing space flow, communication, and productivity. Hot desking replaced traditional personal workspaces, introducing various co-working zones and brainstorming areas. Desk pods were implemented to allow three to four workers to collaborate while still providing personal space for independent tasks. Smaller conference areas were designed to encourage small group collaborations. We also incorporated inclusive design elements, such as height-adjustable desks, multiple seating styles, and personal storage units, to create an accessible and convenient environment for everyone. 

This project incorporates many WELL building standards, which emphasize the interaction between humans and the built environment and its impact on physical health and behavior. We integrated numerous furniture-related features throughout, including cleanable surfaces, exposure to daylight, active furnishings, accessible design, ergonomics, noise reduction planning, sound-absorbing surfaces, sound barriers, biophilia, and adaptable spaces to reassure staff that they are returning to safe workplaces. 

To create a more comfortable and homelike atmosphere, we incorporated soft seating elements. Design emphasis was placed on noise reduction and the creation of quiet zones and pods using sound-absorbing materials, such as carpeting and acoustic partitions. Furnishings included felt dividers, wrap-around panels, and mobile plant-hanging dividers to foster a quieter environment. Through thoughtful space planning, this office considered various factors that contribute to employee well-being, such as access to natural light, greenery, breakout areas, and quiet spaces, resulting in a layout that promotes health and happiness. We highlighted this process by selecting furnishings that enhance well-planned areas for training, workshops, and learning activities to support employee development and continuous learning, encouraging open communication. 

Ergo Office Plus ensured the procurement of suitable furnishings that provide flexibility and support for staff. We understand that a well-designed office layout can enhance workflow and productivity by minimizing distractions, offering ergonomic workstations, and creating environments conducive to focused work. Our experience and access to a network of suppliers allowed us to source sustainable, high-quality materials, furniture, and fixtures that aligned with the design concept and budgetary constraints of our client. Partnering with eco-conscious manufacturers who utilize sustainable materials and maintain carbon neutrality contributed to the overall sustainability of this office space. 

Our in-house installation team worked alongside the general contractor, expertly receiving, staging, and installing furnishings across six floors over three months, adhering to the project schedule. The phased installation approach enabled the client to open certain floors at different times, facilitating a smooth transition back to the renovated space for employees. 

Overall, we successfully provided a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing office environment that we believe will enhance employee satisfaction. This thoughtfully designed office space reflects positively on the employer’s brand, conveying professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to employee well-being.