Meet 2023 Next Work Environment Competition honorable mentions in the Human Sustainability, Health & Well-Being category, M Moser Associates and their Personio, Amsterdam submission.
Project team:
We connected with M Moser to see how their submission has evolved since entering the competition:
Raquel Machado, M Moser: Personio’s new workplace has not only improved collaboration and cross-communication but has also played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and connection among employees. This new space has become a key asset in facilitating Personio’s growth. The additional capacity and flexibility have accommodated the company’s evolving needs, making it possible to scale operations effectively. As a result, Personio is further establishing a more substantial presence in the Netherlands, solidifying its position in the market and enabling future expansion with confidence.
Check out the slideshow and summary of the submission below:
Before Personio relocated from a co-working space to its first dedicated Amsterdam office, we dove deep into understanding its needs. Through interviews, surveys and interactive workshops, we developed a tailored workplace strategy, zoning plan and design concept.
Our findings showed that the new office had to address immediate demands yet remain adaptable for future expansion.
Our design solutions echo Personio’s people, values and purpose by translating its visual identity into the scheme. The workplace showcases the brand, aiming to create a welcoming and positive environment that reflects its identity. By adhering to universal design principles, we created a workplace that champions equitable use, promotes flexibility and requires minimal physical effort – all important to Personio’s values of social responsibility and team spirit. This approach caters to diverse needs, positioning Personio for continued success and attracting the best talent.
Our survey unveiled that a striking 89% of employees valued the office for its social connection and face-to-face interactions. In response, we’ve ensured that 70% of the floor plan is for collaboration and fosters a community atmosphere. The workplace further encourages collaboration with features such as scrum areas, stand-up spaces and mobile grandstands for team gatherings. In contrast, we also tailored our design strategy to meet the unique needs of each team, for instance, offering areas for quiet and deep concentration. This approach aligns seamlessly with Personio’s vision of fostering a strong sense of belonging among its teammates.
Our office design ensures everyone, whenever possible, enjoys the same ease of access to a wide variety of options. For example, individual focus pods are matched by their wheelchair-accessible counterparts, providing everyone with the same functionality. Features such as height-adjustable workstations minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
We meticulously enhanced the office’s energy efficiency using energy modelling techniques. These models provide valuable insights used for improving efficiency, reducing consumption and ultimately lowering energy costs.
We prioritised materials with minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to promote occupant health. Furniture underwent a thorough assessment to meet LEED VOC thresholds and California Department of Public Health standards. Additionally, we implemented a green cleaning policy with Personio using non-toxic chemicals and practices. We partnered with NORNORM, a furniture subscription company specialising in circular office furniture. The benefit of leasing office furniture is that it reduces waste, supports circular economy principles and minimises the environmental impact of furniture production and disposal.
Personio’s new Amsterdam office achieves a 43% reduction in water consumption through carefully selecting fixtures with reduced flow rates. We effectively managed construction waste during the build process, diverting 90% of construction waste away from landfills.
Our approach ensures materials which can’t be repurposed are recycled. The workplace strategy we developed with Personio culminated in an adaptive, inclusive workspace design that harmoniously aligns with their goals. We’veWe’ve created an office environment that promotes social interactions and caters to a broad spectrum of work activities. In addition, it prioritises sustainability by adopting circular practices and optimising energy use. Personio’s Amsterdam office is targeting LEED Silver.
Special thanks to our 2023 Innovative Brand Partners:
