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Consolidating workspace
Leeds Building Society were occupying three buildings in Leeds and wanted to consolidate their workspace into one extensive headquarters that would encourage collaboration and connect different areas of the business. Our furniture division produced a scheme shaped around an agile work environment within a functional office, focusing on flexible solutions to support hybrid workers.
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Communication and collaboration
The new floor plan is less cellular and encourages communication. Managers and C-suite staff now work on the main office floor to promote transparency and build relationships. Everyone has access to a variety of workspace to support focused or collaborative work and the open nature of the office helps to create a more casual, energetic atmosphere.
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Tailored furniture solutions
Based on findings from a workplace study, we presented Leeds Building Society with multiple furniture solutions that would fit into their space and help them to achieve their objectives. Building on the team’s feedback, we established the design direction and worked with their branding team to examine fabric samples. The colour palette is a muted version of their brand colours and comes together to produce a sleek, professional work environment.
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Employee wellbeing
Employees have access to a hot counter cafeteria where we installed bespoke joinery and a selection of furniture designed for comfort and bringing people together, including long benches, round tables, and soft seating. The open plan desking features ergonomic operator chairs and adjustable monitors to ensure a healthy posture, and 20% of desks are height-adjustable to allow employees to stand and work.
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Acoustic protections
With each floor of the office wrapping around a central atrium that spans the full height of the building, we needed to consider acoustic solutions to minimise noise transfer across the open plan. Floor standing acoustic screens help to absorb sound as well as provide a semi-private meeting space with a high-backed sofa and armchairs. Further acoustic panels, circular booths, and nooks in between locker units provide privacy for phone calls on the go or touchdown meetings. Bleachers and modular seating are tucked in a corner and encourage employees to collaborate openly away from the main desk area.
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Client experience
The ground floor contains the meeting suite, allowing Leeds Building Society to welcome visitors with refreshments before moving through to the private meeting rooms. Furnishings vary from soft lounge furniture to formal boardroom settings to help our client give the desired first impression. There are also three training rooms featuring flexible furniture which can be reconfigured to accommodate a range of group sizes.
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Sustainability
Most of our furniture products were sourced from the UK, with 50% of the manufacturers local to Leeds. We aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of the project with every procurement decision and used sustainable fabrics and finishes.
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Futureproof workplace
With all employees under one roof in a collaborative space that puts their people first, Leeds Building Society are using the new office as a talent attraction tool. With 720 workstations and a flexible furniture arrangement, our client will have room to grow and adapt their work styles in the future.
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The Financial Lookbook
We create bespoke workspaces for finance companies that are aligned with their overall business strategy. Get inspired and find out the benefits of upgrading your workspace here.
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Contact us
Get in touch to discuss your next project
020 7553 9500
info@oktra.co.uk
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