SADDLE BROOK, NJ–CBRE Group Inc. is walking the walk with its new open-floor office space design here – following the trend to modern and more efficient use of office space many of its clients have heard about – and creating a “live case study” for how it works.
The company, the state's largest commercial brokerage, has completed renovations to its office at 250 Pehle Avenue, Park 80 West, in line with its customized “Workplace360” strategy initiative. The initiative was created to support design of workplace environments that are more flexible, make better use of technology and enhance productivity.
CBRE says it was paying attention to the research finding that today's office workers spend about half their time working with others and the rest of the time working alone. Workplace360 provides a flexible way of working and a system of places, technologies, and policies that allow for choice based on an employee's changing needs and preferences throughout the day.
With its renovated Saddle Brook office, CBRE says it was going for a “mobility-friendly, paperless workplace that encourages wellness and features a balance of both collaborative and private workspaces. “
“CBRE has always taken a strong leadership position in emerging workplace strategies, and our new office in Saddle Brook, along with our forthcoming East Brunswick office renovation, is evidence of this commitment,” said Jeff Hipschman, senior managing director for the company in the state. “By implementing wellness programming and creating completely untethered access to technology in our offices, we enhance the way we work internally, while serving as a live case study for our corporate clients in New Jersey. “
Hipschman said that CBRE's brokers gain workplace insights by working in the new environment that they can pass along to clients. “Also, clients can visit to experience the trends and strategies we recommend to them,” he said.
Workstations are equipped with adjustable-height desks that accommodate standing or sitting. The building's window line was adjusted to provide ample daylight for everyone on the floor.
Various wellness initiatives include free gym memberships, health and nutrition workshops, group exercise programs, and treadmill desks. CBRE will also offer employees nutritious breakfast, snack and lunch options.
The revitalized office has eight group work areas, canvass rooms, two casual living rooms, a café, a windowed “boardwalk” and an indoor putting green.
Employees can choose to set up at a workstation, a “huddle” room for small group work, or one of the larger, centralized collaboration areas.
"At the heart of the workspace is the 'idea center', a dynamic, technology rich space dedicated to meaningful exchange between CBRE and their clients," said Reid Brockmeier, a principal of Gensler, the architecture firm that designed the space. The idea center, located adjacent to the marketing and research teams, provides a casual space with couches where groups can work together and share presentations on large flat screens.
More formal meetings are held in the “Shore Boardroom” which features a subtle Jersey shore theme, including a “boardwalk” and beach-themed seating area to greet guests.
“The new space provides an opportunity for dynamic collaboration among brokers and with our clients. Enhanced technology, Wi-Fi and mobile furniture enable a seamless transition to this work style,” said Sean Morley, first vice president. “After experiencing the completed space, we all agree that this is a game changer for the New Jersey office market – this innovative environment will enable us to develop more creative ideas that benefit our clients.”
The new 26,000-square-foot space was built out by River Drive Construction.
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