Hermes challenged Officeinsight with designing and fitting out their Leeds based ‘tech hub.’ The client’s primary aim was to revitalise their recruitment efforts, attracting the crème de la crème of Yorkshire’s pool of software development talent in response to their overall corporate strategy of leading innovation within the logistics industry. Let’s delve into what promises to be one of the most inspiring workplaces the Officeinsight team has created.
“Design the Hermes’ Hub of technology, a central business hive of innovation where ideas can spawn from thoughts of the future.”
Officeinsight were chosen to define, design and deliver this futuristic ideology within a not quite so futuristic budget. With this firmly in mind, we set about designing a unique space, placing great emphasis on integrating the latest cutting-edge technology into this 7th floor riverside office building.
We provided the Hermes’ team of software developers, techies and directors with numerous unique design features not often seen within commercial design. Spaces such as the Virtual Reality suite and the custom innovation wall allow the techies to really push technology to its limits, featuring technologies such as the large smartphone which allows the developers to test and present new mobile applications!
Designing a variety of breakout spaces such as the outdoor terrace, bar area and railway carriages throughout this design means that every employee has a space where they could work to their maximum potential, with AV technology, power and data are available in every possible space. To maximise the appeal to the web 2.0 generation, the office has been designed to be fully Instagrammable, with elements such as the biophilic neon-like signage and the angled flooring and bespoke joinery drawing the eye into the space.
HR and Recruitment were the primary focus of this project and Officeinsight certainly delivered. The increase in job applicants, reduced employee turnover and reduction in the time to hire truly is the proof in the pudding. The resulting space has been the subject of extensive media coverage in outlets such as Insider, even featuring on the cover of Facilities Management Journal which is testament to the appeal of the space Hermes and ourselves have created together. Due to the success of the ‘Tech Hub’ project, Hermes are eager to roll this model out to their other Leeds based offices- watch this space for more exciting, funky design!