Focus Forward: Offices for the New Generation
The Chicago Tribune posted an article this week about the effects on productivity that large corporate headquarters have experienced after deciding to move from sprawling suburban campuses to Chicago’s downtown neighborhoods. The full article, From suburban bubble to urban bustle, can be read here.
Meet at the (Sparkling) Water Cooler
As an art consulting firm that often works with corporate clients, we are called upon to help our clients freshen up their office spaces, whether they are relocating to a brand new office or renovating their current space. Over the past few years, we have noticed that many more companies have begun to turn their interests away from the mundane sea of cubicles. Many organizations are incorporating specialized rooms for small team meetings to attract more effective collaboration as well as privacy in the workplace. Huddle spaces, wellness rooms, mother’s rooms, lounges, living rooms, cafés, phone rooms—every company seems to have its own verbiage they like to use. Either way, it’s clear that across the board, companies are focusing on creating inviting, friendly—even fun—work environments for their employees. The Culligan water cooler and a Bunn coffee maker in the old break room have been transformed into complimentary LaCroix, beer, and cold brew. Having left suburban Oakbrook Terrace, Ferrara Candy became one of the first tenants committed to relocating to the renovated Old Post Office in downtown Chicago this past Fall.
“Ferrara’s office, which will exceed 110,000 square feet on a single floor once it’s fully developed, exudes contemporary sophistication rather than Candyland cheer. Collaborative spaces abound, including a bustling cafe with a Nespresso machine and free beer, wine, kombucha and cold brew on tap, where the hope is that spontaneous encounters between co-workers can stimulate new ideas.”
—Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, The Chicago Tribune
Office Evolution
As millennials become the largest sector of the workforce, employers are adapting their benefits packages and creating unique workplace environments to attract and retain top talent. The McDonald’s headquarters also moved downtown in June of 2018 to the West Loop from the Western suburbs of Chicago. With a brand new renovated space, the company’s “focus is toward the future, which [they] wanted reflected in the cutting-edge design of the office.”
Among the many high-tech splurges and custom-made furniture selections, the cherry on top for these office overhauls is the art installations that fill lobbies, common areas, internal offices, and meeting rooms. As corporate art advisors, we often think about how to thoughtfully place bespoke works of art within the workplace to resonate with evolving office values. We enjoy ensuring that our clients purchase artwork that aligns with their specific vision and that fits within their design finishes and office architecture.
Keeping it Fresh
Not all of our clients can undergo major office transformations, but many are still keen to make updates where they can. To spruce up their workspace, some of our clients start by re-framing artwork that has been housed within dated frames, acquiring a few new unique artworks, and also integrating more budget-friendly prints or posters. We are here to advise our clients to make the best decisions to update their collection and office spaces to make their workplace professional and inspiring for generations to come.
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