Hartford Business Journal

25 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 1, 2021 We use several approaches to attack and prevent airborne pathogens including: advanced filtration, bipolar ionization, or UV-C technology to prevent accumulation of contaminants. NEMSI's IAQ expertise can keep your facility environment cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient. 860.871.1111 Toll Free: 800.741.6367 nemsi.com MECHANICAL | ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | SHEET METAL | BUILDING AUTOMATION | FACILITIES SERVICES License #'s: E1-0125666 S1-302974 P1-203519 F1-10498 SM1-192 MC-1134 Indoor Air Quality is Paramount NEMSI helps keep YOUR facility cleaner and safer. FOCUS: OFFICE SPACE got to pull some of those things we have at home — the comfortable environment, warm, inviting furniture. When you put those things in the office environment, people will want to stay." Environment impacts culture Tanya D'Addio, director of firm culture at CWM, is a firm believer that work environment impacts company culture. "We want the collaboration space to be technically savvy so we connect to our clients and connect efficiently with our team members as well," she said. "And we want it to be aesthetically pleasing so you feel good about your environment." The CWM renovation is being done in four phases. The first was completing second-floor work stations. The second phase currently underway is the collaboration spaces; the third will be the atrium near the front entrance; and the fourth, refurbishing a lower-level gym and creating a patio space just outside. The renovation will also include a conference area where Horrigan envisions bringing in business experts to share advice with their clients. "It's about connection — connection with your team members, connection with clients, and having a hub virtually but also physically for people to build those relationships," D'Addio said. Flexibility is mandatory for the post-COVID office, including flexible furniture and spaces where two or several people can work. "It's being able to provide spaces where you can do a nesting table, flip it up if you need to, push it to the side if you're having a smaller group," Tara said. "For a larger group, it's taking those tables back out and setting them up for a training area- type use." "We want collaboration and open spaces encourage it," Quarticelli said. "But we still have to do some head- down, private work so you make the space flexible with simple things like movable partitions, curtains, things that offer privacy but aren't walls." And sometimes it's making use of what you're given. Phase Zero Design's Simsbury office was once a restaurant. When they renovated it, they kept the bar. "We use it for entertaining or a conference space," Tara said. "We took over a restaurant and made it our own." Still evolving Jonathan Putnam, executive director in commercial real estate brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield's Hartford office, said the transition to the new office space is still evolving. He expects to see more companies look for new office layouts as their leases begin to expire, and some to seek smaller spaces as more people work remotely. "Companies that have decided to not require everyone to be in the office five days a week are looking at it as more of a gathering space where people can come and interact with their colleagues," Putnam said. "So they're looking to make the space more flexible and, from a technical standpoint, a place where you may not have an assigned office or desk, but you could work from anywhere in the office without any technological bumps." Putnam said landlords are also aware that the perks companies like CWM offer can attract tenants. "That started pre-pandemic and continues," he said. "Buildings can compete for tenants more effectively if they have a number of amenities." Putnam said technology is a top amenity but that companies like CWM that provide golf simulators and a gym have the right idea. Among Jon Putnam Thomas Quarticelli the perks he's seen are outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. Although COVID has changed how and where we work, businesses need to keep current and one way is through modern office design, Horrigan said. "It's important that we attract and retain young employees so we need to make this a place that is enjoyable, that's fun to hang out with your coworkers, that promotes collaboration, and that gives people a sense that they have a long- term career here so they stay and continue to take care of our clients." (Top photo) Construction crews work on Connecticut Wealth Management's new office space design, which will focus on creating collaborative spaces. (Bottom photo) CWM employees look on at ongoing construction. HBJ PHOTOS | STEVE LASCHEVER

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