Hartford Business Journal

42 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 21, 2022 WORKPLACE In uncertain times, flexibility is more vital than ever. Whether you're looking to design benefits that inspire wellness and engagement, help your people plan for a healthy and financially secure retirement, or build an agile workforce for the future, we're here to help. Flexibility for the changing world of work. www.mercer.us Flexible and future-ready need for quiet, calming areas. Red Thread recently redesigned its own East Hartford workplace innova- tion hub at 55 Hartland St., where it incorporated "unique amenities to not only encourage socialization, but also privacy," with a bit of fun added in to enhance the office experience. Red Thread built an "organic neighborhood" featuring a fireplace adjacent to a treehouse conference room and putting green. The company's new contrasting "tranquility neighborhood" — with a wellness room for rejuvenation and respite, soundproof phone booths and Steelcase work tents — offers quiet and privacy, especially ideal for new mothers, Monde said. "By creating spaces that support both a lively and private environ- ment, our people can look forward to coming into the office whether it's for a large gathering to connect with others, or if they need more of an escape from the distractions at home," Monde said. When flexibility is baked in the design process early on, she said, it gives organizations the ability to change their space as needs evolve, which is imperative considering the drastic change in the corporate office landscape over the last three years. Demountable walls are an ideal tool to offer a flexible alternative to traditional construction while offering visual and acoustical privacy within open plan environments, she said. 'Democratic incentives' Commercial property broker Chris- topher Ostop, managing director of JLL Connecticut, said most employers want their workers back in the office, and are offering the best amenities while using the space they have to justify a commute. With the rising costs associated with a commute, like gas and lunch, it's more important than ever for companies to build inviting, innovative workspaces, he said. Employers recognize this struggle by offering perks like free coffee or lunches. CTWM's partners cook breakfast for employees once a month in the on-site kitchen, where coworkers often gather for lunch rather than going out. Property and casualty insurer Travelers Cos. recently unveiled a new 53,000-square-foot, market- style cafeteria in downtown Hartford with 10 food and drink stations and seating for up to 700 employees. It also includes post-pandemic staples like grab-and-go food and touchless self-checkout areas, along with collaborative spaces for groups and conferencing capabilities. Encouraging employees to return to the office was a key driver of Trav- elers' new cafeteria investment. Associates at Hartford-based workspace design firm Infinity Group are using flexibility in all their plans to better navigate an uncertain office future. Designer Laura Tremko said another trend shows companies enlisting "democratic incentives" where workers who are in the office more often get perks like access to private office space. Design trends in the Northeast and Greater Hartford, especially in the insurance and financial arenas, remain on the conservative side as opposed to clients out west in Cali- fornia or Austin, Texas, said Infinity Group Director of Marketing Peter Schaller. But trends like creating tranquil spaces are popular across the board, and Infinity is designing more library- type areas for collaborative, yet very quiet, work areas. All these changes have made for a happier workforce, Hopper at CTWM said, and it helps to show that companies care about and consider employees' time and their work-life balance. WORKPLACE FLASH POLL Will your business have an in-person holiday party this year? HBJ polled its readers during the week of Nov. 7 about their company's holiday party plans. We asked: YES: 70% NO: 22% UNSURE 9%

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