A shining example of New Work

2023 got off to a very special start for the team in Frankfurt: We kicked off the year not only with renewed motivation and drive, but also in a new office. Work has become faster-paced and more dynamic, especially in the last few years. So we are very pleased that we now have an office that not only reflects this new dynamism and flexibility, but actually promotes it. Our new multispace office – with a total area of 7,000 square meters on five levels – raises the bar for New Work standards. The project was planned and implemented by New Work experts from within our own ranks – by professionals for professionals.  

"The biggest challenge is that you are your own biggest critic and have a whole building full of colleagues giving you immediate feedback. But that's also what makes it so special, and in the end it's the most fun part of the job." 

 Christoph Hestermann, Team Leader User Experience, Drees & Sommer 

Roof-top terraces, project rooms, outdoor workplaces – we show how it can be done 

Like our customers, we Dresos were able to make our own decisions, contribute our ideas, and emphasize the things that are particularly important to us. The result is ultra-modern areas that leave nothing to be desired. If someone is looking for creative exchange and wants to brainstorm with their colleagues, they can choose the ideal place to meet: Our open-plan areas and creativity and project rooms guarantee that meetings will be full of ideas. And flexible furnishings allow the spaces to be adapted to each group’s size and needs.  

 "The greatest advantage of our new home base is that we now have spaces that are tailored exactly to our needs. Here we ‘practice what we preach’ to our customers with regard to future-proof work environments." 

Verena Kraiß, Associate Partner, Drees & Sommer 

And if you need to some quiet to focus on your own? Easy: Our new office has plenty of quiet zones such as telephone boxes and think tanks. You won’t find any permanent workplaces with fixed structures here – and that’s a good thing. But there are fixed storage areas for materials and personal lockers, ensuring that teams can work effectively with all the necessary tools and equipment at hand. 

A real highlight for us will also be the open-air areas. The roof-top terrace with its large awning on the sixth floor has power and WiFi, allowing it to be used not only as a break and leisure area, but also as a modern outdoor workplace – just as soon as the first rays of sunshine break through the cloud cover over the Frankfurt skyline. And on the fourth floor, an outdoor meeting room for in-person meetings is currently being fitted out – a real game changer, especially on warm and humid summer days.  

An office that leaves nothing to be desired  

And if you need to clear your head, you will soon be able to do this in the office’s own herb garden or at any time in the sports room. Whether basketball, table tennis or yoga, there is something for everyone. So you can switch off for a while – either alone or with colleagues – and go back to work with renewed energy. 

It’s a great project that shows what New Work can really look like. But it was not only our specific wishes that were taken into account during planning – sustainability aspects were also a major focus in the conversion of the premises. As a result, parts of the fitout are Cradle to Cradle® certified and therefore recyclable. And what’s more, 80 percent of the furniture came from our former office. 

Are you planning a move or do you want to establish a New Work concept yourself?   

... If so, there are three important things to bear in mind.

1. Change management: New Work concepts involve change – whether to technology or corporate culture. Managers must therefore ensure both rational and emotional understanding of the changes in the company.
 

2. Communication management: New Work concepts should reflect the values and identity of a company. For this reason, employees should be actively involved in the process. Communication is all-important – it is essential to ensuring that the change process is smooth and transparent and provides certainty to all parties involved.
 

3. Move management: The new requirements for effective and innovative use of the office sometimes require a move to a new building. Optimal planning and coordination are essential to ensure that the move is completed smoothly and efficiently. 

You can find out all about New Work here: https://www.dreso.com/de/en/dreso/innovative/new-work-user-centric-consulting-design