Colorado Real Estate Journal - December 17, 2014
The idea of better productivity, less absenteeism and a reduction- in long-term health care costs can be very appealing to most executives, yet a clear understanding of what constitutes a healthy workplace environment is still in its infancy. Defining elements like day-lighting and access to nature give us a place to start, but our firm has found that a company's interest in designing for health and wellness is still more likely to emerge from its corporate culture and values than from a set of industry guidelines. Firms interested in these ideas are often deeply committed to their employees. In fact, many sponsor health fairs, exercise programs and the like to encourage a happier, less stressful workplace long before they have the opportunity to demonstrate their corporate values through a new or renovated physical environment. This was indeed the case with The IMA Financial Group, where health and wellness have been an integral part of this family oriented culture since its beginnings in 1974. When Chief Executive Officer Robert Cohen, grandson of one of the original founders, established a branch in downtown Denver in 1988, he was seeking a healthier lifestyle. Today, his staff of 250 continues to mirror these values. In their view, they are in the health and wellness business. Thus, being a good example for their clients is just a part of who they are. As Darlene Chamberlain, IMA's point person on the design and build out of their new space, explains, “We really try to live it. We also hope we're sending a clear message to our clients and others we touch that health is paramount.” So when IMA sought our assistance in designing its corporate headquarters within the Denver Union Station North Wing Building, our role was more about sensing who they are at their core – their culture and what values they hold – than following a checklist of “health and wellness” tips. In short, it was our job to translate the company essence into physical reality. Cohen also encouraged executives and staff at all levels to engage in the process, which resulted in a highly personalized workplace designed to meet the specific needs of this strongly integrated culture. The end result is a relaxing, stress-reducing environment that encourages interaction, collaboration, movement and enjoyment, which has naturally enhanced workforce productivity, loyalty and morale. Following are just a few of the approaches we applied to achieve this rewarding outcome. Design for movement. By nature, the life of an employee at a typical insurance company can be quite sedentary. People tend to sit at their desks for long stretches of time with little movement. At IMA, we worked hard to challenge this habit with ergonomic seating and adjustable desks, as well as opportunities to climb stairs, move easily from floor to floor and engage with others. To encourage more walking, the company's three main floors are connected with an airy 5-foot-wide central stairway integrated into the office environment. A utilitarian egress stairway also was enhanced with Colorado nature-inspired murals and an audio track of matching sounds piped into the stairwell to create a sense of nature. IMA's fully appointed fitness center, open all hours, also keeps people moving and focused on their health. Design for mental health. Evidence-based research has shown that two key elements within an office environment have a direct influence on mental and physical well-being. The first is access to natural light, and the second a connection to nature. At IMA, we made an effort to maximize both. Floorto-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding glass doors on all inner and outer offices allow daylight from exterior windows deep into the space. Cubicle partitions also were lowered from 66 inches to 50 inches, allowing support staff greater exposure to sweeping views of Denver's downtown skyline, Union Station and mountains to the west. Living plants are refreshed weekly throughout the space, and a 300-gallon aquarium stocked with an array of colorful, exotic sea life greets workers as they arrive at the company's top level via the internal stairway.
Design inviting spaces. Creating a welcoming and inviting space that also is timeless is actually one of the most powerful things a company can do to lower employee stress and heighten a sense of comfort in an environment that feels like home. Although situated within an office high-rise, IMA's Colorado casual interiors feel much like a residential family room defined by warm walnut finishes, flagstone walls, rustic wall paneling and comfortable upholstery pieces. First- and fifth-floor outdoor terraces are furnished with tables and conversational seating, while an expansive multipurpose room – located adjacent to the building's streetlevel lobby – includes a complimentary Starbucks barista, an ample supply of healthy food choices, a foosball and pingpong table, as well as an outdoor patio that overlooks Union Station’s plaza. All of these elements have increased interaction and heightened morale, according to Chamberlain. Yet, it is IMA’s corporate culture and people that have made their beautiful new offices so appealing. Their space speaks clearly of health and wellness – and anyone who enters can just feel it. But even more importantly, IMA employees report that their new space has given them a deeper appreciation for the company they work for and what it stands for. “The employees of IMA are our No. 1 asset, so we like to take care of them. We’re completely spoiled here,” concludes Chamberlain, an IMA employee since 1982. “Our new space has helped us become even more conscious about being healthy at work, and at home. It ties into what we do and who we are. It plays a role in everything that we do.”