Product category:
Contract Furniture
News Release from: Segment Systems | Subject: Open-topped, meeting pods
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 December 2005
Innovative circular, open-topped,
meeting pods
Innovative circular, open-topped, meeting pods, supplied by Segment Systems introduced into Somerfield's head office that hosts as many as 200 meetings each week.
A recent refurbishment by Interaction of supermarket group Somerfield's head office in Bristol, which houses 2,000 staff, was focused on enhancing communication and the associated benefits this would have on productivity The 18-month, £3m upgrade included the complete redesign and refurbishment of the interior, involving coordinated decor, floor coverings and furniture, a new ventilation system and the installation of a high-tech data infrastructure and IT telephony system
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 22 Dec 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Interaction worked to open up floor space across all levels of the building, removing the warrens of corridors and partitions.
A major element of the project was to replan staff locations to ensure previously fragmented teams were co-located.
Innovative circular, open-topped, meeting pods, supplied by Segment Systems were also introduced into 'Buying', one of centre's busiest departments, that hosts as many as 200 meetings each week with suppliers.
Interaction also took into account the cultural requirements for the refurbishment.
Everyone was allocated the same space in each department and private offices kept to a minimum to improve communication.
This is designed to break down hierarchies, allowing middle and senior management to be more hands-on in driving the business.
David Glitz, associate director of Technical and Central Services at Somerfield, said of the refurbishment: 'The people at our support centre play a key part in keeping the business running and we wanted to create an environment that encouraged better working practices and team work.
'Since the refurbishment, lines of communication have been opened up and we've noted a marked change in the way different teams and departments work with, and alongside, each other.
The new design also lends itself extremely well to restructuring.
Our business is continually evolving and the furniture used and layout provides excellent flexibility when relocating teams and individuals around the building.'.
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