As the parent organization of its family of companies, Michigan Farm Bureau ensures that the farmers in and across the state of Michigan are supported, and everyone has access to healthy, locally grown food. For 100 years, the Farm Bureau Insurance company has protected the people of Michigan. They were the first to specialize in Michigan’s rural life insurance, the first to introduce farm owners’ policies, and the first to offer group-rated auto policies. What began with just a few agents has grown into nearly 1,100 associates and 410 agents across the Great Lakes State. They take pride in providing a work environment that promotes innovative thinking and growth. When Michigan Farm Bureau set out to renovate their office building, they wanted to move away from traditional design and create a workplace filled with modern spaces tailored to the current needs of their people. Utilizing a pilot space and direct feedback from employees, Farm Bureau created a dynamic environment that supports their team members cognitively, physically, and emotionally, so they can do their best work.
Lansing, Michigan
Project Size: 181,000 sq. ft Stories: 3 Employees: 800 .
StudioAXIS
DBI
In the earliest planning stages, Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies surveyed their employees to find out what they needed from their workspaces and the office in general. Things like acoustics, access to daylight, providing spaces for various workstyles and rightsizing all work areas were the biggest takeaways. A pilot space was then created to test different workstations, seating arrangements, and conference rooms. Each department was invited to use the pilot space for a one-week period and provide feedback via surveys and adding sticky notes to elements they liked or didn’t like within the space. Designers were on-site to welcome the groups and give tours showing the intent of the space and how to use the products in it.
With employee input and commitment from their leadership, Farm Bureau was able to prioritize important aspects of the renovation in order to create an office that provides a variety of workspaces, encourages collaboration, and supports their family culture.
Affordances are the features of a space—and the objects within—that enable people to do their best work through cognitive, physical, and emotional support. The variety of spaces at Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies were designed with their people in mind—supporting different workstyles, from independent heads-down to team collaboration and connection.
Acoustic sound masking and the addition of 30 focus booths that offer private, quiet spaces provide cognitive affordances to support individual work. A neighborhood layout and glass walls throughout the space allow people to easily see leaders, teammates, and colleagues from different teams—which affords and encourages interaction, idea sharing, and collaborative work.
Farm Bureau also understands that people need to be physically comfortable and supported to perform to their full potential. Based on employee feedback from the pilot space, each workspace features physical affordances, incorporating advanced ergonomic seating and height-adjustable tables. People can work in the posture that feels the best for them at any time, eliminating distractions from discomfort.
The office design also focuses on the emotional affordances within the space. These features help keep employees’ stress levels down, increase engagement, and nurture overall happiness. Daylight is diffused throughout the building with the help of inspiring complementary design elements like expanded exterior windows, an open layout and staircase, high ceilings, and glass architectural interiors. Adjustable furnishings and the variety of spaces also provide people autonomy and a feeling of empowerment that enables optimal performance.
Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies’ culture has always been one of family and celebrating one another. Several small-group spaces throughout the lower-level social hub, as well as the large Town Hall, provide flexible spaces that can accommodate celebrations for birthdays, work anniversaries, new babies, retirements, and other special events.
The Town Hall allows up to 220 people to gather. A large video screen, microphone, and speaker system make the space conducive for presentations and all company events. When the movable walls are reconfigured, up to five training rooms and a common area can be created. A nearby lounge with a fireplace and access to a hospitality area allow those attending events multiple ways to take a break, refresh, and connect with others informally.
Farm Bureau’s office has become a hub of collaboration and community. Their space renovation was never just about people being in the office. It was about the quality of the experience people have when they’re there. Through their pilot space and diligence in addressing employee feedback, Farm Bureau was able to create a desirable workplace with a family atmosphere that fosters interaction, well-being, and performance.
[Leadership] wanted the renovation to be about the employees which is why we engaged with companies that would help us get feedback from employees. It was never about just making our building pretty. It was always about, ‘What do our employees want?
Facilities Manager, Farm Bureau