Implementing Impactful Workspaces

With the onset of COVID-19 in the US in 2020, the freedom to work from anywhere became a reality for many people. Regardless of where work gets done, switching spaces throughout the workday provides a lot of benefits—like enhanced productivity and reduced stress—particulary when we take our work outdoors.

Working outside helps us focus, allows us the opportunity to collect our thoughts, or simply encourages our mind and body to rest and recharge. In order to do work well, our minds require the ability for both convergent and divergent thinking—and working outdoors supports this process in a natural, comfortable, and nurturing way.

Haworth often works with companies as they redesign or develop new office space—from small satellite hubs to global headquarters. Here are several project examples where the workspace design allows for—and encourages—employees to take their work outdoors.

Coretrust Capital Partners
Real Estate Investment Firm
Los Angeles, California
Coretrust Capital Partners got really innovative by bringing the outside in—they actually cut away a corner of the exterior wall on the Lab floor in LA to create a covered terrace with fully extending doors that can be opened. When open, the terrace provides 100% fresh air to the 22,500-square-foot floor.

American Water
Utility Company
Camden, New Jersey
American Water wanted everyone who enters its doors to immediately understand their heritage in water. Nearly everything relates to water—from two magnificent atrium waterfalls and a flowing five-story staircase with views of the Delaware river, to several open rooftop patios perfect for collaboration or relaxation.  

HITT Contracting Co|Lab
General Contracting
Falls Church, Virginia
As soon as you walk in the door, you can see how the Co|Lab building got its name. The coworking space was strategically designed to be open to promote the collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas essential to innovation. The space features both indoor and outdoor social spaces with comfortable lounge seating.

DaVita
Health Management
Denver, Colorado
Well-being was a strong driver for this organization, laying the foundation for the physical, emotional, and cognitive health of teammates in DaVita’s Denver office, Casa Vida. Three outdoor terraces offer places for fresh air and workspaces outside—and are furnished with elegant yet resilient JANUS et Cie products from Haworth Collection.

Dairy Farmers of America
Dairy Marketing Cooperative
Kansas City, Kansas
DFA wanted a better, more connected work environment. Outdoor spaces with access to Wi-Fi were created for employees to work, meet, eat, play, or relax with nature, fresh air, sunlight, and comfortable furniture. Employees can even enjoy some healthy competition with one another on a regulation-size bocci ball court.

Warner Norcross & Judd
Law Firm
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Warner’s 15th floor patio is a place where employees go to rejuvenate, attorneys entertain clients, and the firm and local organizations host gatherings—small to large. The skyline and surrounding landscape provide a sense of connection with nature—even though they’re in an urban setting.

One Haworth Center
Furniture Manufacturing
Holland, Michigan
The patio at Haworth’s headquarters provides additional space for employees to collaborate, refresh, and recharge. With Wi-Fi access and different zones, people can use the space for meetings, focus work, or breaks.