Bandwidth’s vision rested on elevating everyday activities into moments of connection for their current and future “Bandmates” (the company’s employee moniker). The result is a campus designed to support a community of 2,000 Bandmates, as well as 250 children and teachers, in that endeavor. It’s a workplace designed for people, not benchmarks.
Central to that approach were two simple but powerful questions: “What do our people actually need?” and, “How can we meet them where they are?”
Rather than defaulting to open benching and industry norms, the team listened closely to what their Bandmates were saying—right down to the most basic, human needs that shape a person’s day. From workspaces to food choices in the café, and even restrooms, Bandwidth focused on reducing stressors by ensuring comfort, privacy, choice, and dignity in everyday moments. The design reflects a commitment to seeing employees as whole people, not just workers.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the workstation design. Natural materials and soft curves create a more soothing environment. “You don’t see those sharp angles in nature,” says Bottorff. “It’s a very small and subtle thing, but if you don't soften them, people will not feel like they're in a comforting, organic space.
The panel-based workstations incorporate distinctive “clamshell” shrouds that arc up and over desks, creating a comforting and cozy space, while reducing visual and acoustic distractions. “Some people saw the shrouds and wanted to remove them immediately,” she says, “I asked them to try it for 30 days. In the end, no one asked for the shrouds to be removed.”
Developed in response to evolving work patterns, these workstations were co-created through Bandwidth’s collaboration with furniture manufacturer, Haworth. They are custom-designed to support focused work, integrated video conferencing, and a greater sense of personal space. Larger footprints and ergonomic adjustability reinforce the idea that comfort drives performance.