Accountancy firm Deloitte has chosen Newcastle as the location of its first UK office designed specifically for hybrid working.
The 11,150 sq. ft. space at One Trinity Gardens on the Quayside opens this week to Deloitte's 285 North East staff, who have had a say in its design.
The move follows Deloitte UK's switch to a hybrid working model in which staff can choose where they work.
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A survey of the company's workforce showed that 96% wanted the freedom to choose how flexibly they work, and 86% ranked ‘collaborating with team colleagues’ and ‘interacting with others’ within their top three ways they envisage using the office.
Stephen Hall, office senior partner at Deloitte in Newcastle, said: “We recognise how important it is for our people to be able to connect and plan in-person collaboration, so we’ve purposely removed traditional desks to accommodate more informal collaboration and networking spaces as well as adding more flexible touch-down working areas."
Hall added: “It has been really exciting to completely rethink our office space based on how, when and where we all want to work. We ran sessions with our people in Newcastle to better understand their preferences to the new ways of working. This has paved the way for a working environment that is inclusive, hybrid, inspiring, and a space for now and the future."
Deloitte says the office is better equipped for networking and building relationships - and can be adapted to open up meeting rooms into larger events space.
Mr Hall added: “This is an office space that has been designed in line with the way we envisage working in our physical spaces, offering opportunities for our people and clients in the region to collaborate and connect. We’re also looking forward to seeing how other Deloitte offices across the UK can learn from our pioneering approach in Newcastle.”
Deloitte said it had tried to used recycled materials in the fit-out where possible.
Julia Fox, tax director at Deloitte and Newcastle steering group member, said: “We are committed to our net zero targets and have used this opportunity to provide our Newcastle people with a sustainable and inspiring place to work.
“This office is fitted out with carpets and rugs made from recycled yarn that can be re-used over and over again to make new products. The yarn is made from old carpets that have reached their end of life, discarded fishing nets collected from oceans as well as domestic products, such as old clothing. The furniture has also been sourced from suppliers who use recycled materials, including recycled paint.”
The investment follows announcement of 25 new jobs in the Tees Valley.
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