Our part of a recent workshop presentation we led and facilitated at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility's recent Spring 2015 conference. We call it the happy people and happy workplace presentation. If you want to build active work cultures through the combined power of best practices in wellness focused workplace design and programs take a look! If you want to learn more, contact Stephen Frey at 802-448-0056 or steve@arocordisdesign.com For more about our firm, our services and capabilities visit www.arocordis.com. Contact us if you want us to take a look at your next project. Actively seeking like minded corporate socially responsible clients.

1. BuildingActive
Work Cultures
Best Practices in Wellness Oriented
Workplace Design & Programs That Work
Stephen M. Frey, Arocordis Design – Moderator
Jessica Hill, VT League of Cities and Towns
Connie Gavin, InvestEAP
Janis Blais – National Life Group
VBSR Spring Conference
May 13, 2015

2. Whatdoes itmeanto
buildan active work culture?

3. Whydoes itmatter?

4. 15%–<20% 20%–<25% 25%–<30% 30%–<35% ≥35%
Prevalence* of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults
by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2013
*Prevalence estimates reflect BRFSS methodological changes started in 2011. These estimates should not be compared to
prevalence estimates before 2011.
CA
MT
ID
NV
UT
AZ
NM
WY
WA
OR
CO
NE
ND
SD
TX
OK
KS
IA
MN
AR
MO
LA
MI
IN
KY
IL
OH
TN
MS AL
WI
PA
WV
SC
VA
NC
GA
FL
NY
VT
ME
HI
AK
NH
MA
RI
CT
NJ
DE
MD
DC
PRGUAM
Anobesityepidemic….
VT

5. Sedentarybehaviorisrising
“ The amount of time a person sits during the day is
associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes,
cancer, and death, regardless of regular exercise, according to
a review study published today in the Annals of Internal
Medicine.”

6. The Active Workplace
A spectrum of choices, from sedentary to active
movement
SIT TO STANDSITTING STANDINGLOUNGING
& PERCHING
MOVING
Tuning spaces: Their design & furniture to
workers’ business, physical & technology
needs
S E D E N T A R Y A C T I V E C A R D I O

7. ActiveDesignPrinciples
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Adapted from J. Webb, A. Schneider – KI, 2014
Implement daylighting
Create a variety of workspaces
Encourage face to face communication
Offer healthy food options
Encourage movement at work (home & play)
Design flexible, open multi-use spaces
Subtly inspire people to take the stairs
Incorporate height-adjustable worksurfaces
Allocate outdoor workspace (choices)

8. Thesevenfacesofwellness inofficedesign
(Anintegrativeapproach)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

9. VTLeagueofCities&Towns
CityCenterRenovations
• Downtown
location
• 50 people
• 3 depts.
• 15,000 sf
• Mission
driven
statewide
reach

12. Movement & Sociable spaces

13. Open work areas & hotel spaces

14. Backyards & huddle rooms

15. Meeting, Collison and work areas

16. NationalLifeGroupHeadquarters
Modernization Project
DesignFramework
• Hillside campus location
• 700+ people
• 3 business units
• 250,000 sf (1958 part)
• Mission driven
• Long term view
• Local and national

17. An out of date workplace - before

18. Values Driven Design Process
PROJECT
GOALS
BUSINESS &
CULTURE NEEDS
MISSION BRAND
& VALUES
SUSTAINABILITY &
STEWARDSHIP

19. Project Goals & Objectives
Workplace
Design
Strategies
CREATE AN
ENDURING &
FLEXIBLE
OPERATIONAL
FRAMEWORK
BETTER ALIGN
UPDATED OFFICES
TO MISSION BRAND
& VALUES
CREATE AN
ATTRACTIVE HIGH
PERFORMING,
SUSTAINABLE
WORKPLACE

20. Plan Concept

21. Circulation & Nodes

22. FrontYards

23. Collaboration zones & backyards

24. Lighting Upgrade – Visual Comfort

25. Branding Graphics
Reinforcing Mission

26. Stairs as Wellness Space

27. Planters & Living Wall – Nature Near

28. Renovated Cafeteria Servery & Dining

29. Restrooms for wellbeing