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Case study: Enersuisse AG

The evolution of the open-plan office

The needs of office workers changed significantly during the pandemic years. Flexible working models ushered in by remote working have also placed new demands on office workspaces. Enersuisse’s office spaces previously contained dated furniture and small, cramped and dark offices. The aim was to create bright, partitioned areas with modern furniture and a living room vibe. 

An open-plan office would be created with several rows of stylish desks separated by large planters

Promoting employee involvement

Enersuisse worked in partnership with an architectural firm and IKEA to fully renovate their offices. A special feature of the project was the involvement of Enersuisse employees, who were given the opportunity to actively shape their new workspace. 

“Open communication and transparency are very important to us and we wanted to clearly express this through the office design.”

An area for presentations and meetings furnished with white desks where employees can either sit or stand. Three employees in a meeting.

A modern open-plan office with Scandinavian flair

The aim was to furnish the 1,030 m2 space in a modern and understated way with a Scandinavian feel. The design also needed to take into account the concept of desk sharing (75% quota) in line with modern working models. The office space can be used in a variety of ways:

 

  • Meeting zone with a kitchenette and various seating options for socialising
  • Wardrobes and lockers
  • Various types of workspace furniture
  • Small lounge areas for informal interaction
  • Rooms for meetings, workshops or (telephone) conversations.
  • High-quality, functional furniture
View into an office kitchen with white kitchen units and dining tables with carafes and glasses on top.

Our designer services

  • Comprehensive advice and creation of a dossier, including detailed 3D plans, a mood board, product lists and information, ordering and assembly information
  • Implementation of ideas and preferences suggested by Enersuisse employees
  • Use of a uniform style whose appeal is based on simplicity and functionality as well as the desired feel-good factor
  • Bright furniture in a natural Scandinavian style
  • Creation of an inviting atmosphere through the use of wood, textiles and light colours Open-plan office
  • Customers advised on how to select ergonomic, high-quality workspace furniture
  • Advice on room acoustics, indoor climate and air quality
A person in an open-plan office is walking past a small meeting room which has a glass partition and photo wallpaper on the back wall

Special challenges posed by open-plan offices

  • Teams with different requirements: Forward planning was necessary because some employees need to engage directly with customers while others do not in the same area
  • Office acoustics: The customer service, office and kitchen areas were separated by curtains and wall screens that dampen sound. Meeting rooms with glass partitions ensure meetings and discussions can take place undisturbed.
  • Indoor climate and air quality: Green plants improve the indoor climate and air quality in the office and also promote concentration. 
  • The feel-good factor: To ensure employees feel at home, bright, friendly colours, lots of wood, meeting rooms with themed photo wallpapers and ergonomic desk workstations were created. A large kitchen with lounge areas is available for employees to relax during their breaks. 

Effective employee involvement

“We could actively participate, we could try things out and finally see the results of our work. That was great.”

A vision fulfilled

Our IKEA for Business specialists offer a comprehensive package to suit customer needs that includes a mood board, floor plans, 3D visualisations and product lists.  Our professional interior designers implement the plan within an agreed timeframe.

3D representation of an open-plan office with several rows of desks separated by plants and acoustic partitions.
Photo image of an open-plan office with office furniture that can be compared with the previous image of the 3D drawings

More views from Enersuisse’s offices

A screen sits on a white, height-adjustable desk. There is a white, adjustable desk lamp next to it.
Three people sitting at a desk in a conference room
Close-up of a desk with a work chair and monitors in an open-plan office by the window
An open meeting area in an office consisting of five high-back chairs and a coffee table in the middle for informal employee conversations.
Close-up of a natural-coloured desk chair with fabric covers and white armrests, with a beige work bag hanging from one of them. The chair is in front of a white desk by a window.
View of a wall in an office with lockers and a clothes rail for employees' jackets
In a meeting room with a photo wallpaper on the wall showing a mountain motif, there are upholstered wooden chairs around a large wooden table