Skanska’s decision to move their head office reflects their efforts to increase workplace flexibility and accessibility

In 2022, we moved into our new UK head office at Leavesden Park in Watford. Our new work environment was designed to support inclusive collaboration, creativity and innovation. The office space includes private booths, quiet rooms, contemplation areas and collaboration hubs, designed to support many different ways of working.

 

Skanska building in Leavesden Park

 

The move reflects the lessons we have learned about working flexibly during the covid-19 pandemic. We wanted a space that allowed our teams to work collaboratively in an environment, which was both accessible and that had a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of our employees.

As an organisation, we are dedicated to furthering our longstanding commitment to sustainability, aiming to implement the Fitwel® certification system across all of our office locations. Fitwel® is the world’s leading certification system for optimising building design and operations to support human health and well-being and at Skanska, we believe it is vital that we provide environments that empower the people working within them to be productive and healthy.

 

Leavesden Park office

 

The facilities include a restaurant, café, gym and wellness centre, plus our own beehive on the roof. Here are just a few ways that we have adapted our new Head Office at Leavesden Park to increase accessibility, sustainability, and the capacity for flexible working in accordance with the Fitwel certification scheme:

Outdoor areas

• We assessed the walkability of the location i.e., proximity to local amenities, including Leavesden Country Park restorative garden, open spaces, and transport links.
• There is a universally accessible pedestrian route between the main building entrance and the transit stops.
• There’s on-site parking for 309 cars, including accessible parking, 100 electric vehicle charger points and a bicycle park.

Office accessibility and inclusion

• Lift access to all areas.
• Accessible toilets and gender-neutral toilets on each floor
• Flooring material throughout the building is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.
• The office décor and layout were designed specifically to consider our neurodivergent colleagues.
• Clear integrated wayfinding and office signage designed to support easy navigation around the building.
• All meeting rooms have blinds to shut out daylight for colleagues who may be sensitive to light or using screen readers and other accessible technology.
• Subsidised or free transport (shuttle bus)
• We’ve created workspaces with abundant daylight, views of nature, fresh outdoor air and access to active workstations.
• Provided access to dedicated quiet rooms as well as a parent room.
• We’ve included a ground-floor multi-purpose room that can be used for wellness activities.
• There’s a dedicated exercise space (The gym)
• And we aim to encourage healthy living with friendly educational signage.

 

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