Client projects: Garmin
A complete solution for the workplace of the future
After more than 20 years in the same premises, Garmin wanted to create a modern, flexible and sustainable office in Moss, adapted to a new way of working. Together with Kinnarps, a holistic solution was developed that combines functionality and wellbeing. Garmin has a clear vision and ambitious goals, including working proactively and adapting to changes in the market by building an efficient Nordic region. This involves planning for change and collaborating across national borders and areas of expertise, which formed the basis when new solutions took shape.
Environments that match the way of working
The previous premises mainly consisted of cellular offices. With increased use of working from home and employees travelling to customers and colleagues across the Nordic region, a more flexible office environment was more appropriate. An environment with good access to quiet rooms, meeting rooms and several social zones to stimulate spontaneous meetings.
Employees now have the opportunity to switch between individual work, dialogue and collaboration, and to find the work environments that best suit the task at hand. Colleagues from other Garmin offices who regularly visit the Moss office are now a natural part of the working environment, even if only for a day. Another driving force has been encouraging more people to choose to work from the office together with colleagues, rather than from home.
All desk workstations in open environments are furnished with height-adjustable desks from the Series P, sound-absorbing Vibe screens and the Capella X task chair, to promote healthy movement throughout the working day.
Grow planters act as visual dividers between groups while also creating a warm and welcoming environment. They also contribute to a better acoustic environment in the room by diffusing sound.
Involvement and collaboration
Moving to new premises brings both opportunities and challenges. For Garmin, it was important to involve employees in the process, which led to mapping their needs and wishes for the new office. Based on this, Kinnarps developed a spatial and floor plan for the two-storey premises. The overall solution was tied together with a new staircase, meeting the need for collaboration across departmental boundaries.
Morten Evjen, Nordic Sales Manager & Site Manager Moss, who acted as project manager for the move together with three of his colleagues, believes that the collaboration with Kinnarps was crucial to the successful outcome. He explains that they listened to the advice of Kinnarps’ interior designers, even when they did not always agree. They are grateful for that today, now that everything is in place. “There was only one piece of furniture that did not work, and that was one that was ordered despite Kinnarps saying it would not work where it was intended,” he says.
A positive working environment
Morten explains that the new premises cannot be compared to the solutions they had before. They now work in modern office solutions where collaboration, either in person or via Teams, is at the centre. Large windows, sound-absorbing carpets, curtains, living plants and a timeless colour palette make the working environment light and balanced, creating a positive atmosphere. This is particularly important in the customer centre, where activity levels are often high. “Colours, materials and solutions create a fantastic working environment,” says Morten.
In the open-plan office, the interior solution encourages short meetings, or a game of chess if you like. The Vagabond project table and Motus chairs are both fitted with castors, making them easy to move when needed.
Different heights and seating options provide good variation and more choice, whether you prefer to sit on a sofa, an armchair or at a higher table.
“Kinnarps’ contribution has been decisive for our successful move. They have added valuable expertise and challenged us to think differently in order to find optimal solutions. The choice of solutions, colours and materials has been absolutely spot on, and it shows in the offices. When we have visitors, it is the overall impression that people comment on. The collaboration with Kinnarps could not have been better.”
In the same environment, there are also opportunities for more relaxed meetings in lounge furniture. The space is furnished with different seating options to create variation and movement throughout the working day. Take a seat in the Oas modular sofa or choose a playful stool such as Mr T or Boullée for a more informal meeting or a coffee with colleagues.
To take a phone call, talk to a colleague or simply take a short break, you can sit in the Beasy armchair. With a swivel base, you can turn the chair in the direction that suits you, and the “wings” provide a degree of screening.
Sometimes it can be nice to retreat a little to read, relax or get some variation away from the desk.
Experienced and skilled delivery staff
Allocating two days for the delivery of all the furniture initially made Morten hesitant. After all, a lot was to be delivered, carried in and installed in many different rooms. However, everything was completed after two days, and he was impressed by the efficient logistics and the experienced, skilled installers from Kinnarps.
“We are very satisfied with our office solution. Everything works perfectly, in fact better than expected. Feedback from employees, Nordic colleagues and visitors has been consistently positive. The transition from cellular offices to open office solutions has gone smoothly, and we can already see that collaboration has become better and more efficient,” Morten concludes.
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