How do you design a workplace that aligns with the evolving needs of employees without past precedent? This is the question long-term care financing and services firm, Genworth, asked as they prepared to move from their multi-building campus into a renovation-ready building. With a blank slate to create an office experience that not only resonated with employees’ lifestyle shifts but also placed well-being at its very core, the organization has a chance to create a space that served as a tangible embodiment of their identity. When Baskervill was brought on to spearhead the new office building’s renovation, we took it as a challenge to ignite a passion for the workplace among Genworth’s team. Here’s how.
Understanding, Not Overbearing
We started by diving deep into Genworth’s existing data, analyzing recent questionnaires and research. The data collected revealed that employees perceived their four-building campus as excessively large and compartmentalized, leading to isolation within specific buildings. The buildings were described as outdated and uninspiring. With a strong preference for remote work among staff, it was clear we had to rethink the traditional office setup. Armed with these insights, we had a head start on conceptualizing a workspace that truly resonated with Genworth’s employees, even before putting pen to paper.
Immerse, Explore, and Educate
Through Baskervill’s strategic Sightline process, we got to know the hearts and minds of Genworth’s key players, spanning departments from HR, Communications and Marketing, IT, Facilities, and more. Guided conversation and charrettes helped us understand the essence of Genworth-ians, their work styles, and their values. What makes employees tick? What keeps their engines revving?
These immersion sessions built upon our existing insights to obtain a deeper understanding of more than just the quantitative.
We also pinpointed essential metrics like the required number of desk seats and conference rooms and decided which areas of the 1970’s era, approximately 170,000-square-foot space needed demolition, and which could be preserved.
To spark their creativity, we took Genworth’s core crew to tour two other local Fortune 500 offices. The team also ventured to Chicago for a hands-on exploration of furniture showrooms. Seeing, touching, and experiencing the latest trends firsthand was a completely unique experience for the group. It allowed them to truly envision the myriad of possibilities for the first time—bringing conversations to life and showing just how incredible their future workplace could be.
From Pain Points to Programming
Today’s workforce craves the camaraderie, technology, mentorship, and connection the office traditionally offers, but they also yearn for the comforts of home: think privacy and control. That’s why our initial design philosophy emphasized ease, comfort, and choice. Each area of Genworth’s office was curated to foster employee autonomy and social activation by prioritizing comfort-driven spaces for every level—individual, team, and organizational.
Flexible partitions and meeting booths were prioritized so privacy and small team collaboration could meet employees where they were without permanent walls. From soundproof rooms to collaboration hubs, the fit out offers accommodation for varied workstyles.
Connectivity and Movement
In the fast-paced work world, keeping employees active and connected isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity. Studies show that spaces that promote physical activity and social interaction can reduce stress and burnout, leading to a healthier, more innovative workforce.
To break free from the traditional office confines, Genworth’s office embraces every opportunity for activation, aimed at keeping employees thoroughly connected and engaged. Beyond desk space and meeting rooms, you’ll find a gym with locker rooms, a cutting-edge employee cafeteria with a grab-and-go self-checkout market, a café offering locally sourced coffee and breakfast sandwiches, and a professional kitchen for daily food preparation and service, complete with a salad bar.
Throughout all floors you will find employee lounges, single use ADA restrooms, quiet rooms, and mothers’ rooms. Club Genworth, equipped with retro arcade games, a chill movie room, and a snack-filled kitchenette, is perfect for midday breaks, team bonding, or relaxing after work hours.
Biophilic and Sustainable Solutions
Coined in the 1980s by biologist Edward O. Wilson, biophilia—literally “love of life”—describes this innate urge to connect with other life forms. This primordial instinct, when nurtured in the workplace, fosters that all-important sense of wellbeing. That’s why biophilic design elements—such as natural lighting, materials, color, and organic shapes—informed the flow and palette of the spaces at Genworth.
Open workstations placed around the periphery invite sunlight to flood the space while internal touchdown zones and private areas still bask in natural light. Felt partitions crafted from eco-friendly Merino wool enhance both acoustics and sustainability. In addition to easy outdoor patio access, greenery was incorporated indoors through vertical gardens with naturally preserved plants. Textured glass panels balance privacy with ample natural light while walnut veneer millwork imbues the atmosphere with a naturalistic essence.
Throughout the process it was important that our team develop design strategies that meet the needs of Genworth today and the needs of the planet tomorrow. We minimized waste through selective demolition—maintaining as many of the existing ceilings, walls, and millwork as we could. Our approach included indoor water retention (by 33%), optimization of energy systems, enhanced LED lighting, temperature control, light-sensors, and the use of sustainably certified materials.
Settling In
In early 2024, the Genworth team moved into their new space, and the transformation has been a joy to witness. As employees navigate their new surroundings, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The dynamic environment has met programming demands while fostering a renewed sense of community. We look forward to remaining engaged, making sure the space continues to evolve with Genworth’s team.
Associate | Studio Director
As a leader in Baskervill’s Workplace studio, Gillian has a knack for transforming a business’s hopes and dreams into an office experience that echoes with purpose. Her natural charm and ability to connect deeply with both clients and colleagues help her intuitively anticipate needs. Since joining the team in 2015, she has also honed her expertise in WELL certification, consistently exceeding health and wellness benchmarks with smart solutions.
