The opening of Capgemini’s new office is not just a move. It is a direct result and a clear example of Capgemini’s belief in sustainability, the hybrid working model and the importance of each individual’s mental and physical well-being.

Although it was announced a few years ago that Capgemini Belgium would be moving to a new building across the street, it was worth the wait. The new office will mean a huge improvement in several areas and we are very proud of this strategic move. I’m happy to tell you more about it!

1. One for all

The new building accommodates all Capgemini Belgium employees, so we are no longer spread across different buildings. As a result, employees from different departments can work better together on projects and tasks, create more efficient workflows and achieve better results. This proximity also ensures smoother and more spontaneous communication, which reduces misunderstandings and increases productivity. In addition, our employees can now use more and better common facilities such as meeting rooms and dining areas. Sharing the building with other departments not only creates more networking opportunities, but also chance encounters that can lead to new ideas and insights. Finally, the group feeling is also strengthened by sharing a building. This is how we increase morale and create a more positive work environment: “One building, one company, one common goal.”

2. New way of working

The move was also the ideal time to further roll out our hybrid working model, with flexible seating and different office spaces for different activities and needs. Because there is no longer a fixed desk for each employee, we have been able to significantly reduce the office space required. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone in the office has a desk, we have developed a reservation tool that colleagues can use to reserve a seat for themselves and their teams. It also means workers can largely telecommute: everyone has the option to work from home 30% to 70% of the time. We also encourage our employees to set aside their office days for activities that require interaction and collaboration and home work days for work that requires focus.

3. Improved well-being

Giving employees the opportunity to work from home at any time not only increases productivity and efficiency, but also contributes significantly to their personal well-being. Knowing that you don’t have to commute an hour (or more) every workday and that you can use that time wisely can relieve a lot of stress. The building itself also has a positive influence on well-being. Due to the central location in the park, the green area and the sports facilities, our campus is a place where people like to spend time. We also organize physical education classes twice a week under the supervision of a teacher. In addition, the building was designed to be accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. Finally, there are several relaxation rooms and reflection areas where you want to get away from it all.

4. sustainability

Those who see our new building for the first time will immediately notice the many solar panels that contribute to our efforts to reduce our ecological footprint. However, this visible layer hides many other sustainable and eco-friendly elements, which has led to the building being awarded an Excellent grade by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). To name just a few: 71 charging stations for electric vehicles, rainwater recycling for sanitation and green maintenance, environmentally friendly waste management, intelligent lighting with presence detection and daylight control, as well as natural ventilation and free cooling via the ceiling.

The location of the building was also an environmentally friendly choice: on the one hand in the middle of the green and on the other hand a fantastic location for using public transport, as train, tram and bus stops are within walking distance. Additionally, the secure 600-space bike parking facility and proximity to several bike highways are clear signs that Capgemini strongly encourages bike commuting.

Work!

Capgemini’s move is more than just a move to a new building nearby. Everything in and around our new location exudes improvements: more efficiency and flexibility, team building, attention to mental and physical well-being, and sustainable and eco-friendly choices that have a positive impact on our living environment and society.

This is a contribution from Annlore Defossez, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Capgemini Belgium