Attracting and retaining talent, bringing employees back to the office, strengthening team dynamics and collaboration are now at the heart of the concerns of human resources managers. “We are operating in a complex job market, particularly in Luxembourg, where the talent pool is more limited," comments Julien Chenoy, Talent Acquisition & People Advisor at CBRE Belgium and Luxembourg. “In this context, we have to stand out from other players and become attractive, by exploring all the levers at our disposal."
A flexible space, where people come first
For the HR manager, it is important to better understand the expectations of candidates and employees, whose concerns are focused on career development and learning opportunities, company culture, salary and the proposed work environment. “This last aspect in particular has gained in importance in recent years, with increased demand for flexibility, with high expectations in terms of remote work, and well-being in the office“, continues Julien Chenoy. „In our business, which is based on human relationships, we aim our teams to bring together in the workplace, to facilitate the sharing of information. To support these ambitions, even though our teams can work remotely, we decided to give further thought to the layout of our office spaces."
In our business, which is based on human relationships, we aim our teams to bring together in the workplace, to facilitate the sharing of information
Combining functionality, user-friendliness and well-being
Last September, CBRE moved into new premises on Route d'Esch in Luxembourg. This project gave rise to in-depth work with the teams to define needs and propose spaces that met expectations. Ioana Leordean, Interior Architect at CBRE Luxembourg, comments: "In this approach, we were both the user and the designer of the spaces. In the run-up to the project, we held a number of brainstorming and workshop sessions with the teams, in order to understand everyone's requirements, particularly in terms of well-being and acoustic issues. Based on the real-life experience, we mainly thought about how the workspaces could support the business and enhance collaboration."
Defining concepts tailored to business needs
Taking all elements into account, the project teams developed a concept aligned with the company's challenges. "Today, we have a space made up of multiple areas, serving different purposes: small cells, called bubbles, allow for focused work; there are also meeting rooms of different types, where people can easily get together and brainstorm in a dynamic atmosphere", explains Ioana Leordean. Beyond functionality, the new layout also offers many informal areas, such as lounge corners and a library, where people can meet, chat or simply change environment. "The space we have created on the top floor, shared by all the Group's entities, is a key element of this project. This is where teams are invited to take their coffee breaks, in a pleasant, bright and colourful setting with direct access to a terrace. It also houses training rooms, configured as auditoriums or amphitheatres, with creative atmospheres supporting dynamism and innovation”.
A strong first impression, to spark interest
Over the past ten months, teams have been enjoying these new facilities, which also supports the recruitment process. "For face-to-face interviews, candidates are welcomed in the top floor space, just like our clients during meetings. When trying to establish a relationship with a candidate, the first impression is decisive. And this environment makes people want to come and work with us," comments Julien Chenoy. “These spaces, by encouraging interaction and conviviality, help to strengthen company culture. As HR manager, depending on the situation and the topic, I use the variety of available spaces, from confidential meeting rooms to more relaxed areas where conversations can take a different tone."
For us, these new spaces are a showcase for our expertise, both for our employees and our clients
An attractive and dynamic space, to bring employees back to the office
Through these layouts, CBRE also showcase its expertise. „For us, these new spaces are a showcase for our expertise, both for our employees and our clients," explains Ioana Leordean. “Everyone can see how office design, through the care given to thoughtful planning, colour choices and the use of materials, helps people take ownership of their professional environment while socialising. This goes a long way towards bringing staff back into the office, which these days is a major challenge for organisations."
Written by 
