Domino invests in workspace for the future

March 10, 2023

A Cambridge company has completed a major project to create a new workplace that can support collaborative work and increase flexibility – in addition to demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

Domino Printing’s Global Headquarters in Bar Hill has undergone a £2 million refurbishment, resulting in 32 new meeting spaces to facilitate today’s hybrid working models, following employee feedback post-pandemic.

There are meeting rooms of different sizes and styles, designed for a wide range of seminars, presentations and one-to-one sessions, as well as open-plan areas with individual work stations.

All are equipped with furniture, re-used and recycled wherever possible, and there is a personal locker for each employee and IT infrastructure to support flexible working.

A new Smartway2 reservations system has been rolled out for booking hot desks, meeting rooms and the 30 electrical vehicle charging points now installed, designed to encourage more sustainable transport choices.

Secure cycle storage and new shower and changing room facilities will also help to achieve this, as well as promote wellbeing through pre-work and lunchtime exercising.

Communal areas are available when employees do come into the office, with coffee-house style cafes – including a Cloud Café on the top floor of the building and a First Quencher on the first floor – along with a restaurant providing meals and snacks all day.

The meeting spaces have been named by employees: Cambridge-based scientists and innovators who have changed the world including Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing, in addition to Graeme Minto who founded Domino in 1978.

Sharon Budworth, Director of Engagement at Domino, said: “This initiative to support hybrid working is resulting in a better work/life balance and has been important in improving engagement and employee experience, as well as having a positive impact on recruitment, career development, retention and global mobility.

“Going forward we will review and assess the way we do things, how we collaborate and communicate and how we reward and recognise our people so that Domino continues to be a great place to work.”

A key focus in the refurbishment programme was to make it as sustainable as possible. This was achieved by obtaining a SKA rating which is an environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit-outs, led and owned by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Existing glass partition panels were also relocated and reused in the new layout of meeting rooms and café areas, to increase areas of natural light and a feeling of open spaces.