Area’s Workplace Transformation for TD SYNNEX
Area’s award-winning redesign for TD SYNNEX showcases how modern workspace design can foster collaboration, wellbeing, and sustainability. Located across two locations in Basingstoke and Bracknell, this project transformed over 70,000 sq ft into vibrant, flexible spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of a hybrid workforce. Recognised as the Workplace Design of the Year at the 2024 Thames Valley Property Awards, the TD SYNNEX project highlights Area’s commitment to creating environments that feel welcoming, inspiring, and sustainable.
TD SYNNEX aimed to create a workspace that supports employee wellbeing, encourages social connections, and fosters productivity. With a desire to attract and retain top talent, TD SYNNEX sought a design partner to create an inspiring workspace that would support the flexibility of hybrid work and align with their values.
Gary Chandler, CEO of Area, noted the importance of partnership in achieving these results:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised at the Thames Valley Property Awards. This award reflects our team’s commitment to creating innovative workspaces that truly prioritise employee wellbeing and encourage collaboration. A huge thank you to TD SYNNEX for their partnership, openness, and creativity – it’s been a fantastic joint effort, and we couldn’t have achieved this success without them.”
Area’s design approach focused on several key objectives:
Supporting Employee Wellbeing and Connectivity: Creating a healthier, happier workplace that employees would enjoy returning to.
Sustainable and Adaptable Design: Integrating sustainable materials and flexible furniture to adapt to evolving needs.
Flexibility for Hybrid Work: Crafting spaces that accommodated different working styles, from open collaborative zones to secluded areas for focused tasks.
Area developed a cohesive design that unified the two office locations while maintaining site-specific needs. The layout moved away from linear desking towards an agile, open-plan model with flexible zones that adapt to different activities and workstyles.
Community and Social Spaces: At the heart of each site is a spacious cafeteria and townhall area. These spaces provide an informal, welcoming setting where employees can socialise, take breaks, or hold informal meetings. The choice to centralise these areas as focal points reflects TD SYNNEX’s commitment to creating a more community-driven workspace.
Wellbeing and Inclusivity: To address the diverse needs of the workforce, Area incorporated specialised spaces like a parents’ room, a multi-faith room, and a wellbeing suite for exercise classes. These additions encourage a balanced work-life approach.
Flexible Workspace Zones: Reflecting TD SYNNEX’s embrace of hybrid work, Area created a mix of open spaces, quiet zones, and adaptable meeting pods. By designing spaces with varying degrees of privacy and functionality, employees can choose the setting that best suits their tasks, from brainstorming sessions to focused work.
Agile Furniture and Sustainable Materials: Aligned with Area’s B Corp certification, the project emphasised sustainability by choosing reconfigurable furniture, including NET POSITIVE certified pieces that contribute positively to environmental and social sustainability, highlighting TD SYNNEX’s commitment to responsible practices.
David Watts, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for TD SYNNEX UK and Ireland, highlighted the value of this flexible approach:
“We wanted to create an environment that provided our co-workers with the best possible places in which to work, meet and collaborate. Area’s design met and exceeded all our expectations and has delivered workspaces that are both inspirational and practical, enabling co-workers to work together even more effectively in delivering the highest levels of service and support to our customers and partners.”
Adhering to FitWell principles, Area ensured each workspace was exposed to natural light, fostering an environment that positively impacts mood and productivity. This “home away from home” approach has helped TD SYNNEX employees feel more comfortable in the office, encouraging a balanced return to in-office work while supporting hybrid schedules.
Designing adaptable spaces that can respond to fluctuating occupancy levels was critical post-pandemic. Area achieved this by implementing an open-plan design that includes private nooks and meeting pods for quieter tasks. Modular furniture choices, such as movable office pods, enable reconfiguration without major structural changes. This adaptability makes TD SYNNEX’s offices future-ready, keeping pace with evolving workplace needs.
The project has had a transformative impact on TD SYNNEX’s workplace culture, encouraging in-person connections, strengthening team dynamics, and creating an inviting atmosphere.
David Watts noted:
“Since moving in, we’ve seen a significant increase in collaboration, employee engagement, and a 30% rise in occupancy. The feedback from our staff has been phenomenal, and the breakout area has become an absolute favourite!”
Photography courtesy of Area and Tom Bird