In the wake of unprecedented change, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), a mutual insurance company safeguarding all nuclear power plants in the US, has taken a bold step in redefining its office landscape. What initially seemed like a temporary shift to remote work to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees during the pandemic swiftly evolved into a realization of its potential. Recognizing that productivity remained steadfast even as employees worked from home, the benefits of a remote working structure became evident. Embracing this shift, NEIL made the strategic decision to transition into a remote-first organization, aligning with an organizational strategy that prioritizes remote work for its employees and operations.
This pivotal shift sparked a comprehensive reevaluation of the company’s physical workspace, culminating in the unveiling of a new headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2023. Collaborating with partners such as architecture and design firm Meyer Design and furniture dealer COFCO, A Henricksen Company, NEIL embarked on a journey to create a workspace that successfully aligns with its remote-first approach and optimizes space utilization to accommodate its evolving business needs.
Through extensive visioning sessions led by Meyer and NEIL’s Human Resources team, the organization delved deep into understanding its employees' priorities and values. This introspective process paved the way for a workspace that not only meets functional requirements but also nurtures a sense of belonging and well-being. Amy Eachus, Human Resources Operations Manager for NEIL, explains, "By conducting detailed surveys and workshops, we were able to determine what our new company culture could look like. These insights helped us establish a vision for the new workspace and assess our spatial needs and usage patterns.
Debra Breslow, Principal and Corporate Practice Leader for Meyer Design notes, "NEIL's proactive stance on reevaluating their post-pandemic culture and commitment to enhancing the user experience within the workplace truly set the tone for the overall design. We had many discussions around personal safety, neurodiversity, inclusivity, and the importance of flexibility and choice."
Every corner of the new 11,000-square-foot space serves a purpose, resulting in a dynamic ecosystem of spaces that seamlessly integrate technology, hospitality, and wellness-focused amenities. A vibrant café, personal lockers, an IT Genius bar, and onsite concierge service ensure that creature comforts and technology support are addressed for visiting staff. Collaboration areas of various sizes, from large conference and training rooms to smaller meeting areas, are incorporated throughout the landscape, providing versatile settings for impromptu discussions or planned collaborative sessions. Smaller focus zones offer space for concentrated work or private phone calls. In addition, a tranquil, dedicated respite room provides a private retreat for personal needs and relief from the hustle and bustle of the workday.
Every element, from the overall floorplan to the selected Allsteel furniture, is designed with adaptability and the users in mind. Jessica Nixon, a WELL AP from Meyer, helped reinforce these considerations as selections were made for workstations, consisting of 120-degree layouts and straight runs, and enclosed offices are permanently unassigned, accommodating diverse work styles and preferences for managing tasks. Sit-to-stand desks offer freedom of movement, while modular glass walls allow for easy reconfiguration to suit changing needs.
Yet, designing for functionality was only part of the equation. "While WELL certification wasn't specifically pursued, NEIL's design choices were driven by a profound concern for occupant well-being,” says Breslow. “From the curved lines and rounded corners of the furniture to the abundant natural light and soothing greenery, every detail was carefully curated to create a harmonious, humancentered environment.” In addition to the biophilic design elements and providing access to daylight, meticulous attention was also given to managing the acoustics of the space, using sound-absorbing tiles that not only help mask sound but also contribute to the aesthetics of the space.
By embracing flexibility, inclusivity, and choice, NEIL has not only reimagined the workplace but also created an environment where every individual feels empowered and valued within the workspace. "The overwhelmingly positive reaction to our new space speaks volumes,” shares Eachus. “Everyone from employees to board members have embraced this new workspace with such enthusiasm and appreciation. Our new headquarters is a dramatic departure from our previous traditional setup. Now, it’s so much more open, modern, and collaborative. This transformation is one that truly reflects our current culture and values"
PROJECT DETAILS
Headquarters:
Wilmington, DE
11,000 SF
Partnerships:
Meyer Design Inc.
COFCO, A Henricksen Company
DiSabatino Construction
Pure Project Management
PRODUCT SOLUTIONS
Desks:
Approach™
Seating:
Peak™
Corral Logger
Zilenzio
Jetty:Mod™
Park™
Wedge™
Two-Thirds™
Acuity®
Storage:
Daybook™