The office is dead. Long live the office, but not as we knew it. The past two years of remote work have fundamentally reshaped our understanding of office space. Gone are the days of sterile cubicles; modern offices must cater to the evolving needs of a hybrid workforce, fostering collaboration and a sense of community while prioritising employee well-being.
Roche, a leading healthcare company, has embraced this new vision with its transformative ‘Digital Center of Excellence’ in Pune, India. This isn’t just an office; it’s a testament to Roche’s commitment to employee well-being, meticulously crafted to support mental and physical health in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Pre-pandemic offices were primarily designed for productivity, often overlooking the importance of mental well-being. Roche’s Pune office breaks the mould. “The pandemic underscored the need for a workspace that caters to the diverse needs of our employees,” says Raja Jamalamadaka, managing director, Roche Information Solutions India. “We designed a space that fosters not just collaboration, but also well-being.”
Gone are the rows of identical conference rooms. The Pune office boasts 17 unique meeting spaces, catering to various working styles and mental states. “These are 17 distinct spaces,” says Jamalamadaka, “ranging from areas for active collaboration to quiet focus rooms with adjustable features to minimise distractions.”
“The pandemic underscored the need for a workspace that caters to the diverse needs of our employees. We designed a space that fosters not just collaboration, but also well-being.”
Raja Jamalamadaka, managing director, Roche Information Solutions India
“We have areas for active collaboration, quiet contemplation, and everything in between,” explains Jamalamadaka. “Individuals seeking focused work can retreat to secluded areas with adjustable features to minimise distractions and enhance concentration.”
A centre for community and connection
The heart of the Pune office is a central atrium, a vibrant space brimming with life. Drawing inspiration from Indian culture, it serves as a central gathering point, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
“Here, you’ll find coffee stations, community clubs for music and art enthusiasts, and even a Toastmasters club to hone communication skills,” reveals Jamalamadaka. Smaller team collaboration areas branch out from the atrium, allowing for focused work while maintaining a connection to the larger community.
The Pune office prioritises flexibility and customisation. Lighting, temperature, seating arrangements, and even the view can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. “We have ‘Focus Rooms’ designed for different personality types,” says Jamalamadaka. “Extroverts might prefer a space with a view, while introverts can find solace in a more secluded environment.”
Employee well-being extends beyond ergonomics and adjustable workstations. The Pune office offers massage chairs, prayer rooms, and a soon-to-be-launched CRESH facility – a childcare space allowing employees to keep their children nearby without disruption. Recognising the link between physical and mental health, the campus features a multi-purpose zone for yoga, Zumba, and meditation sessions. A dedicated doctor-on-call provides support for mental health concerns, while plans are underway to offer access to a wider range of healthcare professionals throughout the year.
Technology for a seamless experience
Technology plays a vital role at the Pune office. Smart meeting scheduling tools incorporate brief meditation sessions before and after meetings, allowing employees to manage their well-being amidst demanding schedules. Data-driven analytics tools help employees monitor their physical health, contributing to a holistic approach to well-being.
The Pune office is designed with the future in mind. Approximately 25 per cent of the space can be modified without extensive construction, thanks to retractable walls and agile furniture on wheels. A dedicated ‘100 per cent agile’ space allows for complete reconfiguration, ensuring the office can adapt to evolving work styles and needs.
“Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive,” concludes Jamalamadaka. The Pune office embodies this vision, offering a blueprint for workplaces that prioritise not just productivity, but also the holistic well-being of their employees. By fostering a sense of community, flexibility, and personalised well-being support, Roche is creating a space where employees can excel, both personally and professionally.