Deloitte has opened its first UK office in Newcastle’s Trinity Gardens to support its new hybrid work approach.
The 11,150 square foot space opened this week for 285 Deloitte employees and is designed to support workers splitting their time between the home and office.
The office includes technology necessary for a distributed workforce, including audio and video conferencing tools and 360-degree cameras.
In addition to incorporating tools that make hybrid working more seamless, the Newcastle location will also feature sustainable design and incorporate recyclable materials.
“This office is fitted out with carpets and rugs made from recycled yarn that can be re-used over and over again to make new products. The yarn is made from old carpets that have reached their end of life, discarded fishing nets collected from oceans as well as domestic products, such as old clothing,” said Julia Fox, tax director at Deloitte and Newcastle steering group member. “The furniture has also been sourced from suppliers who use recycled materials, including recycled paint.”
According to a Deloitte people survey, 81% of respondents said that they expect to be working in the office up to two days a week. Additionally, 96% of respondents said they wanted freedom in their work location and schedule.
Last year, the company announced workers would be given the choice to work where they prefer to help them achieve a work-life balance.
“We recognise how important it is for our people to be able to connect and plan in-person collaboration, so we’ve purposely removed traditional desks to accommodate more informal collaboration and networking spaces as well as adding more flexible touch-down working areas,” said Stephen Hall, office senior partner at Deloitte in Newcastle.
