Beyond Relocation: redefining employee experience and collaboration in our new BeLux Headquarters in Brussels

As JLL Belgium embarks on its transformative relocation journey, our new Brussels headquarters stands as a symbol of innovation and people-centricity.

A Collaborative Transformation

From the inception of our transformative relocation journey, this project has been the result of a collective effort across JLL Belgium but also our team of experts in Luxembourg, Lille, and Paris. This cross-functional collaboration, mirroring our new office design, has significantly enriched the project. The diversity of perspectives and expertise from each individual has been crucial in realizing our vision. Through a comprehensive analysis of our employees' activities and needs, we were able to define the space programming, optimize the layout, and determine the most effective use of available surfaces.

This relocation is more than a change of address; it embodies a fundamental transformation in our approach to employee well-being, collaboration, and user experience. JLL Belgium has applied the same level of care and expertise to our own employees that we consistently deliver to our clients in every project we undertake.

The innovative approaches and lessons learned from this project not only serve as a blueprint for other JLL locations globally, but also enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge workplace solutions to our clients, thereby elevating the value we provide across our entire service spectrum.

Creating an enhanced user experience

The importance of user experience in workspace design lies in offering a distinct environment that contrasts the homework setting. “When employees come to the office, they experience unique and varied areas tailored to different tasks and interactions. Ergonomics and comfort are enhanced, ensuring each space supports productivity and well-being. The design enhances interactions, creating collaborative opportunities that aren't achievable in remote work environments. JLL’s new office configuration emphasizes a live, vibrant experience that stimulates both individual focus and innovative teamwork”. Explains Amandine Chizelle Director North Region & Tétris Belgium

 The office space design allows employees to choose how and where they work, encouraging seamless interaction and teamwork across departments. With options such as collaborative zones, quiet areas, and adaptable spaces, employees can manage their tasks and interactions more effectively. This adaptability supports individual work preferences, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity while maintaining a balanced and inclusive workplace culture.

Our headquarters features ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and biophilic elements to create a comfortable environment. Special zones for collaboration and quieter areas for focused work ensure a balanced workplace. Moreover, the importance of acoustics has not been overlooked, tailored to the experiences each space is intended to create.

Inspired by hospitality excellence, we reimagined our food and beverage services to create a more welcoming and attentive workplace atmosphere, enhancing our people's daily experiences and fostering a sense of warmth and care typically found in premium hospitality settings.

Finally, by aiming Moreover, the WELL Platinum certification for this new office space; we prioritize human wellness through exceptional design and operations.

A commitment reflected in the choice of location

Montoyer 10, once JLL's former home, has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment by Cofinimmo and emerged as a shining example of best-in-class ESG. Its central location promotes work life balance and sustainable mobility.

M10 embodies the key occupier trends we see today in the Belgium market : sustainability, flexibility, and well-being and all this in the vibrant EU district. Occupiers are facing various challenges : ESG targets , talent retention, brand visibility. M10 building meets all the key criteria.

Minimizing carbon footprint:

The building boasts exceptional sustainability achievements with highest certification standards, including the following labels: BREEAM Outstanding, CO2-Neutral and PEB A+. This aligns perfectly with JLL Belgium's trajectory toward achieving carbon neutrality on scopes 1 and 2 by 2030.

As Sebastien Giordano points out, "Reducing our carbon footprint and delivering a sustainable project was the driving force behind every decision we made. The M10 building, with its remarkable wooden structure, achieved the highest certification standards in the industry. But we pushed the boundaries even further with our fit-out project, setting new benchmarks for sustainability in interior design.

The building's WELL Platinum certification underscores our deep commitment to our teams' wellbeing, seamlessly integrating environmental and operational excellence with human-centric design.

Our new HQ proves that sustainability, employee wellbeing, and business success can thrive together, positioning us as trailblazers in creating a more sustainable built environment."

Facilitating teamwork: bridging gaps for seamless collaboration

A significant element of our new design is the decision to bring all the departments together on a single floor. This approach fosters a unified community, breaking down silos and enhancing cross-departmental collaboration.

As Tétris designer Patrice Delleuze affirms “Our design enhances cross-team collaboration and elevates employee well-being. We meticulously analyzed our internal needs, addressing the distinct requirements of roles like HR recruiters, brokers, and designers.”

We crafted zones specifically for brainstorming and informal discussions to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas. This open design includes a singular coffee corner—much like a watering hole in the savannah—encouraging spontaneous interactions across teams, adds Amandine Chizelle Director North Region & Tétris Belgium

We strategically identified departmental interdependencies to optimize collaboration within our office layout. Each team is positioned in proximity to the departments they frequently collaborate with, creating distinct neighborhood-like zones. This arrangement encourages seamless interaction while still preserving the unique identity of each team. In these interconnected zones, represented by shared spaces, teams can work closely while remaining open to collaboration with others, fostering both autonomy and collective synergy.

From concept to reality: change management

Transitioning to a new environment requires careful change management. Our strategy involved comprehensive workshops and support systems to facilitate a smooth adaptation to the new workspace. 

“We conducted senior leadership interviews, exhaustive staff surveys, and focus groups to understand the unique needs and aspirations of our employees. Involving employees in the design and decision-making process was essential to empower and engage them," says Deborah Leclercq, Director Consulting JLL. “By integrating employee feedback, we created a space that reflects their work styles and supports productivity. Tailored space demand opportunities were developed to meet both current and future needs.”

To design a workspace that truly supports both customer and employee journeys, our JLL experts prioritized understanding how individuals move and interact within the office environment. This involved mapping out the typical paths and experiences of employees and customers to ensure that every aspect of the design facilitates efficiency, and engagement.

For instance, during events like press conferences, it was crucial to secure business continuity for employees while accommodating guests seamlessly. This meant designing adaptable spaces that can transition from regular office use to event-hosting without disrupting daily operations. Meeting rooms and common areas were crafted with flexibility in mind, allowing for quick reconfigurations to support various purposes.

Throughout this process, the goal was to enhance both employee and customer experiences by ensuring accessibility,fluidity and inclusivity, ultimately creating a workspace that is responsive to diverse needs and scenarios. By doing so, JLL ensures that both employees and customers benefit from a well-thought-out environment that promotes productivity and engagement.

Conclusion

JLL Belgium's new headquarters is a testament to our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. By putting people first, we've successfully created an environment that goes beyond the conventional workspace.. As we continue our "Beyond Relocation" series, we aim to inspire other tenants to view relocation as an opportunity for transformation and enhanced employee satisfaction. Stay tuned for more insights and real case studies demonstrating how JLL is redefining the workplace for the future.