Feedback: June 2024

Q: What design or amenities of your physical workplace have you found to be most important in creating a positive company culture?

Angela Gillespie

Chief Executive Officer
Gawley Companies
Sector: Healthcare

As a global chief operating officer of a multi-national company pre-COVID, my entire focus in physical workspace revolved around squeezing as many people into a footprint as possible. The emphasis was on efficiency and functionality rather than fostering a sense of community or comfort. However, when we sent everyone home to work from their kitchen tables and living rooms, we learned quickly how important, engaging (and ergonomic) the physical office space needed to be. In our post-pandemic world, I think we’ve learned that we need to create environments that entice employees, and customers, to leave their homes for specific “events of value” by offering inviting, collaborative and home-like settings with an experience that is worth getting out of my pajamas and fills my bucket beyond what any virtual Zoom meeting can offer.

Design and amenities that facilitate collaboration and connection have become paramount. This translates to open and collaborative spaces, good snacks, “off hours” commutes, comfortable and bright settings that encourage interaction, idea exchange, and fun (emphasis on fun because — let’s be real it is harder to have fun over Zoom).

Angela Gillespie is CEO of Gawley Companies, a portfolio of premier skincare, aesthetics, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery providers that includes MDSkin Lounge and MDSkin Bar, North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center and Gawley Plastic Surgery.

Michael Jones

President and CEO
Delta Dental of Arizona
Sector: Healthcare

Our mission is to create a better path to health and wellness, and we’re working hard to improve the value we offer through innovation and diversification while adapting to changes in the workplace. In May, we relocated our headquarters to Scottsdale, where many in our industry work and collaborate. Our new workplace supports our commitment to positive company culture through thoughtful design and amenities and was strategically planned with current and future team members in mind.

The space enhances efficiency and collaboration while reducing square footage. Featuring fewer traditional offices, the layout has a variety of meeting areas, including conference rooms and huddle zones, tailored to diverse team needs. We created a central hub to facilitate gatherings and connection, fostering a sense of community. Additionally, the office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, streamlining communication and information sharing among team members. These elements collectively contribute to a supportive and dynamic work environment that promotes teamwork, transformation, and employee well-being.

Michael Jones is president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona and president of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, which has invested more than $18 million to support nutrition and oral health programs for underserved communities statewide since 2010. He is also an elected member of Greater Phoenix Leadership, working to improve Arizona’s economic vitality and quality of life.

Blake Sutton

President
Est Est Interior Design
Sector: Interior Design

Est Est Interior Design just moved to a new office this year after 26 years at our previous location. In selecting and designing the new space, our focus was to create a place that made our employees want to come to the office. As designers, we inherently understand that the space you are in has an impact on how you feel psychologically. Our new space has great lighting, and the style better reflects who we are as a firm.

The driving factor in decision-making when laying out the new office was focusing on what the team needed to most effectively do their job. We did a deep dive and found three things that stood out:

• Private offices that allow the designers to have peace and quiet when they need to buckle down and focus on tasks.
• Open, public workspaces that facilitate inspiration, collaboration and communication within the team.
• An effective resource library with design materials.

We believe the ability for employees to choose between public and private spaces throughout the workday is extremely beneficial to their happiness.

Our culture is built on creativity, responsibility and strong communication. Our new space helps to facilitate these values every day.

Blake Sutton, president of Est Est Interior Design, possesses a lifelong dedication to creating beautiful homes tailored to his clients’ lifestyles. With a background in construction management, he has refined Est Est’s processes over 13 years, prioritizing client experience and creativity. Under his leadership, the firm embraces innovation, celebrates the talented team of designers and ensures excellence for all clients.