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When next generation insurer Vitality returned to its offices in the wake of the pandemic, they realised they needed to repurpose the space for a hybrid working world. Peldon Rose’s Workplace Strategy team set to work, exploring employee priorities and preferences, conducting a detailed occupancy analysis, and assessing options for integrating two London office sites.
Combining strategic insight with workplace design expertise, the Peldon Rose team were confident they could deliver a healthy, happy environment despite a 19% reduction in space. Vitality’s new home is founded on a detailed picture of what its people really need – an inclusive and welcoming environment, built for hybrid working.
Vitality has established itself as a household name, championing people’s wellbeing by incentivising and rewarding healthy behaviours, and this applies to its employees as well. Peldon Rose’s brief was to create a working environment that promotes connection, collaboration, innovation, and learning, as well as employee wellbeing.
To discourage people from eating at their desks, the team introduced a vibrant servery and canteen which serves free nutritious breakfasts and lunches, as well as a welcoming coffee space with a barista. These social areas offer a variety of seating styles, creating opportunities to relax and unwind, and offering functional flexibility.
The interior design team worked some light-hearted behavioural nudges into everyday aspects of the workplace. In the middle of ‘Stanley Avenue’, the main corridor, wayfinding signs point users in the right direction and show the number of steps needed to get there. These design touches get people talking, comparing their step counts, and recognising the value of an active workday.
Sparing accents of pink establish Vitality's identity without compromising on productivity and comfort
Wayfinding signs show step counts to specific office destinations, nudging employees towards a more active workday
Collaborative breakout spaces encourage employees to step away from their desks for higher energy working tasks
This is a multi-use space for individuals to have lunch and/or hold collaborative meetings
This tapestry wall is filled with photographs of employees, their families and passions, giving the communal space a personal feel
Biophilia adds vibrancy to the canteen area, and is a design feature known to enhance employee productivity and wellbeing
Situating communal spaces in abundant natural light helps promote employee mobility and morale
Vitality recognised that its workstations needed to be productive and versatile, and to match the comforts of home working. Peldon Rose worked with Vitality’s furniture supplier, Kinnarps, to specify sit–stand desks in the open plan area and softer furniture in meeting rooms and social spaces. There was a strong focus on sustainability, given that one of Vitality’s values is to be a force for good. Meeting room tables were repurposed or sourced locally, and recycled plastic was used on the reception desk, for example.
Vitality’s new home features a diversity of spaces aimed at promoting connection, collaboration, innovation and learning, including meeting rooms that seat between two and 30 people, collaboration zones, focus areas, a project room, and a media recording studio. An important feature of the new office design was the decision to devote spaces with views of the Thames and iconic London landmarks, as well as an abundance of natural light, to communal use. Vitality also chose to abandon assigned offices for executives.
We wanted the office to be a magnet that optimised our hybrid working model and maximised collaboration and connection on in-office days in ways that strengthen our unique culture. The team at Peldon Rose helped us achieve this goal.
Breakout booths are fitted with bespoke acoustic stencils to minimise noise transfer throughout the open-plan
Small details make all the difference - grouting between the canteen tiles is a variant shade of Vitality's trademark bright pink
Vitality’s branding is full of life, and embodied by Stanley the dachshund, who features prominently throughout their new office in the form of neon signs and sausage dog-adorned cushions. Stencilled Stanley acoustic panels in focus zones combine functionality with fun. A jam-packed awards cabinet showcases the company’s successes to date, and a gallery wall features personal pictures provided by Vitality employees.
Vitality’s unmistakable bright pink branding is in evidence, without being overwhelming. It features in picture frames, accents, and carefully selected quote walls. Complementary pinks align with the brand’s primary and secondary colour palettes, with teals and turquoises helping to create a softer aesthetic.
Vitality’s new workplace brings new and exciting life to a growing business that is embracing a healthy, hybrid future.
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