Kinnarps Case Study: Stena Line´s new Headquarter in Hamburg

The fact that work is no longer tied to the desk and office, but can take place at home, on the move or in co-working spaces was increasingly felt even before the corona virus pandemic. New rules therefore apply to furniture and rooms. “It wasn’t just about working differently and redesigning the existing office. We simply wanted to move in order to reflect our desire for cooperation and exchange, to break up rigid working hours, to be equipped for different scenarios and to make the new beginning clear in terms of space”, says Ron Gerlach, Trade Director and Managing Director of Stena Line Germany.

Instead of working in individual offices, often behind closed doors, the management wanted an activity-based, digital working space, in an environment that was pleasant for both employees and customers.

Kinnarps’ workplace analysis revealed the concrete vision and purpose of the management. In a workshop, which the HR department took part in alongside the management, the challenges were easily identified and Kinnarps was able to quickly turn them into a plan.

Kinnarps’ workplace strategist Peter Labohm knows from many analyses that the changing working environment is unstoppable, and the only way forward is to embrace it and shape it for yourself: “The old Viking saying fits well here: ‘We can’t control the wind, but we can adjust the sails’.” That’s exactly what Stena Line has done. “In our new office, the crew interacts with each other a lot, we also meet with customers, our sister companies and other colleagues and, above all, we have the option of carrying out our different activities in the different areas. The style suits us as a shipping company and as a Swedish company. All of this is accompanied by a view of the Elbe”, enthuses Ron Gerlach.

Cooperative, creative and designed for every activity

The site offers an activity-based working environment with different zones for different activities, where digital work is implemented right through to paperless offices. A small team of 10–12 people, especially the management and the sales department, are looking forward to the new working environment and to finally being better connected. The move to Germany’s maritime centre is no coincidence: “Since we will focus even more strongly on integrated logistics concepts, intermodal offers and transport chains from a single source in the freight sector in the future, the proximity to other companies of the Stena Group creates potential for even closer cooperation”, explains Gerlach.

In addition to spatial implementation in an open working environment, Kinnarps’ products and solutions make a new way of working possible. There are no longer any fixed workstations in the Elbberg 8 office, the team is sharing the facilities. All double and single workstations have the same equipment. Series P or Polaris height adjustable sit-stand desks with two monitors and docking station provide the necessary ergonomics, as does the Capella task chair.

More ergonomics in the activity-based office – stand-sit workstations – Caddy and Capella

The height-adjustable workstations ensure a constant change between standing and sitting and thus support muscle development and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system. They have a preventive effect against complaints such as strain on the intervertebral discs, vertebral joints and ligaments. Tension in the shoulder and neck area, pain in the lumbar region, sleep and visual disturbances as well as migraine and dizziness should also no longer play a role with Stena Line.

For a varied posture that also promotes blood circulation, concentration and performance, the Capella office chair easily adapts to changing users in the Stena Line office and a wide range of body sizes. In an activity-based office like Stena Line, swivel chairs could otherwise become an ergonomics trap for the different users. With Capella, the height, seat depth and degree of inclination can be ergonomically adjusted in a few simple steps.

A special feature of the new Stena Line domicile are the so-called caddies. This is where employees store their documents. On castors, they pull the transportable cabinet to the workstation they have just chosen that day. Instead of large cupboards, the material is always at hand and in the place where it is needed. Of course, the caddy can also remain at the docking station and provide a reason to get up again and again.

The different workplaces are also a constant source of exercise, not least the balcony with its view over the harbour encourages the employees to stand up.

Acoustics and image combined

In addition to the magnificent view, a large-format picture taken on board a Stena Line ferry down to the bow and the bulbous bow in the choppy sea is also a real eye-catcher in the office. The abstract-looking photo provides additional peace and quiet when working as an acoustic image alongside the carpet and ceiling.

Ahoi new talents

The fact that this working environment could also impress potential new team members has certainly been taken into account. “We are always looking for dedicated people, such as IT, sales or logistics personnel, who are enthusiastic and enjoy our Swedish working culture”, explains Gerlach. “Of course, this new office will help us to attract these people.”

Positive response

It’s not just potential new talent who can look forward to the new working space, Ron Gerlach also receives positive feedback from the parent company: The colleagues from Gothenburg are enthusiastic about the “New ways of working” concept, which leaves room for open communication. The Stena Line Deutschland Managing Director is delighted that the process was completed quickly and without delays: “I never thought it would be so easy and fast. Including delivery. Everything went smoothly.”