IBA editorial team At the beginning of November, Nestlé Germany moved into its new headquarters on Baseler Platz in the heart of Frankfurt. Around four years after the project started, some 1,500 employees now work in the modern premises covering more than 19,000 square metres. The building’s design and a modern workplace concept stand for flexibility, dialogue, openness and transparency.
An innovative spatial concept for increased flexibility and creativity
The new Nestlé headquarters has been designed in line with a modern working concept that focuses on flexibility and the tasks to be carried out. The room layout and equipment create optimal conditions for an activity-based working concept. Depending on the activity, employees have access to suitable options for flexible, creative, collaborative or concentrated, individual work. “By combining modern working environments, diverse communication meeting points and a downtown location, we not only increase our attractiveness as an employer, but also promote openness, innovation and networking. Our nest is more than just a workplace — it is a place where our employees can meet and exchange ideas, where they feel comfortable, are inspired and can put their best ideas into practice,” says Ralf Hengels, Human Resources Director at Nestlé Germany.
Room for networking and encounters
At the heart of the new working environment are numerous meeting and anchor points. A key element is the central staircase, which connects the building from the ground floor to the eleventh floor and enables cross-departmental meetings. Flexible and modular workshops on all floors offer space for team and work meetings as well as for the development of new ideas. The new conference area “Die Eins” (“The One”), complemented by an inviting courtyard garden, offers a relaxed atmosphere for larger meetings and events. The open team homes on the various floors enable teams to work flexibly and without fixed seating. The members of the Management Board no longer have permanent workplaces either. Personal items and documents can be stored securely in the electronic lockers provided for this purpose.
The top floor, “Die Elf” (“The Eleven”), is the highlight of the new Nestlé headquarters and boasts a gastro-lounge area, a barista bar and a roof garden. In addition to relaxation during breaks, this area promotes creative brainstorming and collaborative work. It is also home to the “Ideenschmiede” (“Idea Workshop”), a creative co-working area, as well as a modern cooking studio for culinary events and innovative projects. The market hall on the ground floor is another meeting point. It has an open kitchen with various food stations and activity areas that can be used for product tests, among other things. Employees meet here to enjoy snacks or freshly prepared dishes made from regionally sourced ingredients. On each floor, there are also “neighbourhood lounges” for holding informal conversations or unscheduled meetings while drinking fresh coffee. Special attention was also paid to the needs of employees who are parents or who want to bring their dog to the office. To this end, Nestlé has created a child-friendly work area and integrated dog-friendly workstations on three floors as part of the Pets@Work concept, so that four-legged friends can also come to the office.
Sustainability takes centre stage
Sustainability is clearly a priority at the new Nestlé headquarters. The interior fittings consist of certified furniture and resource-saving materials. A photovoltaic system is planned for the roof, where it will supply the building with energy-efficient and low-emission electricity. The landlord is also aiming to obtain LEED Gold certification for sustainable construction. The catering concept gives preference to regional food and minimizes food waste through individual portion sizes and deposit boxes for leftovers. Moreover, reconditioned second-life cutlery is used in the market hall. Numerous plants improve the indoor climate and promote biodiversity. Finally, a comprehensive mobility concept helps people travel by public transport or bicycle and thus contributes to Nestlé’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions worldwide by 2050.
Another key topic for the food group is social commitment. Through its corporate initiative “Bahnhofsviertel” Nestlé is working together with other companies to support social welfare projects in the neighbourhood. Nestlé is also committed to the Frankfurter Tafel food bank and other charitable organizations. During the winter months, employees help serve food to the needy and support projects such as the Frankfurt cold weather bus. “We are very happy about our new home and the ability to work together in the lively heart of the city,” says Alexander von Maillot, CEO of Nestlé Germany. “As a new neighbour, we want to play an active role and provide impetus for a liveable Bahnhofsviertel. Our roots and our future lie in Frankfurt, where our company founder Heinrich Nestlé was born.”
