Written by Amy
More than 1,000 Vitality employees are relocating to the company’s new office at 3 Stockport Exchange. Designed and delivered by workplace specialists Peldon Rose in partnership with Vitality, the bespoke 46,000 sq ft workspace has been created to promote employee health, wellbeing and support productivity
The opening completes the modernisation of Vitality’s UK workplace portfolio following new office openings in Bournemouth and London. Designed by Peldon Rose, in partnership with Vitality, all three locations have the shared ambition: to make healthier habits part of everyday working life, while establishing a consistent design language across its three UK locations
Arranged across four floors, the new Stockport office focuses on natural light, planting and other biophilic design principles throughout the workspace. Features include sit-stand desks, social areas and a variety of collaborative and focused working environments to encourage collaboration, learning and social connection throughout the working day, helping employees maintain healthy habits while supporting different working styles and needs
The top floor is home to an employee café and restaurant, complete with sunken seating, a bespoke colour-changing light tunnel and a striking textile-inspired ceiling installation
Panoramic views across Stockport reinforce Vitality’s long history in Stockport and the office’s connection to its surroundings. Local references are woven throughout the design, from recurring archway motifs inspired by the town’s iconic a hub of textile manufacturing
Employees have access to quiet workspaces, prayer and family rooms, refreshment areas and a range of collaborative and focus working environments designed to support different working styles and needs
The office layout encourages movement throughout the day, with features that promote greater use of the stairs between floors and help employees remain active. The workspace has also been designed in line with the most comprehensive Fitwel accreditation standards, the leading building certification system focused on optimising human health and wellbeing
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Dedicated onboarding, training and collaboration spaces form a key part of the design, helping new employees build relationships and feel connected to the business from their first day
The office forms part of Vitality’s broader employee wellbeing strategy. According to research from Britain’s Healthiest Workplace, one of the UK’s largest surveys of employee wellbeing, employees who are physically inactive lose 28% more productive time than active employees, while those at risk of depression lose 151% more productive time compared with employees not at risk.*
The research also highlights the importance of workplace connection, particularly for younger employees, with 61% of under-35s saying the social aspects of office working are beneficial for their health and 60% reporting better access to learning and development opportunities in the workplace.*
Chris James, Project Director at Peldon Rose, said: “It is fantastic to see this project completed, as the latest milestone in our longstanding collaboration with Vitality. The space brings together the best of what employees really want from their working environment, with practical dedicated spaces for individual working and collaboration, as well as design-led moments, such as a neon light tunnel for that wow factor. Working together, we evolved the brief to ensure health and wellbeing was prioritised throughout each detail and reflected Vitality’s core value and culture.
“The final design feels uniquely aligned to Stockport’s history and Vitality’s spirit, creating a genuine sense of place for the team, and we can’t wait to see the space being used as they make this their new home.”
Luke McClaran, Group Chief People Officer at Vitality, said: “Our offices play an important role in shaping the employee experience and the way we work, so it was important that our new Stockport workspace reflected our wider commitment to health, wellbeing and connection
“Through our partnership with Peldon Rose, we have been able to create a consistent design approach across our office locations, ensuring each space supports a positive and cohesive working environment while still reflecting the character of its local community.”
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*Britain’s Healthiest Workplace 10 year insights | Adviser | Vitality
