How LinkedIn created a unique workplace experience - from the employee, for the employee

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” So the popular saying goes.

But for the largest online social media network for professionals, LinkedIn, this saying is not just an empty philosophy — it forms the very DNA of their corporate brand. This focus on unity and togetherness is evident in the way the company functions. Its employee-owned approach means that there is a strong feeling of ownership and belonging among those who work and manage the day-to-day functioning of the firm. 

There is no doubt that the paradigm of workplace experience is undergoing a major shift. In the face of such a shift, LinkedIn realized the competitive advantage of leading with a people-first approach. The LinkedIn headquarters in Bengaluru is a place that leads with well-being, community, and resilience. It is a glimpse into the future of workplace design, based on trust and employee empowerment, and the ever-growing need to strengthen the community.

Brand experience and storytelling are an integral part of LinkedIn’s community and culture-building strategy as it relates to the workplace, and at its Bengaluru headquarters, the strength of that connection is felt tenfold. The office design architects have ensured to inculcate the values into the office interior. The feeling of unity and togetherness among the workforce is further facilitated by the office design concepts that offer a modern working space for the employees. While forming the workplace designs the well-being of the community formed by the company was prioritised. 

What we did, brought LinkedIn’s Bangalore office to life in two ways:

A workplace from the employee, with an eclectic workplace design that takes the workforce and visitors on an experiential journey and makes them feel like they belong.

An experience in the workplace for the employee, well-aligned with global design standards that are resilient and sustainable.

Here’s how we expressed their corporate brand identity with a strong focus on wellness, comfort, and aesthetics.

1. A workplace from the employee

With the overall outcome of enhancing work culture and elevating brand experience, our workplace design strategists initiated a unique approach that made the employees make LinkedIn’s workplace their own. 

Employee Design Experience (EDX)

Extensive research and employee engagement helped our design team to develop very personal graphic stories displayed throughout the office interior. Every graphic and material, no matter how big or small holds meaning and purpose, all of which ultimately align with the LinkedIn culture and values.

Adding a local Charm

Along with vibrant colours and unique designs, the charm of Bengaluru was strategically integrated within the workplace through visual graphics and 3D representations of design elements.

Further, each zone on all the floors identified itself with an individual core value that represented LinkedIn. When combined together, the workplace design was woven together with principles that bring people together!

2. A workplace for the employee

While sustainability is hardly a new concept in the built environment, it means something different to each employee and each organization — there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Because a greener workplace can often require a more hands-on approach, it’s important for an organization to define how sustainability and well-being factor into the company’s larger mission. Taking a thoughtful approach to this transformation LinkedIn plays a big part in embracing the new environment and reflecting the organizational commitment to sustainability in the new space.

With the focus on making LinkedIn’s Bangalore workplace sustainable, the workplace design strategy went beyond design interventions and was reflected in operations and practice- helping us add to the sense of contentment and well-being. With various Green Features placed strategically throughout the facility, the workplace is centred around being resilient and contributing its bit to the environment.

The following elements were added as green features for a better workplace for the employees:

Energy Efficiency- When it came to lighting solutions, sustainability went hand-in-hand with aesthetics and user wellness. The wide shophouse windows bathe the entire space in natural sunlight. We ensured that there were minimal design interruptions so that sunlight could permeate deep within the office. We also used energy-saving LED lights and accent lamps throughout the workplace. Not only was this the more sustainable option, but it also helped us give a softer effect to the space — something that would not have been possible with harsh fluorescent lights. The efficient interior lighting fixtures installed ended up saving 42% energy annually. Additionally, the daylight responsive design lets you choose daylight whenever feasible during the day. Turning off office equipment when not in use also helps energy conservation. 

Indoor environmental air quality- Fresh air designs were incorporated to improve indoor air quality with automated systems that respond to particulate levels and recirculate or adjust intake through enhanced filters as required.

Water Efficiency- The water saved at the LinkedIn facility is equivalent to the water requirement of about 35 households in the villages of Karnataka facing water scarcity.

Further, a lot of importance was given to providing amenities that best benefited a workforce that preferred the authority of choosing the spaces they worked in. Therefore, ergonomic seating ensures mobility in the workplace, while also promoting flexibility in the way that the organization functions. This enabled better productivity, enhanced creativity, and more freedom of choice to work in private or collaborative modern working spaces. 

In conclusion, the office was transformed into an immersive environment with a host of amenities giving employees balanced work-life experiences. Infused colours and an eclectic design take employees and guests on an experiential journey, woven together by a common thread that reinforces LinkedIn’s brand identity and its culture. The space encompasses the core culture of open communication in their new workplace environment with the DNA of the space radiating high energy, high satisfaction, and an absolute GO-TO workplace design. Is your organisation in need of a workplace experience that represents your company values? Our design and build experts can help you create one. Contact us today to know more!