A smart workplace for smarter ways of working
MOL Slovenija
ABOUT MOL SLOVENIJA
MOL Slovenija’s GOALS
MOL moved into their new workplace in early March – a milestone they had been looking forward to for years. With the rapid transformation of the energy sector, developing trusting, collaborative relationships on all levels became increasingly important for MOL to achieve their goals.
MOL Slovenija had outgrown their existing accommodation which also lacked space for teamwork and imposed barriers to communication. In addition, the outdated office failed to support progressive ways of working, promote the behaviors and attitudes valued by the company, or reflect the brand.
Valerija Glavač
Starting Issues
A different kind of open space
Kragelj and MOL’s leaders were listening to employees’ thoughts about their future workplace. Moving to an open-plan office was a common reservation since people were under the impression that open space must be noisy and chaotic.
The actual design addressed every concern, and MOL Slovenia’s new home looks nothing like the stereotypical, hectic open office. The workplace is clearly organized and transparent while providing ample privacy.
The workstation areas are quiet, and employees can also choose from a wide variety of individual and team settings, best suited to the task at hand. As they explore the workplace, they find a series of welcoming and unique spaces; no two rooms are the same.
Smart ways of working
The heart of each floor – with informal work lounges, high tables and bar stools – functions as a multi-purpose square where spontaneous interactions are bound to happen. And the adjacent open stairs connect the three floors seamlessly.
The majority of shared spaces, including meeting, collaboration and social areas, are located along the central spine of the building, within easy access of all employees.
Teams are accommodated in intimately and acoustically designed open areas – ‘home zones’ – where workstations are organized around the perimeter, allowing people to enjoy daylight and views, supporting cooperation and team cohesion. Managers and department heads have private offices.
This arrangement also helps minimize distractions by separating noisy activities from quiet work. However, unlike the previous office, this dynamic environment is designed to bring different parts of the organization together rather than separate them.
Creating a positive experience
Valerija Glavač
One of the best decisions we made was involving design experts in creating our new workplace. We cooperated with Kragelj, a workplace design specialist. Following the latest market trends that encourage creative work and innovation, they have designed spaces for individual work, cooperation, learning and, of course, socializing.
Individual work is still important, as it represents more than 50 percent of employees’ working time, but we are also devoting more and more time to collaboration and learning. Common areas serve exactly this purpose where our people can have meetings or talk about specific projects.
– Vestnik, March 2021
You are welcome to get in touch if you want to hear more about MOL Slovenija’s project, ideas, solutions and lessons learned.
And if you are thinking about upgrading your work environment, let us know your plans and we will be happy to start the discussion.
We’d like to hear from you
Photo by Matej Kolaković
