Desk Sharing @ Deutsche Leasing
Bad Homburg
Location
1.400
Employees
since 2023
Project period
approx.
Workstations
We are supporting Deutsche Leasing AG (DL) at its Bad Homburg location in introducing a modern desk sharing concept. The aim of this extensive project is to create a future-oriented, flexible working environment for around 1,400 employees that meets the requirements of an increasingly digital and mobile working world.
In addition to making more efficient use of office space, the focus is on creating more areas for meeting and exchange, as well as strengthening a culture of trust-based collaboration. We developed the concept together with DL and are supporting them in this transformation with various change measures.
The rollout of the concept at the company headquarters began in 2024 with the phased renovation of the 4th floor. The other floors will follow in several construction phases until 2027 to ensure ongoing operations at the site throughout the entire period. The redesign of the space will create room for new facilities, including team rooms that are ideal for hybrid meetings and quick on-site consultations, expanding the range of workplace-oriented work spots as well as the existing kitchenettes, which will promote cross-team communication.
Our contribution: Change Management & Communication
combine supports DL in the gradual implementation and cultural adaptation of the new working environment with a holistic consulting and change approach: strategic, communicative and cultural. In close cooperation with DL's OrgIT department, responsible for facility management, and human resources, we have developed a change management strategy that combines information, participation and empowerment. We support DL on two key levels:
Future-oriented work in Deutsche Leasing's new working environment is a shared learning journey. Employees are specifically involved and empowered to embed new ways of working into the corporate culture – so that new forms of collaboration can be developed together.
Pia Lohmann,
Project manager at combine
1. Strategic consulting & communication
We advise the project team on testing the space planning from the user's perspective before the actual roll-out of the concept and internal project communication.
We provide support in developing formats and content for different target groups (e.g. information events, FAQs, management updates).
2. Participation & empowerment of the organisation
Together with the Human Resources department, we are designing change measures for managers and user representatives to support the transition to the new working environment.
This includes impulse sprints (compact dialogue events for managers and user representatives) on the basics of the concept, collaboration in the space and settling into desk sharing.
A few weeks after moving into the new space, we develop a reflection format and a toolkit for the sustainable anchoring and design of collaboration.
The role of desk sharing guides
A key element of change management is the establishment of a network of user representatives and the training of these DL employees. As ‘desk sharing guides’, they actively support the project and act as contact persons for their departments or business areas. In compact impulse sprints, they take a holistic view of the topic of ‘Desk Sharing @ Deutsche Leasing’, inspire other employees and thus contribute to the cultural anchoring of the new way of working – with an open ear for their colleagues.
Their tasks:
- Participation in impulse sprints
- Support in settling into desk sharing
- Communication of information and attitudes
- Point of contact for the project team and colleagues
- Promotion of constructive dialogue on the new way of working
The new office concept: flexible, activity-based, collaborative
With the concept of ‘Desk Sharing @ Deutsche Leasing’, the company is moving away from permanently assigned workstations. Instead, office space is organised according to the principle of diversity of use: different zones are available depending on the activity – the home zones consist of classic workstations supplemented by functionally equipped work rooms, retreats for virtual meetings and open meeting areas. The concept is supported by a digital booking tool, personal lockers and a clean desk policy. The spaces thus offer a balance between focus, collaboration, retreat and exchange – both analogue and hybrid.
It was particularly important to DL that people treat each other with respect in the space. To this end, an ‘office etiquette guide’ was developed together with the employees of the first construction phase – as a cultural framework for daily interaction in the new working environment.
