In a field where collaboration yields innovation, the workplace is an essential component of success. Planning a new manufacturing facility outside Boston, pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb seized the opportunity to create a model for a more dynamic environment that drives new levels of interaction.

By supporting the way people work today, it attracts and retains talente employees while also creating an environment that promotes a brand focused on innovation, productivity and growth.

Bristol-Myers approached its long-time local partner, Red Thread, with a preliminary concept for the new facility and a vision inspired by collaboration-focused facilities that team members had visited in Europe. The companies embarked on a path that lead to an innovative solution marked by an open floor plan with a diverse collection of formal and informal collaborative areas. The elimination of private offices were replaced by a collection of multipurpose “huddle” rooms featuring moveable walls, sliding glass doors and glass transoms that maximize natural light. Anticipating the need for change in the future, the movable walls were the perfect flexible solution to reconfiguring the space easily and cost effectively. On Red Thread’s advice, Bristol Myers expanded the planned size for these rooms, transforming them from simple retreats for private phone calls into inviting sites for small meetings and impromptu conversations.

In support of Bristol Myers’ desire for a collaborative environment, Red Thread developed a new standard of workstation that reduced the height of the panel and increased the use of glass, enhancing visibility. In addition, Red Thread introduced the use of sound masking to address potential acoustical distraction and help staff focus on the tasks at hand. More importantly, the elimination of private offices and a more efficient workstation footprint allowed the company to maximize the efficiency of their square footage and earmark the space needed for the huddle rooms and other collaborative spaces.

The Bristol Myer’s facilities team and Red Thread achieved the goals of creating a workplace focusing on the supporting the worker, collaboration, space efficiency and an environment that was consistent with their brand.

The project resulted in the company setting a new direction for its new construction and renovation initiatives around the world.