Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)

The Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) is a nonprofit purchasing consortium serving public institutions in New England, including higher education, municipalities, K-12 schools, libraries, and other educational non-profits. As the organization expanded, leadership recognized it was time for a workplace that enhanced communication, strengthened culture, and created a connected employee experience. Relocating to a 10,000 square foot space in Hadley set the stage for the next phase of growth. Red Thread partnered with MHEC to create a space that integrated furniture, architectural systems, and technology into one seamless work environment.

Designed to support 24 employees, the new environment balances focus and collaboration, blending select existing pieces with solutions from Steelcase, AMQ, Coalesse, and Smith Systems. Open plan workstations with height adjustable desks encourage movement and visibility, while enclosed meeting rooms and private phone booths offer dedicated spaces for heads down work and confidential conversations.

A 30-to-60-person training room and a 25-to-30 seat boardroom create space for learning, governance, and member engagement. Microsoft Teams Rooms and a multizone sound masking system support dynamic training sessions, leadership meetings, and hybrid collaboration. At the center, a welcoming café serves as more than an amenity; it’s a social anchor that supports informal collaboration, spontaneous conversation, and everyday connection.

Acoustic comfort was essential to making the open plan successful. Sound masking runs throughout the workplace, paired with enclosed rooms and privacy solutions that allow employees to transition easily between collaboration and concentration. Steelcase Privacy Walls define interior meeting spaces without sacrificing openness, and an AMQ ceiling-hung space division adds warmth and identity to the café. Dual monitor arms for each employee provides flexibility for individual adjustment, which allows for ideal ergnomic performance.

“Our new workplace has been a complete success and has strengthened connections, improved communication, and reinforced MHEC’s culture,” said Michael DiYeso, CEO.

The result is a modern, flexible workplace that reflects MHEC’s growth while creating a vibrant, engaging environment where employees feel committed to one another and to the mission they serve.