Habit Action Veeva Oxford - New HQ Design & Build

This video provides an in-depth look at the design and build of Veeva's new headquarters in Oxford, UK, as narrated by Sean Lorimer, the Facilities Manager for Veeva Oxford. The primary purpose of the video is to showcase the successful collaboration between Veeva and Habit Action, the design and build firm, in creating a modern, functional, and employee-centric workspace. The narrative highlights Veeva's corporate values, particularly its focus on employee well-being and fostering a positive work environment, which heavily influenced the office design. The project was executed during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating effective remote collaboration and project management.

The video details the process from the initial decision to move from their old buildings to the final completion of the new HQ. Sean Lorimer explains that Veeva sought a building that was "very corporate but fun, slightly individual," while still adhering to a global corporate image. Habit Action's approach involved a "Workplace Strategy process," which included extensive consultation with Veeva's team leads and key stakeholders to understand the unique operational needs of various departments. This meticulous understanding of user requirements, combined with a smooth design and build process, even amidst lockdown restrictions, resulted in a space that perfectly encapsulates Veeva's identity as a global software company in the pharmaceutical and tech sector.

Key themes explored include the importance of a user-friendly and modern workspace, reflecting Veeva's tech-company identity while prioritizing employee comfort and collaboration. The office features a variety of spaces, including open-plan areas, comfortable huddle spaces, small meeting rooms with screens, and dedicated zones for different teams (e.g., global help desk and engineers separated from visitor areas). The design also incorporates elements like games in the kitchen and spaces for team-building events, reinforcing Veeva's people-focused culture. The seamless execution, constant communication via Zoom during lockdown, and the high quality of the final build, including specific details like lighting and "zoom rooms," are repeatedly praised by the client, underscoring the success of the project.

Key Takeaways:

• Veeva's Corporate Culture and Values: Veeva is portrayed as a "global software company" and "tech company" that is "very people focused" and "looks after their employees extremely well." This emphasis on employee well-being and a positive workspace environment is a core aspect of their brand and operational strategy.
• Strategic Workspace Design: The new HQ was designed to be "very corporate but fun, slightly individual," balancing global corporate image with local autonomy. This approach ensures that physical spaces reflect and reinforce the company's brand identity and values.
• Importance of User Requirements: Habit Action's success stemmed from taking the time to "fully understand Veeva's ways of working" by speaking to all team leads and key stakeholders. This deep dive into diverse team needs is crucial for creating truly functional and appreciated workspaces.
• Adaptability in Project Management: The project was managed effectively despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with constant meetings held via Zoom. This highlights the importance of flexible communication strategies and robust project management in adverse conditions.
• Seamless Collaboration: The video emphasizes the "very smooth process" and "constant engagement" between the design firm and Veeva's teams, including stakeholders located internationally (e.g., Angel in Barcelona). Effective client-vendor collaboration is key to project success.
• Employee-Centric Design: The office features a variety of spaces tailored for different activities and team needs, such as comfortable huddle spaces, open-plan areas, and dedicated quiet zones. This multi-functional design supports diverse work styles and promotes productivity and collaboration.
• Technology Integration in Workspace: The design incorporates modern technology, including screens in all meeting rooms and "zoom rooms," reflecting Veeva's identity as a tech company and facilitating seamless communication and collaboration.
• Brand Reinforcement through Environment: Veeva is "incredibly proud of their offices," viewing each as individual and a "perfect example of the thought that has gone into the design." Physical office spaces are seen as critical tools for attracting and retaining talent and reinforcing corporate pride.
• Strategic Zoning: The layout strategically separates different functions, such as client waiting areas and training rooms from general working spaces and noisy global help desk/engineer teams. This ensures operational efficiency and minimizes distractions.
• Positive Client Testimonial Power: Sean Lorimer's enthusiastic recommendation of Habit Action ("absolutely I would recommend Habit Action and have done so to quite a few companies already") underscores the value of delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships.

Tools/Resources Mentioned:

• Zoom: Utilized extensively for meetings and collaboration during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Veeva CRM (Implicit): As Veeva is a "global software company" and a leader in the pharmaceutical and tech sector, their primary product, Veeva CRM, is implicitly central to their operations and identity.

Key Concepts:

• Workplace Strategy Process: A methodology used by Habit Action to thoroughly understand a client's operational needs, culture, and future growth plans before designing a workspace.
• Employee-Centric Design: An approach to office design that prioritizes the comfort, well-being, and productivity of employees by offering diverse spaces and amenities.
• Corporate Image & Autonomy: Balancing a consistent global corporate identity with the ability for individual country offices to have some unique design elements.