Explore KPMG’s Expansive New NYC Headquarters Crafted from Employee Insight

In a move to foster more in-office collaboration, KPMG has launched their sprawling 450,000-square-foot office in Manhattan, visibly aligned with employee preferences.

The choice of design echoes employee feedback. CEO Tim Walsh emphasized the facility as emblematic of KPMG’s ongoing commitment to New York.

Employees, voicing their preference for round tables, inspired the layout of this vast new office space at Two Manhattan West in New York’s Hudson Yards.

Strengthening New York Presence with a Modern Workspace

Striving to make the office appealing to its workforce, KPMG crafted its fresh Manhattan headquarters with over 5,000 employees in mind, hoping to entice them back into the workspace more regularly.

In the current corporate scene, the push and pull between home-based work and in-office duties has been a challenge for many firms.

KPMG supports a flexible work environment where employees divide their time amongst the office, client locations, and working remotely. Recent data showed 81% of local employees have been working in the office two days weekly.

Walsh, who recently undertook the CEO role, reiterated the strategic importance of New York to the firm’s operations during an interview at their new premises.

A Nod to New York’s Rich History

Walking through the office on a drizzly October day, I met Vanessa Scaglione, head of real estate services, who guided me through the intricate, neighborhood-inspired offices.

The office spans twelve floors, organized into sections that reflect iconic New York neighborhoods like Upper Manhattan, Midtown, Downtown, and the Financial District. Elements such as murals and radiators stylized to mimic early New York decor reflect an aesthetic nod to KPMG's roots.

Office Design Embraces Employee Preferences

What stood out was the extent to which employee suggestions influenced the office structure, ensuring commuting ease for the majority of staff and tailoring spaces for optimal function.

Feedback collected from previous office experiences identified what worked well and what needed adjustment. An ambassador program was initiated to facilitate a smooth transition across departments.

To help navigate these changes, KPMG distributed updates through newsletters and digital models, while also piloting new workspace ideas to gather comprehensive employee feedback.

Navigating the New Workspace Effortlessly

Equipped with spaces for meetings and impromptu discussions, the office features city landmark-themed room names for easier navigation, enhanced by interactive building maps.

A few secluded offices are deliberately set back from the corridor perimeters for better accessibility.

Introducing ‘Ignition’: A Hub for Innovative Solutions

An exciting feature of the new office is the 'Ignition' space, where KPMG facilitates creative problem-solving sessions, focusing on a human-centered approach.

Projects undertaken include systems for global workforce navigation, strategic corporate storytelling, and guiding businesses through mergers.

Caroline Berman, working with Ignition, described the ongoing interactions with clients facing disruptions and seeking new strategic directions.

Experience Designed for Impact

Clients engage in Ignition sessions ranging from under two hours to several days, seeking KPMG's advice when undergoing leadership transitions or organizational shifts.

Participants are immersed in dynamic environments filled with flexible furniture for varied session activities, aiming to achieve transformative outcomes and strategic roadmaps.

Artificial Intelligence as a Fundamental Tool

AI tools are now an essential aspect of the work environment, with KPMG pushing forward their AI capabilities to streamline work processes.

KPMG has developed a suite of secure AI tools to enhance real-time scenario planning for legislative changes, aimed at boosting productivity and reducing stress.

Committed to AI Transformation

An internal program has been active for two years, educating staff on AI applications. High engagement with AI tools correlates with improved performance and efficiency, according to company data.

Walsh asserts that integrating these AI technologies is vital for future success, though he notes it won’t necessarily alter performance evaluations.

More than Just an Office: A Place for Collaboration

KPMG’s space isn’t limited to work; it includes communal areas for socializing. The coffee bar, transitioning to a full bar by evening, reminisces New York's classic tavern scene.

Additional meeting and networking spaces, such as The Manhattan lounge and 'The Living Room,' foster an environment of comfort and camaraderie among employees.

Providing diverse areas for gathering, the office acknowledges and facilitates an employee-oriented culture.