This year’s Thought Leadership award arose out of the jury’s review of Google Oxygen, located in New York City’s Chelsea Market on floors 6, 7, and 8. The project is an exceptional workspace submitted by the firm HLW International. Consistently voted the best place to work, Google is widely recognized for creating office environments that support employee wellbeing. The international technology giant recognizes that providing healthy workplaces for its 57,000 employees enhances company culture and is good for business. Like everything they do, Google takes a data-driven approach to creating work environments that support employee health and productivity. Google sites across the world are designed for employee engagement and enjoyment, stimulating innovation and creativity. Offices incorporate playful features—such as slides, secret ladders, and ping pong tables—and a variety of workspaces that offer flexibility, support collaboration, and promote movement throughout the day. For example, Google Chelsea Market floors 6, 7, and 8 encourage stair use and offer outfitted workstation areas with sit-stand desks, lounge seating, and a moveable communal table that can separate and slide into different combinations. Google’s model leadership in supporting employee health and productivity will continue to inform the design of office environments for years to come.

Photos credit: © HLW International. Photographer Frank Oudeman OTTO