As companies look to attract and retain top talent, they’re learning that it’s not just about appealing to the best of the best but to the right talent—individuals that are highly qualified, skilled, and aligned with the company’s mission and vision—authentically dedicated to their roles, their teams, and their own personal growth.
The trouble is, attracting (and keeping) the ‘cream of the crop,’ so to speak, isn’t as simple as a one-size-fits-all program or initiative. It rests in the employer’s ability to embrace the individual by providing the flexibility employees need and the experiences they long for, enriching their day not just as workers but as people.
Today’s talent views work as an integral part of their lives, with their primary sense of purpose stemming from their careers. However, more than 100 million U.S. workers feel only somewhat satisfied with their current positions, resulting in the rise of ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘bare minimum Monday’ movements that have grown in popularity.
To combat these counter-productive trends, 92% of companies have committed to prioritizing employee experiences through fulfilling work environments that support individual work styles and long-term goals—though some companies, such as The Honey Pot Company, haven’t had to make much of a shift.
You see, customized experiences have been woven into the very fabric of The Honey Pot Company since its inception—from the products and resources they provide their customers to the impeccable work culture that encourages employee preference, opportunity, and development.
Naturally, The Honey Pot Company wanted its headquarters to match its unique culture, one that supported its employees as individuals while inspiring them collectively as a team.
As a woman and minority-owned company, it was important for The Honey Pot Company to work with a team of construction managers and general contractors that were also women-led and people-driven, with Stream’s all-female construction team out of Atlanta proving to be the perfect fit.
Knowing that projects like these are what pave the way for the next generation of female leaders, our team took the time to understand The Honey Pot’s specifications thoroughly, rallying a team of architects and contractors who were not only all-female and fully capable of doing the job, but wholly aligned with the overarching mission: to create a space made by, and for, women. The project was a success, delivering on time and budget, and winning the International Interior Design Association (IIDA, Georgia Chapter), Best of the Best award for spaces under 20,000 SF.
With more companies returning to the office, we sat down with The Honey Pot Company to learn more about their people-first culture and the role that culture played when designing their new space.
What was top of mind when designing your headquarters?
In an age when people could work from anywhere, we knew we had to create an office that was a real draw. So, whether our workers are remote, hybrid, or fully in-person, the office would serve as more than just a place to visit or work but as the central hub for an all-encompassing experience, not possible elsewhere.
To do this, we designed various spaces to support individual work styles, some isolated and private and others ideal for collaboration with small or large groups. This way, we could accommodate personal preferences and comfort levels to ensure our employees had a work environment conducive to their success.
Additionally, we wanted our office to feel inviting and warm, a place where everyone would feel welcome and at home. We knew that if people felt comfortable and could work in a way that matched their style, productivity would be at its highest–which it has been.
Was the location of your new HQ important?
Yes, very. We wanted to provide our people with an experience that went beyond the four walls of our office so that they could be part of an extensive ecosystem that transcended their daily workday. There’s perhaps no better location in Atlanta than West Midtown, with an exceptional art and food scene and a vibrant, magnetic energy that exudes opportunity, excitement, and potential. Best of all, you can walk to almost anything, so these experiences are just steps from our office doors.
Why was working with an all-female construction team crucial?
Each and every one of us has the power to do incredible work; we just need the opportunity to do so. As a women-owned business ourselves, whose primary focus is on products that impact women’s lives, we knew that the construction of our headquarters in Atlanta was certainly an opportunity to provide other female-led businesses and teams the chance to tackle a project that is typically male-dominated.
What appealed to you the most about working with Stream?
It would have to be the team. Stream was incredibly communicative, thorough, and honest in all aspects of the build-out. We also felt they understood what we were looking for on a deeper level, putting natural concerns we had throughout the process at ease. They introduced us to our fabulous architects and contractors at MurphyMeyers and Rand* Construction, and supported us from start to finish, providing a seamless delivery. We’ve maintained a relationship with them and are thrilled with the space they helped us create.
With people the focus of your office, your company, and your mission, how do you believe other companies could follow suit, especially when supporting and encouraging women?
By embracing individuality and honing into what ignites creativity, you can support and encourage your teams to reach heights they never even thought possible. Partner with other women-owned businesses, become a mentor, and support women in your organization as they chart their own path. It’s about cultivating a culture of collaboration where all people are accepted, valued, and seen as an integral part of a company’s success. With this mindset, there are no limits to what you can help an individual or team accomplish.
As people search for deeper meaning and purpose within the workplace, creating an office space conducive to employee needs enriches their personal lives while boosting productivity and long-term growth.
According to the University of Warwick, happiness boosts productivity, with employee support and engagement derived from meaningful connections critical to employee and organizational growth. In crafting the perfect space to support these goals, it’s essential to keep the following in mind:
- Spaces must be conducive to connection. It doesn’t matter if your team operates on a hybrid or entirely in-person schedule; the office must serve as a place that establishes and fortifies your company’s brand so that employees are immersed in your vision and feel as if they are contributing to a more significant cause or mission.
- Your office’s location is just as important as the office design itself. It’s not just about the office but the greater ecosystem it provides. Employees are drawn to all-encompassing experiences and excitement, finding opportunities to network, socialize, and explore before, after, and during the workday inspirational.
- Create a work environment that embraces individuality. Considering individual work styles and preferences is vital to promoting personal growth and well-being. You can achieve this through private work areas and areas for mentorship and collaboration. Additionally, building amenities and in-office events and training can further enhance the workday.
Stream is one of the nation’s fastest-growing full-service commercial real estate firms, with a distinct, people-first culture. Driven by our core values of smart, honest, nice, and passionate, we remain committed to empowering women and supporting diversity within CRE and beyond.