Building an Environment for Innovation
Innovation takes many forms, from process improvement to full-scale invention. No matter innovation’s form, the right environment is critical to move human thought off the drawing board and into production.
InSinkErator set out to create a new environment for 175 engineers and professional staff when the company built a modern, prairie-style headquarters and Innovation Center. Opened November 7, the building is near the company’s original home in Racine, WI.
The company is best known for ultra-durable and quiet food waste disposers that are capable of quietly grinding even the most challenging food scraps. That may not evoke images of Silicon Valley, but an environment of creativity is just as critical to continue improving their line of products.
“We wanted to create an epicenter of quality and creativity to spark inspiration and continue to move InSinkErator forward,” said Chad Severson, president of InSinkErator. “It’s more than just a modern workplace; it’s a world-class technology center with extraordinary lab facilities to create the future of our company.”
Three focus areas for the new building included:
- Optimizing collaboration: Out with the old “cubicle farm,” InSinkErator workspace consists of three types of offices and desks that open up the space and encourage collaboration between teams and departments. “Huddle” or collaboration areas help impromptu teamwork. Small groups can meet in private Team Rooms for brainstorming, or take their meeting outside at one of the many Wi-Fi accessible tables.
- Open, but private: Open concept for office employees can be beneficial, but there are often times when an employee needs a quiet, private environment to focus. Partial partitions divide individual desk areas. Brody Pods are available for additional privacy, and Focus Rooms are found throughout the office.
- More than a workspace: InSinkErator has created what some call a “resimmercial” environment, mixing comforts of home with the structure of a workplace. There are walking paths surrounding the building, a gym and kitchen to get away from the desk. And while the Wisconsin weather cooperates, plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the day.
The new InSinkErator headquarters and labs were designed to promote teamwork and support employees by giving them the tools to improve products and to improve themselves. InSinkErator invites you to join them. Visit insinkeratorworks.com to learn more.
