Robin Paul van Eck, Marketing Director at Alvero, worked on the Smart WorkPlace office, a good reason for him to talk to SWP about the developments.
Once again, I had the pleasure of talking at length with Wim Kooyman, Dirk van Gemert and Wietse Walinga of Smart WorkPlace about their vision, their collaboration and the shared ambition to make workplaces more sustainable and healthy. This visit not only brought their inspiring mission to life, but also showed how partnerships can contribute to innovation and change.
From idea to movement: The birth of Smart WorkPlace
Smart WorkPlace (SWP) was born in 2018 from a clear vision: to connect knowledge and expertise about the working environment in an integral way. Wim and Wietse, both with backgrounds in construction and facility services respectively, saw the lack of an overall vision for healthy and sustainable buildings and wanted to change that. Smart WorkPlace began with ten founding partners and in just six years has developed into a knowledge platform that promotes integral collaboration between HR, real estate, IT and facility management.
What makes Smart WorkPlace unique? It is not only a platform to share knowledge, but also a facilitator that brings people and organizations together. They create movement by inspiring, innovating, and most importantly, collaborating. The goal is to realize the sustainability of workplaces across the board, with Workplace Managers as key pioneers bringing different disciplines together.
A sustainable work environment at SWP: Furnished by partners
The new work environment at Smart WorkPlace is a great example of collaboration between partners with a shared mission. Furnishings were provided by Alvero Office Furniture Rental (of which I am of course very proud!), and other partners such as Triboo, Tarkett and Mobilane also contributed. Triboo provided super-light desk tops, which make our people work lighter, literally and figuratively. Tarkett provided flooring that absorbs particulate matter, contributing to a healthier work environment. Mobilé provided the space with innovative, sustainable walls made from recycled materials, combined with plants. The result? An inspiring space that is sustainable in use and where everyone feels comfortable.
Even working from home is well organized at SWP: they also have rental furniture from Alvero at home, so that employees can benefit from comfort and flexibility not only in the office, but also at home. This work environment fits SWP's vision: flexible, healthy and sustainable. It is more than a workplace - it is a place that stimulates movement, literally and figuratively.
Collaborating and Connecting: The Power of the Network
What always inspires me about Smart WorkPlace is the focus on connection and activation. It's not just about sharing knowledge, but also about activating and inspiring each other. Whether it's organizing webinars, collaborating on thematic campaigns, or creating tangible projects like WPX (WorkPlace Xperience) - everything is about progress. It inspires us as partners to think along and build the work environment of the future together.
Smart WorkPlace's network consists not only of suppliers and consultants, but above all of people who feel the need to participate and grow together. The idea that a third of their partners are end users gives the network a unique dynamic. There is room for diversity, and it is precisely this diversity that makes the network so powerful. It makes for surprising collaborations, such as the one between Breedweer and the Van Gogh Museum - a collaboration that came about because both parties met through Smart WorkPlace and found each other in their shared vision of diversity and social impact.
A look ahead: Sustainability and well-being central
During our conversation, the word "movement" came up often. Smart WorkPlace is more than a knowledge platform; it is a movement striving for sustainability in its entirety. They are committed to workplace wellness, something that is becoming increasingly important. At a time when hybrid working and the third workplace - the so-called hubs - are becoming more and more prevalent, it is essential that the work environment is both flexible and healthy.
We all have the same goal: How do we keep our employees vital? How do we ensure that our work environments contribute to well-being? These are issues that are no longer just on HR's plate - it's something we need to tackle together.
With Alvero, we are proud to partner with Smart WorkPlace and contribute to their mission. It is a partnership that inspires, challenges and helps us to innovate again and again. The road to a sustainable work environment is one we walk together, step by step, with each new location, each new project, and each new partner we inspire.
Show that it can be done
Creating movement, promoting sustainability and working together for a better working environment. An inspiring club of people where well-being, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We look forward to building on our collaboration and continuing to make a difference together.
Do you also want to make your work environment more sustainable?
Wondering how we can work together to make your workplace flexible, healthy and future-proof? Contact Reinier and find out how we can help you take the next step!
