Project Highlight - Absorb Software
Absorb Software is an innovative learning technology company with a passion for workplace culture. Collaboration is the inspiration behind everything they do, and it was the desire for a truly collaborative work environment that initiated our relationship with the tech leader.
Absorb Software has grown at an astonishing rate and, in 2020, broke records for both annual recurring revenue and global enterprise customer base. With such accomplishments, the Calgary location required a new space for the Absorb Headquarters, and what better location than the newly built, incredibly distinctive Telus Sky for the tech leader to call home.
Every aspect of this project reflects purposeful functionality. Intuitive technology enables maximum productivity, and it is this concept that inspired Absorb's vision and, ultimately, our audio visual design.
Work Hard, Play Hard.
Work hard, play hard is a phrase commonly used to describe the culture at Absorb, and when considering the technologically advanced workspaces and over-the-top social amenities, the expression seems quite fitting.
The intuitive approach applied to AV is what supports the work-hard side of the expression, and all of the technology integrated was done so with intention. From the Crestron scheduling panels located outside each of the breakout rooms to the Polycom Studio Audio/Video Soundbar found within each collaborative space, every solution has been designed to deliver a seamless user experience and natural functionality.
“You spend a lot of time at work, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a good experience.”
It is reasonable to say that more time is spent at work than anywhere else, and it is this notion that inspired the play-hard component. With the goal of creating spaces that promote team initiative and culture, hours were spent brainstorming ideas to determine what key features should be included.
Keeping aligned with Absorb's passion for collaboration, twelve staff members within multiple departments were involved in deciding what would best enhance the environment and culture of the workplace. This approach resulted in a 10,000 sq. ft. area dedicated to bringing teammates together, equipped with a games room, community cafe, and presentation space perfect for after-hour events. A motorized Da-Lite, 133-inch recessed ceiling screen delivers the display technology necessary to host Town Hall meetings and training sessions, and Crestron Low-Profile Ceiling Speakers provide the high-performance speech and music reproduction required to bring it all together.
Looks Amazing, Works Even Better.
Certain expectations exist when a company is a leading force within the Tech Industry, and Absorb's status played a significant role in the overall design of each space. With some of the most recognizable brands acting as clients, Absorb viewed this project with the idea that AV is not just something an office needs but can be a long-term, profitable investment when approached as such.
It's always impressive when audio visual components look cool, but esthetics mean very little if appearance outranks functionality. Absorb has an exceptional level of understanding of technology and knows that if a piece of equipment is not intuitive or requires in-depth training to understand how it works, it will likely rarely get used. This mentality inspired a nearly identical AV solution to be integrated within each of the Fourteen breakout rooms and is the reason why the spaces will provide value to Absorb for years to come.
"We expect 99% of client interactions to be virtual. Why would you put anything but your best foot forward?"
In addition to a seamless end-user experience, video conferencing is a solution that is sure to deliver a return on investment when done correctly. The ability to interact effectively with remote teams is critical to productivity and requires quality technology for optimal performance. Absorb takes great pride in being recognized as a quality brand in every sense of the word, and the way they project themselves virtually is no exception. Features such as automatic camera control and 4K recording and streaming, like those found on the Logitech Rally Cameras we installed within various meeting rooms, allow participants to remain focused during a meeting and help maintain the communication necessary for engagement.
The Future of Work.
No longer a vision but a completed, functioning office space, the headquarters of Absorb Software truly is a work of art. Not often are projects we are involved with initiated by such a precise vision of what the final result should be, and after just one looks at the final product, it is clear that Absorb's desire to "live their brand" within the office space was achieved.
The level of productivity offered by the technology we integrated allows for an employee experience no home office can replicate, and although many businesses are shifting to a remote or hybrid workplace indefinitely, there is no denying the benefits of a culture-supportive office. Absorb Software predicts that the majority of client interactions will remain virtual. They are certainly equipped to lead this trend and in creating one of the most modern work environments to date, they have created the framework where employees, when the time is right, will likely prefer to return to the workplace.
Thank you, Absorb Software, for allowing us to work on such an important project. It has been quite the experience watching it all come together!