Workplace Consulting Case Studies
As change management specialists with decades of workplace consulting experience, Stegmeier Consulting Group has worked with client organizations in 31 diverse industries. During these engagements, we have observed that while every industry is unique and has its own challenges, one commonality is the human element.
There are only so many human emotions, and employees, regardless of industry, respond to changes in their work environment similarly. Apprehension will often arise when initiatives that divert from traditional ways of working or routines are introduced to the workforce.
Our workplace research and experience has shown that getting employees involved in the change process is an effective way to instill why such change is necessary and eventually help them embrace the change ahead.
The following case studies, which are sorted by the various industries SCG has experience in, offer a flavor of the types of projects we partner with clients on. Click on any of the links below to read how these client organizations have benefited from our expertise in data gathering, analysis, and change leadership to help bridge the gap between people and place.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Government Sector
In the government sector, workplace transformation takes on a unique significance, requiring a balance between engaging the workforce, enabling employees to work more efficiently, and upholding the responsibility of being a steward of public funds. At Stegmeier Consulting Group (SCG), we’ve seen firsthand how these transformations improve operational efficiency and reinforce public trust by demonstrating a clear business case for change.
Government agencies face the dual challenge of meeting the needs of their workforce while addressing the expectations of their constituents. Unlike private-sector entities, the focus isn’t on profitability but on creating systems that enable employees to deliver essential services more effectively. To address this, SCG brings a comprehensive approach that integrates workplace strategy and communication planning, ensuring that every initiative supports both the workforce and the broader community.
Our approach often starts with engaging employees in the transformation process. Through surveys, focus groups, and feedback sessions, we uncover critical insights into the tools, technologies, and spaces they need to perform their roles effectively. These efforts boost morale, foster collaboration, and lead to practical workplace solutions that empower teams to achieve their mission with greater ease and efficiency.
One of the ways SCG ensures successful transformations is by leveraging our proprietary 15 Critical Influences™ framework. This research-based approach examines the key factors shaping workplace behavior, including leadership, organizational culture, communication practices, and technology, all of which come up regularly on projects with our government clients. By addressing these influences, we help government organizations implement strategies that drive sustainable improvement in workforce engagement, operational efficiency, and public service delivery.
Transparent communication is another cornerstone of effective work in the public sector. Constituents deserve to understand why changes are being made and how they will benefit. Whether it’s restructuring a service center or modernizing an office environment, SCG partners with agencies to craft messaging that resonates. This includes internal communications to align employees and external messaging to build trust and inform the public about the improvements.
Our expertise extends to leveraging innovative workplace strategies and cutting-edge design to align with the evolving needs of public-sector employees. From pilot projects to test new work styles and technologies to gathering data and feedback to refine workplace strategies, we help agencies make informed decisions that maximize both employee and constituent satisfaction.
Government workplace transformations may not always make headlines, but their impact is profound. By improving workflows, supporting employees, and demonstrating fiscal responsibility, these projects leave a lasting legacy of efficiency and public service excellence. SCG is proud to partner with government organizations to navigate these critical changes and deliver results that matter.
Strategic Communication and Service Center Consolidation – Case Study – Hillsborough County, Florida
Hillsborough County sought to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer engagement by transforming its 19th-floor permit intake process into a high-performing one-stop service center. SCG worked with the County to develop a comprehensive strategy, including stakeholder engagement, process analysis, and a tailored communication plan. SCG’s contributions included streamlining workflows, designing a user-friendly email platform, and creating a communication strategy to inform and engage constituents. These efforts resulted in improved customer service, operational efficiency, and a scalable model for future enhancements, positioning Hillsborough County as a leader in public sector service delivery.
Workplace Communication Strategy and Transition Feedback – Case Study – Regional Municipality of York
The Regional Municipality of York relocated its Property Services Branch to a modern office environment at 130 Mulock to enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. Recognizing the impact on both employees and constituents, York partnered with SCG to lead a dual-targeted communication and feedback initiative. SCG developed communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders, conducted pre-move and post-move surveys, and analyzed feedback to inform future workspace planning. This effort resulted in optimized workspaces, increased employee satisfaction, and transparency with the public, setting the foundation for the new Central Service Centre.
Strategic Communication and Workplace Strategy – Case Study – Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Facing the need for a modern, collaborative office environment, the NRC partnered with SCG to transform its One White Flint North headquarters. SCG bridged the gap between culture and design by aligning NRC’s unique workforce dynamics with innovative workplace concepts. Contributions included shaping flexible office layouts, engaging stakeholders, developing change management plans, and crafting communication strategies. These efforts resulted in optimized workspaces, enhanced employee engagement, and a scalable model for future projects, helping NRC transition seamlessly to a high-performing workplace.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Technology/Software Industry
Having worked with and studied a number of organizations in the tech field, the motto “move fast and break things” definitely holds true. Tech companies tend to operate organizationally as they do when conducting sprints to build out a new product or software. Whereas in many industries decision making is belabored and drawn out in a legislative fashion with steering committees and multiple layers of approval, technology firms usually operate much differently.
Leaders are often granted the latitude to, and even encouraged to, push the envelope and think big while acting quickly. The phrase “build the bicycle as you ride it” applies here. For organizations where that same autonomy and authority are not given to leaders, edicts can come down rapidly from the C-Suite or key investors with the expectation to have the problem solved immediately.
The fast pace of business, coupled with an ultra-competitive market for talent, requires these businesses to take recruitment and retention efforts to the next level. One client, whose office was located in a central district surrounded by other tech firms, shared that employees could walk across the street and receive a $10,000 pay raise from another giant in the industry. This phenomenon was not due to underpaying employees but rather the intense demand for skilled workers at high-growth companies in a hot job market.
Compensation, however, is not the only factor in attracting in-demand talent. Tech companies have increasingly turned their focus toward creating an appealing workplace experience for employees. An emphasis on perks, amenities, and employee-centric design has positioned the workplace as a differentiator for tech firms and created a kind of arms race to see who can provide the most appealing environment.
An encouragement to “test and learn” to constantly iterate and improve applies to many of our clients. This growth mindset pertains not only to day-to-day business operations but also to real estate endeavors and workplace strategy. Pilot areas of an office, and in some cases entire buildings, are used to test new workplace technologies, work styles, behaviors, and design concepts. Data and feedback gathered from these pilots are crucial for refining workplace strategies, and SCG has helped a number of clients by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups with pilot space end-users.
Expedia – Headquarters Relocation
Housing more than 3,500 staff, Expedia Group Inc. was outgrowing its existing square footage in two high-rise buildings located in Bellevue, Washington. Collaboration among the workforce was proving difficult to accomplish because of this challenge. This prompted the company to relocate its Bellevue headquarters to what was previously Amgen’s campus in urban Seattle. Expedia engaged SCG to bridge the gap between people and place, and provide guidance on creating the employee experience by translating Expedia’s Cultural Norms to Workplace Principles, which could then be applied to the workplace design.
Office Space Standards Policy – Case Study – NetApp
NetApp is a data management company known for its cloud data services. Due to several underutilized and expensive U.S.-based office locations, its Workplace Resources Group (WPR), based in the Netherlands, wanted to develop uniform office space standards for its global real estate portfolio. To accomplish this, NetApp engaged SCG for expertise in real estate optimization and workplace strategy development. WPR entrusted our team to develop an Office Space Standards Policy that offers guidance for identifying and delivering appropriate office space solutions, including workplace flexibility.
Evaluation of a New Workplace Strategy – Case Study – Oracle NetSuite
NetSuite, a cloud computing company, aimed to maximize space utilization across its offices to support its rapidly increasing headcount. After being acquired by Oracle, the company wished to develop its own flexible work program rather than adopt Oracle’s existing model. SCG was engaged to evaluate NetSuite’s workplace strategy across its North American offices. We deployed multiple evaluation techniques to determine the effectiveness of the workplace strategy and identify any needed changes.
athenahealth – Workplace Analytics
athenahealth is a leading provider of cloud-based services for electronic health records, revenue cycle management, medical billing, and point-of-care mobile apps, serving more than 62,000 healthcare providers across the U.S. The company had outgrown its headquarters campus, The Arsenal on the Charles, and decided to implement a hoteling program. In seeking guidance to translate space utilization data into a thoughtful approach for this initiative, athenahealth turned to SCG for workplace change management and analytics expertise. By validating and augmenting the client’s data, SCG helped implement a data-driven hoteling strategy.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry
Nike – Transition to Activity-Based Seating
Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation known globally for delivering innovative products. Its Workplace Design + Connectivity team was in the process of implementing “Nike Freestyle,” an activity-based work strategy at its Beaverton headquarters, and sought expert insights and perspective on their approach. SCG was engaged by Nike to serve as an adviser during the company’s re-evaluation of its existing transition management efforts to determine how Nike could best prepare its employees for new ways of working.
Transition to the Smarter Workplace – Case Study – Nestlé
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. Space availability on its Solon, Ohio campus was at an all-time low as the number of employees expanded significantly. This provided Nestlé the opportunity to renovate the Solon Harper Building. As they sought to understand the impact of the physical workplace on employee behavior, they turned to SCG to facilitate a successful transition to the Smarter Workplace. By conducting a series of engaging events, SCG gave employees a glimpse into the future of work at Nestlé.
Transition to an Activity-Based Work Office Environment – Case Study – Bosch
Bosch, an engineering and technology company, had activity-based work at the forefront of transitioning its Chassis Controls Division to a new building—an addition attached to its current Plymouth, Michigan technical center. Most leaders and associates were skeptical and voiced concerns about losing privacy and becoming distracted in a more open environment. To help employees face this change, SCG was called in to lead change management efforts and guide a smooth transition to the new workplace strategy.
Transitioning to 100% Unassigned Seating – Case Study – Philips
Philips Electronics North America Corporation manufactures and markets consumer electronics, domestic appliances, personal care products, lighting, and medical equipment. With its North American headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts, the company sought to implement its European-based Workplace Innovation (WPI) standards in the U.S. Philips engaged SCG to lead its workforce through the transition and prepare employees for more flexible, collaborative ways of working.
Standardizing Remote Work & RTO Strategy – Case Study – Lincoln Electric
As Lincoln Electric welcomed employees back to the office following COVID-19, the company needed to introduce a newly renovated headquarters and roll out a Remote Work Program. Both initiatives aimed to create a more dynamic environment with flexibility and enhanced technology. Understanding the change management challenges involved, Lincoln Electric engaged SCG to guide employees through the transition and ensure successful adoption of the new work model.
Formulating a Workplace Strategy for Rapid Workforce Growth – Case Study – Amway
Amway, headquartered in Ada, Michigan, operates across 80 buildings with over 3.5 million square feet of office and manufacturing space. As its workforce expanded, Amway saw the need to formulate a new workplace strategy to maximize space efficiency and employee engagement. SCG helped the company address transition challenges and implement an effective workplace strategy tailored to its growing population.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Media, Publishing, and Entertainment Industry
Transition to Modern, Collaborative Work Environment – Wiley
John Wiley & Sons Inc., a world-renowned publishing company, sought to modernize its global headquarters in Hoboken, New Jersey. To prepare its workforce for a more open and collaborative work environment, Wiley partnered with SCG for change management expertise. SCG guided employees through the change process, gathered feedback, and provided recommendations to help leadership sustain engagement and adoption.
Developing Workplace Protocols for an Open Office Floor Plan – Case Study – Time Inc.
Time Inc., owner of iconic media brands such as People, Sports Illustrated, and Travel + Leisure, relocated to an open office environment that required significant cultural adjustment. Facing initial resistance, the company engaged SCG to help employees adapt. SCG’s inclusive approach emphasized collaboration and teamwork, helping staff quickly settle into their new workspace.
Workplace Change Management for Consolidation and Relocation of Brands – Case Study – WarnerMedia
Before being acquired by AT&T, Time Warner—later WarnerMedia—consolidated multiple brands under one roof at Hudson Yards in New York City. The mass media conglomerate partnered with SCG to prepare employees for this transition, which brought together teams from HBO, CNN, TBS, TNT, and Warner Bros. SCG guided the organization through communication, alignment, and culture-building efforts for a unified workplace experience.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Insurance, Banking, and Finance Industry
Many of our clients in the insurance and financial services sector are over 100 years old. To earn and maintain the trust of customers who depend on them for their financial security, these institutions must project stability and integrity in every facet of their operations. This long-standing stability is reflected both in their organizational cultures and in their physical office environments.
While today much of the customer-facing work occurs online or in local branches, historically clients would travel to headquarters—often grand architectural landmarks in major cities—to conduct business. Many of these original headquarters remain in use, standing as reminders of each company’s heritage and endurance. Behind these public-facing spaces, however, administrative areas often reveal outdated layouts and limited collaboration, which can hinder efficiency and innovation.
To understand financial services workplaces, one must first understand the corporate culture of these organizations. While each firm is unique, SCG has observed common patterns: a preference for traditional top-down leadership and hierarchical organizational structures. Decision-making tends to be deliberate and risk-averse, reflecting the accountability these companies have to shareholders and regulators.
The conservative nature of the industry is also evident in its physical environments—private offices, assigned cubicles, and rigid layouts. Many firms are now seeking to evolve, introducing new workplace strategies that foster flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration. As these organizations strive to modernize, some of the trends we’ve supported include:
- A push for improved workplace flexibility and formalized remote work policies
- The normalization of on-campus mobility
- The introduction of activity-based working
- A shift from line-of-sight management to a results-based model
Workplace Change Management for Consolidation of Regional HQ – Case Study – Guardian Life
Guardian Life Insurance Company, one of the largest mutual life insurers in the U.S., consolidated 1,600 employees into a new campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Because employees were accustomed to traditional cubicles, the move to a collaborative open-office environment presented challenges. SCG guided Guardian Life through a structured change management process to help staff adapt, communicate effectively, and embrace their new workspace.
Workforce & Workplace Strategy Alignment – Case Study – Westfield Insurance
Westfield Group, a leading Property and Casualty insurer founded in 1848, faced real estate constraints at its Ohio headquarters. Pursuing a zero-sum real estate strategy, the company sought SCG’s help to align its workplace strategy with workforce needs. SCG developed a change management plan that optimized Westfield’s real estate portfolio while improving engagement and collaboration among employees.
Setting the Direction for a New Workplace Strategy – Case Study – Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 500 insurer, engaged SCG to create a workplace strategy aligned with its evolving business direction. With no immediate lease expiration or “burning platform,” leadership needed to build urgency and alignment for change. SCG facilitated discovery sessions, stakeholder interviews, and alignment workshops to define the future workplace strategy.
A New Workplace Strategy: Testing & Feedback – Case Study – Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual partnered with SCG to support the construction of its new Tower and Commons in Milwaukee. SCG led data-gathering and feedback sessions to ensure employee needs and behaviors aligned with the organization’s New Era Behaviors initiative, helping guide the successful adoption of its new workplace strategy.
Rolling Out an On-Campus Mobility & Flexible Work Program – Case Study – Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group redesigned its Des Moines headquarters to promote flexible work and on-campus mobility for 6,000 employees. SCG supported the launch of its new workplace strategy, helping the company expand its flexwork program and ensure adoption through clear communication and engagement strategies.
How Flexwork Powered a Headquarters Relocation – Case Study – MSRB
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) relocated its headquarters from Alexandria, Virginia, to Washington, D.C. Concerned about employee commute times and resistance to change, MSRB engaged SCG to formalize its flexible work program. SCG’s change management expertise ensured a smooth relocation and adoption of new work practices.
Workplace Change Management for Office Consolidation and Relocation – Case Study – Medical Mutual of Ohio
Medical Mutual of Ohio sought to consolidate employees across multiple locations into new offices. SCG developed and executed a change management strategy that guided staff through the transition, helping maintain engagement and productivity during a major workplace shift.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Healthcare Industry
How a Flexwork Initiative Allowed the Cleveland Clinic to Shrink Its Real Estate Footprint – Case Study
Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, sought to relocate its IT Division into a smaller footprint while implementing flexible work arrangements. SCG guided leadership and employees through the adoption of a formal flexwork program, enabling cost savings and enhanced workplace satisfaction.
Cleveland Clinic – Organizational Redesign & Facilities Optimization
As part of a broader transformation effort, Cleveland Clinic engaged SCG to optimize the operations of its Real Estate, Design/Planning, and Facilities divisions. SCG developed a change management approach aligned with enterprise goals to enhance patient care, efficiency, and cost savings.
Cleveland Clinic – Employee Engagement
To improve patient satisfaction, Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Operations group sought to explore links between employee engagement and quality of care. SCG designed and executed an advanced data-gathering process, delivering actionable recommendations to improve engagement and service delivery.
Development of Workplace Strategy & Change Management Planning – Case Study – Partners HealthCare
Partners HealthCare (now Mass General Brigham) sought to consolidate administrative offices from 14 locations. SCG provided workplace strategy and change management planning to identify resistance points, engage employees, and ensure a unified transition to the new environment.
Workplace Consulting Case Studies in the Higher Education Industry
Workplace Change Management for a Move Off Campus – Case Study – Harvard University
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) consolidated 800 IT staff from 13 campus locations into a new headquarters in Cambridge. Facing resistance to change, Harvard engaged SCG to facilitate communication and guide adoption of the new workplace strategy.
Workplace Strategy and Benchmarking Insights – Case Study – Montgomery College
Montgomery College enlisted SCG to support its Central Services relocation and sustain momentum during the move. SCG delivered benchmarking analyses, change management comparisons, and actionable strategies to enhance communication, engagement, and alignment—ensuring a smooth transition and lasting impact.
Client Case Studies from Other Industries
Monumental Makeover – Case Study – Indianapolis Power and Light
As part of incentives to relocate AES’ U.S. headquarters to Indianapolis, the company received $1.2 million in grant funding for office enhancements. To accommodate additional staff, Indianapolis Power & Light engaged SCG and RATIO Architects to redesign its historic Monument Circle building and guide employees through the transition.
Strategic Planning for Future of Work – Abt Associates
Abt Associates, a global research and policy organization, partnered with SCG to align its workplace strategy with its mission and growth trajectory. SCG developed a four-phase plan that connected space design, culture, and communication to the company’s future vision.
Transition to Flexible Working & an Open Plan Environment – Case Study – Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain, a global leader in records and data management, faced a lease expiration and needed to reduce its real estate footprint. The company used this opportunity to shift its culture toward flexibility and collaboration. SCG provided change management support to prepare “Mountaineers” for the transition and ensure successful adoption of new work practices.
Data Gathering to Streamline Operations & Technology – Case Study – Greystar
Greystar, a global property management and development firm, engaged SCG to address challenges in technology rollouts and operational processes. Through intensive data gathering, SCG helped the company identify roadblocks, streamline systems, and enhance efficiency across its portfolio.
