What happens when employees pick their own workplace?
On a not-so-average workday, RSM US LLP (RSM), a provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, took their Irvine team on a field trip to find the perfect workplace. Their journey involved 12 property tours and five requests for proposals before choosing a clear winner: Spectrum Terrace.
RSM designed their workplace search around what mattered most: their employees.
“The selection of a new workplace for our fast-growing Orange County team was a process by employees, for employees,” says Paul Short, RSM’s Office Managing Partner. “We formed a committee with over 20 employees at all levels, to examine what type of work environment and amenities our employees wanted and then went out to find it.”
RSM had outgrown its previous office space, which they had been in for more than a decade. Over the course of that lease, the business also grew exponentially; RSM is the fifth largest accounting firm in the U.S. and operates in 123 countries, with more than 860 offices and over 51,000 employees across the globe.
The Irvine office had grown from 150 employees to 250 in the last few years, many of whom are young professionals. As RSM continued to grow, it became time to expand into a space that was more reflective of their company’s culture and values. “Our new office has provided us with the needed space for continued growth, state-of-the-art technology and a collaborative environment for working with our clients and with one another,” says Paul.
RSM’s employees took notice of the resort-like amenities and engaging campus environment at Spectrum Terrace, which appealed to a young, energetic workforce. “I think our new office has helped bring us together as we’ve come out of the pandemic because the space and the campus environment is so exceptional,” says Paul.
Their new workplace, featuring expansive outdoor areas and indoor-outdoor fitness and meeting spaces, hit the exact right tone as they move towards a more flexible approach to work. Employees enjoy the upscale dining at Terrace Kitchen + Bar, which features rotating culinary stations, artisan coffee bar, gourmet grab-n-go meals, plus wine and craft beer, perfect for socializing with colleagues. And there is even an only-of-its-kind swimming pool with business cabanas coming soon.
“We are embracing the hybrid work model, but I believe great things happen when our teams come into the office and spend time together as a team,” says Paul. “Having an office space that employees really enjoy coming to has been a great tool for enticing teams to come together.”
RSM’s new interior spaces are an upgrade as well. Natural light from floor to ceiling windows floods the space thanks to a layout that prioritizes collaboration, with individual offices and huddle rooms moved to the interior.
“There was a time when I couldn’t picture a world where most work happens outside the office and the office serves as a hub for socializing, connection and collaboration,” says Paul. “But I’ve discovered that, with a workplace like Spectrum Terrace, the hybrid model of working can be incredibly effective.”
Spectrum Terrace transformed RSM’s workplace into an essential destination for connection, collaboration, wellness and productivity.
“The space is an absolute hit with our employees and everyone who comes to visit us here,” says Paul.
