Fewer square meters, more connection

After 35 years of working from the Waalhaven (20 of which in our previous office), we decided in 2024 that it was time for something new. The Waalhaven had long been our home, but it was also a place with limited public transport access, where mobility mostly meant car rides. It was time for an environment that not only better fit the way we work today, but also the way we want to grow in the future.

We found that new place in Little C, a modern and lively area in the heart of Rotterdam. Still in our trusted city, but in a completely different environment. Little C is known for its contemporary architecture, great amenities, and excellent accessibility. It feels like a fresh start, with everything we need within walking distance. From restaurants to meeting facilities.

One of the biggest advantages of our new location is accessibility. Where the Waalhaven could really only be reached by car, Little C is easy to get to by bike, public transport and even water taxi. The move brought us just 8 minutes by bike, 11 minutes by car, or 10 minutes by water taxi apart from our old office, but in terms of possibilities, the step is much bigger. Since the move, several colleagues have ditched the car and now use the bike plan. For many, this means not just saving money, but also reducing stress.

And the healthier commute is reinforced by healthier eating: the candy cart from the Waalhaven has been replaced with fruit and healthy snacks. Our new location doesn’t just bring benefits for work, but also for our overall well-being.

In our old Waalhaven office, we had a few massive meeting rooms (big enough for up to twenty people), but in practice, they were rarely fully used. Often, there were just two or three of us, which meant low occupancy and unnecessarily large spaces. At Little C, we took a different approach: compact rooms where one or two people can meet in peace or join a video call.

In addition, we have an open, flexible space that serves as a lunch area, but can just as easily be used for informal client meetings or job interviews. For meetings that require more privacy or for larger gatherings, we use the facilities of Frames Offices in the tower next door. This way, we always have exactly the space we need, without unnecessarily occupying extra square meters.

Just as important: we now sit closer together. Anyone who knew our old office knows some rooms were quite far apart. At Little C, the distances are shorter, which noticeably speeds up collaboration and communication.

What stands out is how quickly everyone has settled into the new office. While some relocations take weeks of figuring out meeting rooms or adjusting to new workstations, that was hardly the case here. Colleagues said after just a few days that it felt as if it had always been this way. The walking routes, the desks, the lunch area. It was instantly familiar. Only a few colleagues who were on holiday during the move had a brief moment of orientation, but even that passed quickly. It’s proof that the move was not only well organized logistically, but also experienced as a shared step forward.

With the move, we’ve taken an important step, but we’re not completely finished yet. A few final details still need to be completed. For example, the new kitchen countertop still has to be installed. What made this move special is that everyone contributed: from packing and moving items to organizing and setting up the new workspaces. The biggest work is done and the result speaks for itself.

We now have an office that not only gives us more flexibility and better accessibility, but also new energy. The short lines of communication, the central location, and the fresh look all make this place ready for the future. We look forward to working here with pleasure in the coming years and continuing to grow together.