From modest beginnings as a regional claims administrator in 1969, Sedgwick has grown into a leading global provider of technology-enabled, integrated business solutions with locations across 80 countries. As a values-driven company, their continual growth and evolution has been rooted in the value of the work their people perform each day. From their inception over 50 years ago their purpose has always been, and continues to be, to take care of people.

Driven by a desire to develop a workplace strategy to accommodate a growing team and achieve a more social and value-based work setting, Catalyst Group, on behalf of Sedgwick, engaged Zenith to provide a furniture solution for their relocation to larger premises at Carlton Gore Road in Newmarket. With employee wellbeing, both physical and mental, as a key requirement to the project, a soothing neutral colour palette was designed by Catalyst to contrast and compliment the building’s industrial aesthetic. Off whites, soft greys, solid stone and timber finishes confer an organic yet sophisticated tranquillity.

The kitchen and breakout areas were insightfully devised to be highly functional and social spaces; to not only eat, but attend casual events, share ideas and collaborate. To maximise floorspace, various seating configurations with integrated power were installed, creating a multi- use kitchen which also serves as a work and collaboration point. Kissen tables by Zenith with JAC sled stools were chosen for this areas. The versatile Kissen not only serves as a large communal table for social gatherings, but doubles as a meeting and collaboration work surface.

In addition to the JAC stool, JAC sled chairs were also utilised in the break-out area. In fact, Sedgwick chose several variants of the JAC chair throughout. Award winning, elegant and sustainable, JAC has been meticulously designed to provide body contoured comfort, making it suitable for a multitude of areas and applications. As part of Zenith’s sustainability initiative, for each JAC sold, a tree is planted in the Pamoa Forest, with current planting taking place at Tairawhiti to minimise soil erosion.  

Natural light is an important element in the design of a workspace. It has numerous benefits that can positively impact the overall health of employees.  To facilitate greater wellness and capitalise on the immense glass windows, Zenith’s Orbis electric workstations were placed around the perimeter of the floor plate.  Customisable to individual height requirements, Orbis’ alternating desk height helps combat muscle inactivity and increase circulation. Complementing the Orbis, the ultra -light Belite task chair provides flex and support for every change in position.

The epicentre of the Sedgwick floorplate is inhabited by meeting rooms, a boardroom and discussion areas. Collaboration, being a Sedgwick value, was a primary consideration in planning. Providing an inviting area for openness and communication, Zenith’s Precinct Meet Booth is a screen encased seating pod that creates a ‘a room within a room’.  With Sedgwick’s awareness of effective space utilisation, The Precinct Meet booth has a D shaped centre table, permitting use for a number of meeting and collaboration functions. 

A value-based business believes in putting their values front and centre and ensuring that their impact is as positive as possible, not only on their clients, but also on their staff. Zenith were delighted to participate in Sedgwick’s project to create a new value based, social and healthful environment by providing furniture solutions that supported the well-being of the Sedgwick team and their environment.