Working for a Better Way of Life

By Joyce Eisenbraun |

Transparency. Innovation. Paperless. Collaborative. Engagement. Nontraditional. Not the usual descriptors when describing a well-known and respected financial institution.

Gate City Bank’s corporate office in downtown Fargo, home to 125 employees, recently completed a major renovation on the 6th floor. Rather than taking a traditional approach of simply expanding offices to accommodate the growing staff, Gate City has refocused, re-energized and repurposed the space in ways that are unique to the region.

“In this renovation, we had the opportunity to create a building that fit the people who would work here rather than having the people fit the building,” summed up Jay Krabbenhoft, senior vice president and office services manager for Gate City Bank. “We looked ahead to 2020 and recognized that Millennials would make up 50 percent of our workforce,” he explained. “We want to be considered an employer of choice and be able to hire the best, so we looked at their needs and working style as we planned this renovation.”

The resulting restructuring is a total transformation. Each element has been carefully considered and changes made that reflect a more innovative and engaging workplace. “We have fewer tiers in our organizational structure now,” explained Kim Meyer, executive vice president and director of human resources, “so we wanted a facility space that reflected a more open and transparent work environment.”

A clue to this major psychological shift was in inviting staff to a new collaborative work environment which could include a cup of fresh-brewed coffee. The installation of a coffee bar area is complete with a high-tech coffee/espresso/latte/mocha/tea machine. All employees in the building are encouraged to step up to 6th floor for a beverage of choice, and to conduct meetings in the lounge area. Four tables with chairs and two padded banquette seats create a coffee shop atmosphere, complete with a linear fireplace set in the back mosaicaccented wall and a large flatscreen television above the kitchen area. Rather than four conference rooms, the relaxing space invites conversation, and as other staff walk by, a quick question can be asked on the spot rather than through a more formal voicemail or email. “We believe it truly promotes interaction and engagement,” said Krabbenhoft. “More seasoned employees are able to interact with new hires in an informal manner, promoting relationships in a healthy environment.”

To promote this activity-based working environment, the office layout was also changed. The project’s architectural consultant, Andrew Koedam, vice president at Wild / CRG, gave the design focus: “Progressive planning and creative design encourages employee interaction while creating efficiencies and flexibility through a healthy working environment.”

Accomplishing that design goal started with installing over 680 square feet of glass on the south side of the building to harvest natural sunlight. Glass-walled interior offices allow the natural lighting to flow throughout the floor. Most offices were resized with enhanced views. Rather than high cubical walls for staff, neighborhood office areas with lower walls were created for the marketing, accounting, loan processing and human resources employees to encourage mentoring and crosstraining activities.

Another fascinating insight into the renovation is hidden from casual view. With all the glass and other hard surfaces, noise interference could have been an issue for the open work neighborhood concept. Instead, thanks to the creative efforts of Koedam and Krabbenhoft, specialty techniques such as sound masking and padded flooring keep sound distractions to a minimum.

Natural tones used throughout the floor reflect a warm and inviting atmosphere with carefully selected textured wall coverings and flooring choices. Just like a breathtaking sunset, however, beautiful wall artworks add vibrant color, as do the splashes of stunning color in the blown glass and other original fine arts (most of which are from local artists) displayed throughout the floor.

Not only is the structural design unique, but very practical as well. For example, the technological foundation is best in class, with an emphasis on going paperless. Most employees have two desktop screens so they can pull reference documents on one screen while working on another.

Videoconferencing and training capabilities are available to most employees from their desktop, including Chairman, President and CEO Steve Swiontek. No longer does an employee need to schedule a conference room, staff members can have a conversation at their desk, face to face, with anyone in any of Gate City’s 34 locations. For larger gatherings of four to eight, there is a sliding glass door conferencing area with large flat screen for viewing. Room reservations can be checked on-line and verified with the monitor at the door. To the north side, a large board room with seating for 30 is also set up for group video conferencing and training sessions, complete with room darkening shades and individual technology connectors for each attendee.

For more information about the renovation, please contact the Gate City Bank Marketing Manager, Amy Durbin, at (701) 293-2497 or by email at AmyDurbin@ gatecitybank.com.

The technology also includes a distinct “green” emphasis: The lighting throughout the floor is LED, providing a 50% savings in energy costs; the new highly efficient heating and cooling system not only allows for individual office controls, but saves over 30% on energy costs; over eight miles of wire has been installed to ensure that the current and future technological demands will be easily accommodated. Every downtown Gate City employee also received a water bottle to use with the reverse osmosis water system water fountain. “We estimated that the water fountain saved over 1000 plastic bottles from being used (and recycled) in just one month,” said Krabbenhoft.

The result of the brilliant renovation is the comfortable doubling of staff on the 6th floor, accommodating the needed additions. With this successful start, the next project will be a similar renovation to the third floor. That next collaborative work environment will soon be home to approximately 80 staff members, Krabbenhoft explained, many of whom will be new additions, thanks to the expanded internet banking needs.

When everyone is accessible to engage in a conversation—from the president to the newest employee— it changes the dynamics in healthy ways ... It has changed how we work together, and made it better.

“When everyone is accessible to engage in a conversation―from the president to the newest employee―it changes the dynamics in healthy ways,” confirmed Meyer. “It has changed how we work together, and made it better.”

“This concept is new to this region and to the financial industry,” Krabbenhoft confessed, “but we wanted to move away from a standard banking concept and try something different. We’ve seen significant benefits already in the enhanced interaction and engagement between employees. The new transparent physical structure also reflects how Gate City sees the process of work―it’s a transparent and open process, and it benefits everyone.”

The welcoming atmosphere in the newly renovated work spaces fits well with Gate City’s mission of “making the lives of our customers and employees better.” In this remarkable renovation, they have accomplished the hefty goal of making a better way of life for their employees.

Life is busy for parents working full time. Between work, attending kids’ events, and raising a family, earning a master’s degree may seem overwhelming.

Minnesota State University Moorhead graduate studies programs are making a concerted effort to add convenience and flexibility for working professionals.

“While some of our graduate programs are traditional ‘bricks and mortar,’ the majority of our graduate programs are available online or in hybrid formats,” said Boyd Bradbury, dean of Graduate Studies and dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “It’s no surprise that our largest graduate programs, educational leadership and curriculum and instruction, are online. While some institutions of higher education do not want to change to accommodate student needs, MSUM has been quick to respond.”

Classes are offered in late afternoons or evenings to accommodate working students. Hybrid programs are an option for students wanting a combination of classes on campus and online.

“MSUM recognizes that many graduate students are busy individuals who must balance professional and personal responsibilities. In an age of ubiquitous