ERGO Centre in Vienna: Optimal conditions for hybrid working

After a year-long renovation, the construction work at the ERGO Centre in Vienna was completed in December 2024. Instead of a room-based structure, there is now an open-space concept with a bright, fresh design. Philipp Wassenberg, CEO of ERGO Austria, explains the background in an interview.

Dear Mr Wassenberg, the ERGO Centre in Vienna shines anew after a year of renovations. What was the aim of this refurbishment?

Jokingly I told my colleagues before the renovation: “We want the most beautiful workplaces throughout Vienna.” And while that was certainly not the real motivation, we have succeeded. (laughs)

The true reason for the renovation is that the way we work and the requirements for the workplace have fundamentally changed. “My” office with a closed door – that is no longer contemporary. Additionally, we had to accommodate over 30 percent more employees due to the integration of the former D.A.S.

With the existing premises, our vision of an attractive working environment was not feasible. So, we stripped the building down floor by floor and implemented a completely new spatial concept.

Today, our ERGO Centre features an appealing design combined with high functionality. We have various work areas for different working situations, and of course, there is comprehensive Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art technology throughout the building.

What have you fundamentally changed?

Previously, the seven-storey building had a classic office structure – today, there is an open concept with approximately ten different modules. There are workstations and silent workspaces, meeting rooms and breakout areas, a coffee & work area, and focus rooms.

The design was handled by architects with the involvement of the employees. They were included in key decisions – for example, in selecting the furniture.

The colours are warm and friendly – the cold office atmosphere is a thing of the past.

For how many employees is the building designed?

We provide workspaces for about 65 percent of the approximately 600 employees. There are fixed home bases for the various teams, but no permanent workstations can be booked.

Our meeting rooms are optimised for hybrid meetings – among other features, each meeting room has digital whiteboards that can also be controlled and annotated by participants working from home.

Do you still have an office of your own?

No, not a traditional office with four walls – the entire board is distributed across all floors amidst our colleagues in the open area. There are no closed doors in our office anymore.

Thank you very much!

Interview: Kristina Tewes