New office furniture upgrade for esure – A multi-site transformation by Fusion, focused on hybrid-working and collaboration
Refreshing your office isn’t just about adding some colour or partitions, it’s about creating an environment that supports how your employees work today, whether that means adapting to hybrid working, improving comfort and focus, or encouraging meaningful collaboration. New office furniture, carefully designed to suit your workspace and your needs, can have as much of an impact as a full office refurbishment. In this project for renowned insurance firm, esure, Fusion delivered a multi-site furniture upgrade across their three sites in Surrey, Manchester and Glasgow, transforming outdated spaces into agile, people-first workspaces.
A strategic approach with stakeholders
The first step was taking time to fully understand the client’s workspace vision. We worked closely with leadership, the facilities team and employees to shape a solution that aligned with both strategic goals and practical needs. The brief was clear: maintain design consistency across three locations, while ensuring each space supported hybrid working, addressed acoustic and storage challenges. A key aspect was welcoming staff back with a renewed sense of energy and purpose following the pandemic, all via the implementation of new office furniture.
Setting the standard in Surrey
The Surrey HQ served as the benchmark for the rollout. As the flagship office for esure, it established both visual identity and functional standards for the other locations. A redesigned reception area featured bespoke seating with integrated charging points, creating a modern and welcoming first impression. Modular meeting tables allowed for easy reconfiguration, supporting daily shifts in team composition. Versatile collaboration zones utilised a huge variety of breakout furniture to support casual interaction, whilst doubling up as informal breakout zones for employee downtime.
The HQ set the standard for all finishes, specification and spatial arrangements, streamlining the subsequent rollout of the office furniture upgrade in Manchester and Glasgow.
Tailoring for regional needs
Although design consistency was key, each site came with its own footprint and requirements. In Manchester, we opted for a more compact, higher-density layout to suit a growing hybrid workforce where remote team members often visit the office. Touchdown spaces were incorporated alongside permanent desks, ensuring flexibility without compromising productivity.
Glasgow required a different approach due to the offices serving as the primary call centre location. A bigger focus on workstations with ergonomic properties meant more height-adjustable desks, as well as more importance placed on the acoustic properties of the office.
Seamless installation
Timing was critical. With employees returning to the office after more than a year of remote working, it was essential that the installation was completed smoothly and on schedule. The upgrade to office furniture throughout all three sites was an opportunity to welcome staff back with a fresh, inspiring workspace that would boost morale and signal a positive new chapter. Meeting the deadline meant teams could walk into a fully upgraded environment that supported comfort, focus and connection from day one.
We delivered practical handovers for facilities managers, ensuring they were confident in adjusting sit-stand desks, reconfiguring modular layouts and supporting staff with the new features. As a result, the transition was seamless, and teams were able to return to work in a space that felt energising and ready.
Designing for performance with new office furniture
Fusion integrated custom furniture solutions, including personal lockers to aid the hybrid working model which many employees were new to. The use of calming pastel tones helped define departmental zones while supporting a more relaxed, less clinical environment.
Sliding whiteboards, designed by Fusion, acted as partitions to bring a modern, collaborative and engaging solution to office zoning. Find out more about our sliding whiteboard solutions here.
Collaboration areas were equally varied and intentional. We introduced poseur-height tables for quick stand-up meetings, enclosed acoustic booths for focused discussions, and lounge-style breakout spaces for more informal brainstorming or personal time. These different settings gave teams the freedom to choose how and where to work.
Noise control was another priority, particularly in open-plan spaces. We utilised acoustic panels across ceilings and walls and used decorative yet functional acoustic screens around the various ‘zones’ to enhance privacy. In combination with visual zoning using a variety of flooring, this helped to strike a balance between openness and concentration.
Ergonomics also played a central role. Many workstations were equipped with height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs, giving employees control over their comfort. Sit-stand tables in meeting areas encouraged movement throughout the day, contributing to better posture and reduced fatigue.
The Outcome: Measurable impact, long-term value
Thanks to careful planning, phased delivery and close collaboration with internal stakeholders, the project was completed on time and on budget. Post-occupancy feedback was overwhelmingly positive, achieving the objective of boosting employee morale via the new office furniture, new layout and style.
By opting for modular, reconfigurable solutions, the client is now equipped for future change. Whether accommodating team growth, switching the number of days in the office, or adopting new technologies, the spaces can evolve without the need for major refurbishments.
A few clear takeaways emerged from this project. Engaging employees in the process ensures a positive outcome for those that matter greatly to the day-to-day running of your business. Perhaps most importantly, especially in 2025 and beyond, the emphasis on flexibility, both in layout and furniture choice, means the investment will continue to pay off for years to come.
The esure project shows how strategic furniture planning can do more than just refresh an office. It can improve wellbeing, foster collaboration, and prepare your organisation for the future. Whether you’re looking to implement new office furniture at a single site, or roll out change across your portfolio, we’re here to help.
Want to discuss your project?
Contact Fusion Office Design to arrange a no-obligation consultation, with no project being too big or too small. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a meeting room or undertake a full office refurbishment, Fusion are here to help.
Let’s design a workspace where your people can do their best work, every day.
