How JPMorgan Chase is building the workplace of the future — inside a lab

As part of JPMorgan Chase's investment in the workplace, they're turning to a Workplace Lab to better understand what works and what doesn't, then using their learnings to build out their new NYC headquarters.

Inside JPMorgan Chase's workplace lab

JPMorgan Chase's Workplace Lab consists of an entire office floor where the company tests new technology and design concepts that it's considering integrating into its new 60-story global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

A few of the concepts being tested at the lab include:

• Biophilic walls: To contribute to better air quality and a greater sense of well-being for employees.
• Aromatherapy: The theory is that a light mist of a refreshing scent can help add a subconscious lift.
• Circadian lighting: Lighting that grows brighter and cooler throughout the day could help invigorate the body.
• Directional audio: Allows people to hear audio from their computer without needing to wear headphones.
• Hologram conferencing: Helping to create the sense of presence missing in traditional videoconferencing.

The workplace of the future — today

Already, you can see elements of future thinking inside 270 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan:

• The building is purposefully lifted off the sidewalk by 100 feet to make it more spacious and welcoming to the community
• There will be a thousand bike racks for people who want to come to work by bicycle
• And there is a designated lay-by lane for self-driving cars

"We believe that when we are together in a place and that place is purpose-built and we’re there together for the moments that matter, we can’t be beat." — David Arena, Head of Global Real Estate, JPMC

Thinking micro with hospitality

David Arena, JPMC’s Head of Global Real Estate, believes a great hospitality experience is a series of incremental design choices — choices his team is testing in their workplace lab.

"It's the lighting, it's the ergonomics of the chair you're sitting in," he told McKinsey's John Means. "It's the smell of something, the way the carpet or the floor feels underfoot"

He also believes hospitality can become a draw for people to work from the office.

"People want to be known. They want to be recognized, they want to be welcomed in the morning, quite frankly, by name," he said. "They want to have a personal experience when they come to work, and I think there’s a great opportunity to do that."

Thoughts on remote work

The needs of remote employees remain a priority at JPMorgan Chase. A seamless workplace experience extends beyond four walls. The company is exploring virtual reality and augmented reality in their lab to enhance remote collaboration.

"The tools are not ready to roll out yet," he said, "but we are putting all the things in place at 270 Park to use them when they are ready."

The future is modular

Arena believes flexibility is central to modern workplaces and modern workplace design.

"You have to view buildings and real estate like a machine, a tool, or a lever," he says. "You have to build them in such a way that they could be changed for any generation at a reasonable cost, so that buildings don’t become antiquated."

Scaling the workplace of the future

JPMorgan Chase's vision extends beyond New York City — they're implementing similar workplace strategies globally. They are building campuses and expanding their retail branches with a focus on creating community-centered spaces.

By investing in the workplace of the future, JPMorgan Chase aims to provide an exceptional workplace experience that combines technology, design, and employee well-being to drive higher performance and foster a sense of belonging.