Celebrating our shared spaces

Reception
Our large welcoming reception space enjoyed a makeover in 2024. With our friendly reception desk and team, cosy armchairs and sofas and a kitchen, this is a multi-functional space. To make things smell inviting we use a specially selected combination of essential oils. There are also plenty of plants –proven to help increase productivity and reduce stress. And our specially curated playlists offer music to stimulate discussions between teams who are using the shared space for informal meetings or to welcome guests.

Reception is also the hub for lots of our community initiatives including our annual Reverse Advent project which sees our occupiers and teams collecting for Reading Food Banks ahead of the festive season. Our shared Christmas Tree in Reception becomes the focus for the collections – last year we needed multiple car trips to move all of the donations to our local Food Banks!

We host lots of pop-up events in Reception too – showcasing what Reading has to offer. In the last few months alone we’ve hosted food and wine companies, gyms and hotels. And when the brownie and cake stalls make an appearance it’s always a rush to get there first!

Outside space
Time in fresh air and green space has been proven to be very important. Working in a more urban area can mean that time outside is more difficult to come by – especially for short breaks - so we’ve created an outdoor area by the brook for occupiers to use. Just steps away from The Blade’s front door this calm and quiet area offers seating by the water. Raised beds and trees, along with sections of some of the old town walls, create a tranquil and relaxed outdoor space to pause, catch a bite to eat or spend some time away from the office.

Event space
We also use some of our office spaces for events and workshops. The views are spectacular, inspiring creativity and helping put things into perspective. There’s a free weekly yoga class for members of the Reading BID, which takes place on the 12th Floor. ‘Yoga in the Sky’ is one of the local BID’s weekly wellbeing initiatives offering the perfect backdrop to move, breath and clear the mind. We've also been working with RABBLE Theatre for a few years, the independent professional theatre charity who make great art with and for the people of Reading. The team has often made use of spaces at The Blade for rehearsals and workshops, and our occupiers have sometimes been given the opportunity for a sneak peek at previews too. We’ve also held lunchtime events for occupiers including creative writing classes and art workshops.

Why are shared spaces important?
Shared spaces are very important in all commercial offices. Here are some of the reasons why:

Collaboration - when people from different teams interact, whether in a reception, kitchen, or break out space it can spark new ideas and collaboration. Informal conversations can help with problem-solving and give people time to chat through ideas which might not happen in a scheduled meeting.

Social interaction - shared spaces help build relationships and a sense of community; something which has always been important to all of us at The Blade. Given that so many people and teams now opt for hybrid working, these moments of connection are even more important.

First impressions – a great reception area can influence to how customers, clients, or possible new recruits perceive a company.

Flexibility – sitting at a desk all day isn’t productive or stimulating. Shared spaces let people move around, find a comfy spot, and work in a way that suits them. They’re also great for spontaneous meetings.

Employee well-being - communal areas gives people a chance to decompress, eat, or even recharge mentally. They can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall morale. We see this first-hand atour pop ups – it’s a great opportunity for people to break away and enjoy a new experience whilst still in the building!

To discuss joining the community working and sharing space at The Blade please get in touch.

‍