Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries

Transforming BOLI’s office into an adaptive, efficient space that reflects its public mission, supports employee productivity, and demonstrates the value of integrated workplace strategy in the public sector.

Services Provided

Project Details

Introduction

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) partnered with Hyphn to relocate its Portland office and create a contemporary, active workspace that reflected its mission and supported its unique operational needs. With a compressed six-month schedule, the project required a holistic approach to design, technology, and change management to ensure a seamless transition and maintain productivity throughout the move.

Objectives & Scope

Deliver a flexible, modern office supporting collaboration and focus work
Design multipurpose spaces adaptable for hearings and meetings
Provide owner’s representation and vendor coordination
Integrate technology for seamless hybrid collaboration
Support change management to enhance employee engagement

Approach

Hyphn’s engagement began with furniture selection but quickly expanded to include workplace strategy, owner’s representation, and technology integration. The team conducted interviews with leadership and staff to establish success metrics focused on productivity and collaboration. Leveraging the State of Oregon’s purchasing contract with Steelcase, Hyphn achieved significant cost savings while maintaining design intent. The resulting environment balances efficiency with flexibility, including convertible spaces such as a boardroom that transforms into a hearing room in minutes.

Outcomes & Impact

The new BOLI workspace delivers on flexibility and function, supporting legal proceedings, daily operations, and collaboration within a unified environment. The design demonstrates the value of integrated workplace services, achieving project goals on time and within budget while setting a new standard for how public sector offices can operate efficiently and adaptively.

Key Takeaways

Holistic workplace integration enables smarter, faster project delivery
Flexible furniture and technology maximize functionality within limited space
Employee engagement and early strategy define successful change management

“Moving a decades-long headquarters on a short timeline was a complex undertaking, especially with state procurement requirements and limited internal capacity. Hyphn stepped in with integrated project management, furniture, AV, and change management services. They worked seamlessly with our staff, solved issues we hadn’t anticipated, and stayed within budget. The capacity they added was invaluable, and I cannot imagine how we could have done it without them!”

BOLI Staffer