By Yannick Mangin, Workplace Manager at Qonto
At Qonto, we’re not only revolutionizing the world of finance for SMEs and freelancers, but we’re also transforming the modern workplace by prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity. With our greenery-filled spaces and locally-sourced furnishings, we’ve taken steps to create an eco-friendly work environment, as part of our global Impact strategy.
As Qonto’s Workplace Manager, I care deeply about making our workplace green and inclusive. In this article, I will discuss the process of designing our new Paris offices, which were unveiled last autumn. I will detail our dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and upholding local craftsmanship.
Greening our workplaces
Sustainability is immensely significant to me, as it affects every citizen. At Qonto, I have had the chance to put this into practice.
Our sustainable approach is evident in every aspect of our office environment. The workspace, filled with lush greenery, is expertly managed by Green Decor and refreshed biweekly using hydroponics — a sustainable method of closed-system plant growth that surpasses the use of stabilized plants.
For food and beverage, we collaborated with Ideel Garden and Good Daily to provide daily meals and organic fruits, while local artisans provided cookies and pastries. To reduce waste, food items are put on sale every Friday, any surplus being donated to charity. Ideel Garden collects and washes our dishes on a daily basis, eliminating the need for disposable containers.
As signatories of the French Tech Sobriety Engagement, we’ve also taken significant steps to reduce energy consumption in our 5700 m2 office. The air conditioning system adheres to the stringent standards set by the European Commission and was compliant even before its mandatory implementation in France. We regulate heating to a maximum temperature of 19°C, and air conditioning is employed only when the outside temperature exceeds 27°C.
Our headquarters use gas for heating instead of electricity, and all lighting is equipped with timers and motion sensors. My ultimate goal is to make our office space as eco-friendly as possible while still providing the basic comfort that employees need to focus on their work. I believe we’re heading in the right direction to reduce our carbon footprint by 5% this year!
Empowering diversity
At Qonto, we are also committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workspace. Our building is fully accessible to people with disabilities, and we pay close attention to details, for instance ensuring wheelchair-accessible payment methods for our connected fridges.
We partner with two adapted companies, Cèdre and Good Daily, in addition to an ESAT called Regain, to create job opportunities for people with disabilities.
📌 An ESAT is a medico-social establishment that employs only disabled workers, while an adapted company is a private company that aims for profitability while justifying at least 55% of employees with a recognized disability status.
Qonto employs Regain for mail treatment, while Cèdre (which boasts a 60% workforce of people with disabilities) provides assistance for our extra recycling needs, and Good Daily (currently with an 80% workforce of people with disabilities) ensures the daily delivery of our organic, healthy, and zero-waste products.
In a globally interconnected world where the stability of jobs and businesses is in flux, it is crucial to make choices that prioritize genuine needs and what truly matters. This may require adjustments, but the positive outcomes create a virtuous circle that protects everyone’s employment and improves overall well-being.
The value of local circuits
Finally, I strongly believe in supporting smaller businesses and preserving our collective expertise. At Qonto, we honour this commitment through dedication to SMEs not only via our services but also in our daily operations. Our Workplace team sources local furniture and services, championing local craftsmanship. We want to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the local economy!
Entering our Qonto office in Paris, you’ll immediately notice the personal touches that reflect our brand and values. One area that our employees love is the Dream zone. Featuring our astronaut motif, the Dream zone provides a cosy space for naps. The beds are handcrafted and sewn in France by Smarin, and offer the same comfort and quality you’ll find in the Air France lounge.
Recently, we had the pleasure of collaborating with designer Nickel Chrome, not only a Qonto customer but also the creator of a stunning hand-painted fresco in our event space. Additionally, we transformed our office entrance into a mini-museum by proudly exhibiting our own cards, adding a unique touch to our building.
Using local circuits aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By sourcing products within a roughly 100 km radius and involving as few intermediaries as possible, we ensure that the money spent directly benefits the producers and craftsmen.
Our tables and booths are 100% sourced, designed, and made in France, thanks to our dedicated providers Zaka and Vincent Leclerc. These French-based craftspeople work meticulously with French wood, shaping it alongside metal on-site. We opt for natural oil instead of chemical varnish to protect the wood, keeping sustainability at the forefront of our choices.
Since partnering with Work With Island, we have become one of their biggest clients. Their acoustic booths are not only affordable but thoughtfully designed: they incorporate French glass and electronics, while the acoustic fiber is crafted from recycled fabric waste obtained from Le Relais boxes. The wooden parts are sourced from repurposed wood waste, originally intended for other furniture production.
This local approach also reduces CO2 emissions associated with transportation while nurturing the growth of local municipalities. While promoting the development of nearby cities, it fosters a sense of community and shared progress.
Our Qonto workplaces are a true reflection of who we are as a company. With our personalized touches and dedication to sustainability, we create a work environment that inspires collaboration, creativity, and success. Our offices embody our brand and mission while promoting diversity and employee well-being. By seamlessly blending modern technology, thoughtful design, and sustainable choices, we strive to set the standard for an ideal workspace that truly represents our core values.
