Office culture

The Freeport-based maker and seller of clothing, outdoor gear and home goods will reduce its call center hours down to one shift starting in mid-July.

The nonprofit has outgrown some quirky and chopped-up spaces over 30 years. In one, staffers were “stuffed into a hallway-like space.” The new lease has a better layout.

Employees are increasingly seeking more than just a standard compensation package, writes guest columnist Chris Pyne of Unum. They want better, more creative offerings that encourage personal well-being and enhanced work-life balance.

With traditional office vacancies growing, a Swiss company is rapidly acquiring new locations, while enabling property owners to monetize vacant space.

Norway Savings Bank has promoted 11 employees into leadership positions. 

Leaders should create a positive, open and respectful environment, writes guest columnist Jayne Van Bramer, president and CEO of Sweetser. That means offering public praise but private criticism, unplugging on your vacation, not sending emails on the weekend and taking care of yourself.

A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study showed 57% of Maine businesses reported having no telework arrangements before or early in the pandemic. Businesses continue to adapt to the change, writes guest columnist Jason Lundy, a business banker.

The founders spent over 20 years in California, building and growing businesses. In Lewiston, the couple invested over $1 million to create the kind of space where they wanted to work, but couldn't find.

Carved out of the Covetrus building in Portland's East End, the 56,000-square-foot space is intended to accommodate a range of work styles.

Everyone’s health is shaped by life circumstances, writes guest columnist Linda K. Riddell, a health care professional. For working people, the workplace is a major part of life circumstances and an important contributor or detractor of health.