Bandwidth Headquarters: A Workplace Designed Not Just for Work, But Life

In an era where employees expect more than just a desk and a conference room, workplaces are evolving into destinations that foster connection, well-being, and a strong sense of purpose. Companies that invest in thoughtfully designed campuses are seeing firsthand how the built environment can strengthen culture, enhance collaboration, and improve overall employee satisfaction. Bandwidth, a Raleigh-headquartered tech firm, is leading the way with a workplace designed not just for work, but for life.

Unlike many tech companies that remain locked in debates about hybrid models, Bandwidth has embraced a workplace philosophy centered on community and engagement. Through its mission-first culture and “Whole Person Promise,” the company has reimagined what a corporate campus can be — prioritizing employee holistic health, family life, and the integration of nature. By designing an environment that supports people in every aspect of their day, Bandwidth has set a new benchmark for the modern workplace.

Designing a Campus That Celebrates a Powerful Culture

Gensler’s global workplace research underscores the importance of well-designed, user-centered workplaces, which yield significant returns on investment for individuals, teams, and business outcomes. These workplaces prioritize in-house amenities that cater to the needs and preferences of employees, creating environments that enhance creativity, collaboration, and overall quality of life.

Recognizing the significance of people-centered amenities is essential in today’s work landscape, where amenities have transitioned from being “nice to have” to essential attributes of a great workspace, integral to the work experience and the workday.

Bandwidth’s commitment to its people is evident in the design and functionality of its campus. Previously spread across multiple buildings, the company now stands unified under one roof, fostering internal equity and embodying its ethos of being “one Band.” Situated on a sprawling 25-acre campus, Bandwidth’s global headquarters displays over 550,000 square feet of built space, accommodating more than 1,000 employees.

The campus features an array of amenities designed to foster a sense of community, including 100 conference rooms, outdoor walking trails, porches and terraces, a soccer field, a fitness center, an amphitheater, multipurpose event center, and more.

Bandwidth pioneers a groundbreaking approach to childcare and work-life balance, setting a new industry standard. At the heart of this innovation is Ohana, a Montessori-based preschool. Bandwidth recognizes the importance of integrating childcare facilities into the workplace, creating a safe space where employees are not put in a position where they must choose between work and family.

Ohana boasts 10 classrooms, each designed for flexibility to accommodate children ages five and under. Surrounding these classrooms are secure outdoor play and learning spaces, seamlessly integrated with the rest of the campus. This facility provides a supportive environment where parents are encouraged to spend quality time with their children throughout the day, whether it’s sharing lunch or taking a stroll to the pond.

With an emphasis on user-centric design, Bandwidth’s campus prioritizes the holistic health of its employees. This amenity-forward approach creates a thriving and energetic workplace environment where individuals can bring their best selves to work each day. From physical fitness to mental and emotional support, the campus supports employees in all aspects of their lives, nurturing a culture of care and connection.

Prioritizing Comfort, Wellness, and Community

In the evolving workplace, employees expect the traditional offerings of the office — colleagues, technology, mentorship, and socialization — while also desiring the comforts and conveniences they’ve grown accustomed to at home, such as access to food and refreshments, privacy, acoustic control, and fresh air. Embracing this shift and providing a variety of diverse experiences is crucial for creating workplaces that attract and retain top talent while enhancing overall employee satisfaction and performance.

At Bandwidth’s campus, wellness and community are more than just perks — they are central to the company’s culture and an extension of Bandwidth’s commitment to fostering employees’ comprehensive development. The campus features an array of fitness and recreational spaces that encourage movement, connection, and balance. Employees have access to an Olympic-sized soccer field, an indoor basketball court, pickleball courts, walking trails, and a state-of-the-art gym facility.

Whether hiking, running, or cycling, Bandwidth employees can immerse themselves in the campus’ serene environment, which emphasizes both individual and collective well-being. Complementing the natural setting is a fully equipped fitness center, complete with a yoga studio and basketball courts.

At the heart of Bandwidth’s campus design is the integration of Southern hospitality, a nod to the company’s roots and values. Embracing the warmth and charm synonymous with Southern vernacular architecture, every building on the campus features a front porch concept, symbolizing the importance of home, warmth, and family. The exterior wood porch ceiling seamlessly transitions indoors, creating an immersive indoor/outdoor experience where employees can work and dine.

The campus’ amenities, particularly the cafeteria/food court, embody this warm and inviting atmosphere. Modeled after a traditional Southern kitchen, the café features warm woods and textures, exuding a cozy ambiance that encourages relaxation and connection. With a servery offering multiple stations, a salad bar, grab-and-go options, and a coffee bar run by locally owned 321 Coffee, employees have a variety of culinary experiences to enjoy. The lounge’s design provides spaces for both solitude and socialization, all under a ceiling reminiscent of sitting beneath a canopy of trees.

This emphasis on comfort and community extends beyond mealtimes, with many employees spending their entire workday in the lounge due to its welcoming atmosphere. Bandwidth actively encourages employees to make use of the campus amenities, including taking full advantage of the hour-and-a-half lunch break.

Situated amid natural surroundings, including a farm, research forest, and connecting greenway, the campus provides ample opportunities for employees to connect with nature, fostering a sense of vitality and balance in both their professional and personal lives.

A New Standard for Workplace Design

By prioritizing connection, wellness, and a deep sense of place, the campus sets a new standard for what the modern office can be. In an era where companies are redefining their approach to work, Bandwidth proves that investing in people and place isn’t just about amenities — it’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive, innovate, and feel truly at home.