LWCC 2237 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge
lwcc.com // facebook.com/LWCC.LA
In 2021, the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation completed a renovation of its Baton Rouge headquarters. Working with New Orleans architectural and interior design firm EskewDumezRipple, LWCC Senior Vice President and CFO Gretchen Hofeling said the company set out to reimagine the space with environmentally aware practices at its core, so that it could positively impact not only its employees, but also the surrounding community. Hofeling took time out recently to share a few details on the renovation.
What were your goals for the design and why?
Gretchen Hofeling: While we wanted an open, collaborative workspace to see us through decades to come, we were mindful to make selections that honored the company’s history and purpose. Throughout the space, we balanced a modern look, filled with innovative technology, with subtle touches of Louisiana, which can be found in the color palette and textures, natural wood elements, and artwork.
What was the biggest design challenge and how was it overcome?
Hofeling: The biggest challenge of the renovation project was that LWCC employees remained in the building during construction. The renovation process was completed in phases to allow for sufficient space to be available to employees.
What is the standout feature of the design?
Hofeling: Continuous connection between floors. Each floor is developed to horizontally connect departments allowing for a user to reach a department located on the same floor seamlessly, and internal stairs allow for quick access to a floor above or below. The integration of flow between floors encourages collaboration between departments and promotes a key quality of LWCC — health and wellness — among employees.
How would you describe LWCC to someone unfamiliar with your work?
Hofeling: LWCC is a model single-state, private mutual workers’ comp provider and a champion of Louisiana dedicated to excellence in execution from underwriting to the compassionate care of an injured worker. Together with our agent partners and other key stakeholders, we celebrate and elevate Louisiana through our core business functions and innovative new initiatives. We are ‘Louisiana Loyal,’ always.
How do you set yourselves apart from organizations doing similar work?
Hofeling: ‘Louisiana Loyal’ … is more than our tagline, it is a movement we launched, and continue to lead, to celebrate and elevate Louisiana. This movement guides us in the pursuit of our purpose, vision, and mission and comes to fruition through our core business and innovative initiatives. LWCC is committed to setting a strong and clear example of what it means to be — ‘Louisiana Loyal.’ But we know we can’t do this alone. Our vision calls us to be a catalyst, inspiring and engaging others in the Louisiana Loyal movement alongside us.
How do you promote a positive work atmosphere for the staff?
Hofeling: LWCC’s newly renovated building is a driving force in LWCC’s corporate culture. Not only does it provide a bright, modern and collaborative work environment, [but also] it is the foundation for our corporate wellness program, LiveWell. The safety, health and wellness of LWCC employees is critical. The on-site, staffed fitness center and central café with healthy lunch opportunities provide tangible health resources, among many other program offerings.
What are your biggest challenges?
Hofeling: Internally, LWCC is constantly balancing our employees’ need for both flexibility and collaboration to provide the best experience for all stakeholders, including our agent partners, policyholders, injured workers,and providers.
What goals are you looking to meet in the next 12 months?
Hofeling: LWCC’s mission is to better Louisiana one business and one worker at a time. This starts with our stakeholders. In 2023, we are committed to further enhancing the customer experience utilizing human-centered design and customer feedback to launch improvements and new resources. We also will continue to build on our vision to be a catalyst to elevate Louisiana’s position in America by engaging other private businesses. As a state, Louisiana needs more businesses actively working to celebrate and elevate Louisiana by leveraging their expertise, resources and core business functions.
Quick Look
Years in Operation
30
Renovation Completion
Late 2021
Square footage
130,467 square feet
Number of Employees
Over 200
Persons in charge
Gretchen Hofeling, Senior Vice President and CFO
Architecture
EskewDumezRipple
Interior Design
EskewDumezRipple
Furnishings and art
AOS Interior Environments and Ty Larkin Interiors
