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HOW GETTY IMAGES DRIVES VALUE WITH EPTURA

Getty Images redefines hybrid work with data-driven approach

As Getty Images shifted to a hybrid work model, they needed to optimize office space and support new ways of working. By partnering with Eptura, they moved to a flexible, data-driven workplace strategy, reducing assigned desks, enabling seamless space booking, and making informed real estate decisions.

Key wins
95% flexible workstations
44,000+ desk bookings annually
12 global offices using Eptura

Customer profile

Getty Images: A leading global visual content creator and marketplace

Industry

Media

# employees

1,700+

Location

Headquartered in Seattle, US

Getty Images is a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace. With customers in almost every country in the world, Getty Images encompasses the largest and best path to market for visual creators.

 

Leading the facilities team are Zelda Hogg, Senior Director of Global Facilities and Real Estate, and Sean O’Byrne, Facilities and Real Estate Specialist. As part of a larger team, they manage all office buildings, workplaces, and real estate across Getty Images’ global locations. Their responsibilities include enhancing workplace experiences for employees, particularly in the context of the company’s adoption of a hybrid work model, as well as overseeing the operational aspects of physical real estate.

The challenge

Global offices weren’t designed for the realities of hybrid work

1

Outdated office setup

A fixed desk model no longer supported hybrid work needs

2

Inefficient space usage

Large offices weren’t optimized, leading to wasted space and reduced efficiency

3

Lacked workspace data

Difficulty managing and optimizing space across global locations

As Getty Images transitioned to a hybrid work model, they faced the task of reevaluating and redesigning the workplace experience across their global offices. Moving away from a traditional one-to-one desk ratio toward a more flexible setup was driven by employees’ desire for remote work options and the ability to work in the office space as needed. To remain competitive and responsive, Getty Images recognized the importance of providing employees the freedom to choose how and where they work, along with the right tools to support that experience.

 

It was also essential to optimize their global office footprint to align with the new hybrid work model. This meant resizing office spaces to be more efficient and cost-effective, while still delivering a great workplace experience.

 

In response, Getty Images formed a dedicated ‘Future of Work’ team to collect and act on employee feedback. As part of this wider initiative, the team identified the need for a workspace management solution to support their new way of working. Zelda Hogg and her team led the search for a platform that could meet their evolving needs.

The solution

Supporting hybrid work with centralized workspace management

Getty Images embraced a flexible working model supported by Eptura’s workspace management solution. Transitioning from a fixed desk allocation to a largely flexible setup, where only 5% of employees have assigned desks, employees can now easily book desks and spaces based on their individual needs. The software also shows who else is in the office, fostering collaboration and social connection. Integration with Getty Images’ Okta login ensures seamless access, driving high adoption and a smooth user experience. Key features include personal space booking, meeting space booking, and data analytics.

Eptura solution

Eptura Engage

Key Eptura features:

  • Personal space booking
  • Meeting space booking
  • Meeting room screens
"

The team love being able to see quickly who else is in and where they are sitting. This information, combined with the ability to check via mobile, helps employees plan their in-office time effectively. Ease of use and the mobile app were key when we chose Eptura.

"
Sean O’Bryne, Facilities and Real Estate Specialist
Getty Images

The Results

Getty Images optimizes global real estate with data-driven decisions

Operational results:

  • Right-sized office space
  • Improved space utilization
  • Informed real estate decisions

Employees experience results:

  • Spaces redesigned for collaboration
  • More modern, flexible workspaces
  • Higher employee satisfaction

Getty Images’ current approach to office design reflects their shift toward a more flexible work model. The company continues to transition from large, desk-heavy layouts with dedicated private offices to more agile environments featuring hotel desks, open collaboration areas, bookable offices, and phone booths.

 

This new design supports employees who come into the office primarily for collaboration and connection. The move to a hybrid work model marks a broader cultural shift for Getty Images. Eptura’s high adoption rates and low-friction experience have helped make this transition smooth. Data from Eptura has been instrumental in enabling informed real estate decisions and optimizing office space usage without relying on assumptions.

 

By analyzing patterns and utilization trends, Getty Images successfully optimized their London office. They relocated to a space that is appropriately sized, equipped with modern facilities, and now serves as a model for future office designs. Guided by Eptura’s data, the team was able to right-size their space, improve efficiency, and ensure the office environment meets employee needs.

 

Looking ahead, Getty Images is well-positioned to adapt to future workplace requirements. With Eptura’s data and the right tools in place, employees can choose the environment that best supports how they work. While physical offices remain a key part of their operational strategy, this approach ensures a more flexible, efficient workplace that continues to meet the evolving needs of their workforce.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What workplace challenges was Getty Images facing before working with Eptura?

    As Getty Images transitioned to a hybrid work model, they needed to rethink their global workplace strategy. The company was moving away from traditional, desk-heavy offices to more flexible spaces that better supported evolving employee preferences. This meant right-sizing their global office footprint while still creating an engaging and collaborative workplace experience. To guide this shift, Getty Images formed a cross-functional Future of Work team to collect feedback, understand employee needs, and identify the right workplace tools.

  • How did Getty Images choose Eptura to support their hybrid work model?

    Getty Images was looking for a solution that would enable flexible work while being easy for employees to adopt. Eptura offered the tools they needed, such as desk and meeting room booking, visibility into who was in the office, and mobile accessibility, all in a user-friendly platform. Integration into the company’s Okta login page made the solution even more seamless, leading to high adoption and minimal friction.

  • How has Getty Images used Eptura’s data to inform any real estate decisions?

    By analyzing usage trends through Eptura’s data, Getty Images has been able to make data-informed decisions around space optimization. This includes right-sizing their London office by relocating to a more appropriately sized, modern space that meets employee needs. Eptura’s platform helped distinguish perception from reality and eliminate guesswork in plan space usage.

  • What impact has Eptura had on the employee experience at Getty Images?

    With only 5% of employees now assigned to fixed desks, the flexible environment gives staff the autonomy to choose how and where they work. Features such as mobile booking and the ability to see who else is in the office have supported in-person collaboration and helped employees better plan their time. The result is a space that fosters connection, supports different workstyles, and drives higher satisfaction.

  • How has Getty Images’ workplace culture evolved as a result?

    The shift to hybrid has driven a broader cultural transformation at Getty Images. Rather than mandating office attendance, the company empowers employees to choose when and why to come in, typically seeing peak usage mid-week. With Eptura’s support, this cultural shift has been smooth and successful, creating a more flexible, people-centric workplace.

  • What future benefits does Getty Images expect from their partnership with Eptura?

    As employee expectations and business needs continue to evolve, Getty Images is well-positioned to adapt. With Eptura’s tools and insights, the company can continue refining its workplace strategy, ensuring that each space remains efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with how employees actually use it.