Sara L.,

Workplace Experience Co-op

Meet Marshall H., our facilities manager, who has been at Toast for almost four years. At Toast, he’s been given the tools and opportunities to explore new areas within the field, allowing his career to flourish. In the ever-evolving world of corporate real estate, being able to anticipate future needs is more important than ever. Proactive, forward-thinking strategies can make all the difference in shaping a positive experience within our spaces. 

When creating a space for Toasters, what Toast value resonates with you the most and how does it influence your approach with space? 

The Toast value that resonates most with me is “We’re all one team.” It reminds me to think globally- ensuring every Toaster, no matter where they are or what team they’re on, has a consistent, seamless experience in their space. I’m proud to take on that challenge, knowing that how someone works in Taipei might differ from someone in Boston, just as the needs of a Customer Care team differ from those of Sales. Understanding those nuances while keeping the “one team” mentality at core is key to creating spaces that truly support everyone. 

What are some key factors that you try to implement to help encourage collaboration among Toasters in our spaces?

Technology is the key feature we use to support collaboration across our spaces. Tools like D10s (mobile teleconference rooms) and interactive tech zones allow Toasters to connect globally from anywhere in the office, making seamless communication and flexibility the norm. It’s a big shift from just five years ago, and I’m proud to help enable this forward- thinking environment. 

One of the most impactful tools we use is OfficeSpace, which allows Toasters to book desks and rooms, see who else is in the office, and choose where to sit based on who they’re working with. It even maps out departmental sones, making it easier to navigate and connect. The ability to preview room layouts and check availability- whether you’re booking a conference room locally or planning a trip to Dublin- means Toasters can proactively prepare for their day. Overall this proactive approach powered by technology has significantly evolved how the facilities team supports collaboration across all our spaces.

When designing and creating workspaces for Toasters, what does success look like in terms of how those spaces function?

When designing a space, a key focus is modularity and ensuring teams can collaborate effectively. We always ask: What does this team need from this space, and how can the Facilities team support that, especially knowing a different team might use the same area the next day? For example, in Boston, we have anchor days where different teams rotate through the same spaces. Engineering might use a space one day, and Sales the next, each with different needs. The question becomes: can the space adapt for large meetings, collaborative sessions, or heads-down work? Can it accommodate all those uses seamlessly? That’s what I constantly think about, and on the Workplace Experience Team, it’s our job to make sure using the space is as easy and flexible as possible. 

 
What are some next steps or goals that you have in mind to be executed in the Boston office?

I believe that technology will continue to improve and enhance how we interact with our spaces, helping us use them more seamlessly. From devices that measure temperature and air quality to technologies that operate proactively without user activation, these advancements allow my team to stay ahead of issues, which is why we receive very few reactive tickets. I anticipate that as these tools become more widely implemented, feedback will decrease further. At the same time, inclusivity remains a major focus in how we activate our spaces. With features like height-adjustable desks, all-gender bathrooms, ergonomic furniture, quiet zones, and our low-sensory meditation room, we’re creating environments that are not only seamless but also fully accessible to everyone. Ultimately, I see technology and inclusivity as central pillars shaping the future of facilities.