Should your office have a zip line? It may seem like everywhere you turn, there’s another company with a “cooler” culture than yours. 25 years ago, you probably never would have seen a tree house themed office space or meetings held on beanbag chairs, but modern companies have transformed their workspaces into a virtual explosion of creativity, collaboration, and just plain fun.
Now don’t go revamping your office space just yet. There are a few things that all of these companies have in common that make their über creative spaces work for their productivity.
Innovation
All these incredible companies have a distinct mission to gather the best ideas from their best people. This innovative attitude can mean different things in different companies. Whether it’s a lack of hierarchy, or the freedom to swing in a hammock while brainstorming for a few hours, these organizations have made a commitment to ideas and, often, their business thrives for it.
Collaboration
These office spaces aren’t in existence so one person can enjoy working in the beanbag corner alone. They are meant to create a comfort level between employees that fosters collaboration in everything. You know the saying “two heads are better than one?” Well three heads are even better, especially if they’re sitting in beanbag chairs.
Creativity
Some industries simply require more creativity than others, where others need to be more professional. Most people wouldn’t feel comfortable walking into a local bank and seeing all of the tellers playing ping-pong or lounging in hammocks between transactions. Just because it seems like “everybody’s doing it” doesn’t mean it’s time for your office to tear out the cubicles and install a sport court. These companies all thrive off BIG new ideas that require a lot of creativity to implement, so sometimes, they might need a ping-pong break.
Everybody loves the idea of a “cool” office space. In fact, places like this might not even seem like work! That being said, your office space should be focused on what makes your employees as productive, successful, and happy in their jobs as possible. Your culture has to match your office space in order for your business to thrive. If that means throwing in a little goofiness in here or there, we’re all for it.
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Photo Credit: “A Gallery at Work “ by Trey Ratcliff is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
