HAPPY HOUR IS 9 TO 5
Studies have been conducted on the effects of workplace environment on employee performance and productivity. Physical space matters and office design is vital to increasing productivity. It’s easier to be productive, creative and happy at work in a colorful, organic, and playful environment. The goal, and also the challenge, of any company today is to create a work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates its workforce.
Let’s do the math. At 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, approximately 260 days a year (not counting vacation time), that’s a tremendous amount of time spent within indoor environments. So it’s not hard to imagine that spending that amount of time in a poorly designed workspace can have a negative effect on its inhabitants. A thoughtfully designed workspace can increase productivity, foster a sense of community, and boost morale. And not only does the physical appearance of an office have an effect on its people, it also lays the foundation for the corporate culture. It expresses the values, beliefs and mission of the company to both employees and visitors.
From rock-climbing walls, slides and ping-pong tables to sculptural, writable walls and lounge furniture, the notion of “the office” from yesteryear is long gone. But how much is too much and to what lengths to companies go to insure their employees are happy and inspired? Think about it for yourself – where do you do your best work?
These images are all from well-known companies who have redefined what we know as the average workplace. Among them, Facebook was even awarded first place in Glassdoor’s 2011 Employees’ Choice Awards. Coincidence or stroke of genius?
So true! Work inspired