I'm back again to write one of my final blogs of the semester, and this time I wanted to change up the pace a bit. During a recent lecture, we spent a lot of time talking about the ever-changing landscape of corporate office space. Companies today are making a large commitment to improving the overall atmosphere and environment in the office, as well as upgrading the quality of their facilities in the process. Today, I want to examine some of my favorite examples while also thinking about what my personal ideal office environment would be.
Today, Google is a wonderful example of the "fantasy" workplace so many workers seem to covet. From private sleeping pods and multistory slides, to unlimited gourmet meals and massage parlors, Google's headquarters has it all. The tech giant has always attracted the most talented and brilliant employees to maintain the firm's global stronghold on the industry, but now it's using its dream office to make sure they stay. Laura Wilken, who works in Google's Real Estate & Workplace Services division, says the company is always trying to "figure out any type of program that will make Googlers happier, healthier and more productive". Productivity is the driving force behind these changes, and the firm is considered the world's best company to work for, according to Fortune.com.
While this "Disneyland" office would certainly pique my interest in taking my talents to the Silicon Valley workforce, my opinion is that the employees are treated a bit too much like children. Nutrabolt, a sports training and supplement company based here in Bryan, is the real dream office for an active, sports enthusiast like myself. One of my room mates, who is a current employee with Nutrabolt and has taken me to hang out and "play" up at the building several times. This state-of-the-art facility is beautiful and comes with all the bells and whistles: full locker room, sauna, steam room, cold and hot tubs, full weightlifting and cardio gyms, rooftop putting green, basketball court, kitchen, pool and shuffleboard tables, and much, much more.
However, that's merely the additional facilities that come with their spectacular office space. Both stories of the office building utilize an open, collaborative design with fantastic architecture and modern furniture. The walls are built out of whiteboards to allow for novel concepts and ideas to be shared among anyone at any time. Comfortable bean bags and lounge chairs are littered throughout the office to provide employees with areas to relax and work in peace. Every desk is in plain view of every other team member's desk in a particular department. It truly is a sight to behold.
I think this style of environment would be very suitable to my personality. I enjoy being around other people and collaborating, working hard in a comfortable setting, and I definitely wouldn't mind enjoying a nice game of pool or shooting some hoops as a nice break every now and then. I'm a fast paced worker who loves teaming up with others to accomplish challenging tasks. Both Nutrabolt ( with their top notch athletic facilities, fun amenities and convenient location) and Google (beautiful location, incredible perks and challenging work) are both amazing work environments in my opinion. Hopefully one I'll be able to enjoy a corporate culture similar to what these two firms have incorporated into their businesses.
Google Headquarters, Mountain View, CA:
Nutrabolt Headquarters, Bryan, TX:
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