We're looking to move in 2012. And our discussions about wants and needs is rampant in the office. Not only are we thinking about what would be fun or convenient for us--but we're also deciding what's right for our brand. So we're faced with two lists of 'needs':
List #1 is physical needs--and the standard kind of things a business might look for in a move:
Comfortable workspace for employees
Areas for collaboration
Private areas for 'behind doors' discussions
Located within a reasonable commuting distance
Large enough for growth, not so big that we're swimming in it
List #2 houses our brand needs, and while pretty long, it includes:
Great natural light
Floor plan that allows us to group people together without cramming them together
A space that inspires creativity
For elevator, it's critical to feel like we're part of the world (natural light), find it easy to collaborate and feel inspired by our surroundings. Grey walls, felt cubes and carpeted hallways simply won't cut it. The space that inspires us will be open, loft-like, with lots of 'nooks' where people can hold impromtu chats or hole up to work in peace.
We have drawings, thoughts and ideas galore. And we're excited about it. But it's got me thinking about how many businesses move into a space, throw up a logo and paint a wall, call it a day.
Doesn't everyone need to be inspired in their job? Even if you don't make art for a living, you need to feel like there's more to what you do than clicking on a keyboard 8 or 10 hours a day.
We've talked about this with so many clients--yet so many businesses are still rockin' Office Space Chic. What is this doing to your morale--your potential? Just think how much more engaged everyone might be if the space were more inspiring.
After all, most of us don't go home to a grey box, right?
Sarah Szilagyi is elevator's director of strategy and client services.
