Three Examples of Great Business Offices

All too often, the word "office" conjures an image of an endless gray room filled with desks and fluorescent strip-lighting arrangements. Dozens of people sit at their desks, some of which feature divider systems for a small amount of privacy. Cubicles turn open-plan business offices into an endless labyrinth of monotony, and, according to recent studies, they don't necessarily improve productivity. So, what can you do to break the mold in your own workspace?

Particularly during the last two decades, an overwhelming focus on cost reduction has turned the traditional office into a shadow of its former self. Instead of being allowed to optimize their own private spaces, employees at many companies have been placed in open-plan business offices. Fabric dividers have largely replaced solid walls, and where solid walls do still exist, they are increasingly made of clear glass.

So, transparency aside, what are the benefits of these modern business offices? Surprisingly enough, there may not be as big an upside to an "economical" workplace as expected. Sure, overhead costs are reduced by smaller, more condensed business offices, but those savings often cost corporations more in the long run. Employee satisfaction rates tumble, innovation suffers, and bright, talented folk run for the hills.

Thankfully, there is still hope for the humble office setting. Several well-known corporate giants, including Google, have turned the workspace concept on its head, creating unique offices and vastly improving staff morale as well as productivity.

In early 2013, Google opened a new office in Tel Aviv that sought to solve the most pervasive problem of an indoor work setting: not enough outside time. Nearly half of the office space is devoted to natural design. Even trees are included in the setup, which is intended to envelop employees in ecofriendly goodness as they go about the day's business.

Google's Zurich business offices are equally inventive. The premises are equipped with a set of metal slides, which are set up between floors, providing a fun alternative to stairs. Poles are also incorporated for ultra-quick floor-to-floor transition. If employees feel overwhelmed, they can immerse themselves in an underwater world via the aquarium room.

Last on the list of unique offices is Google's Canadian home in Toronto. The building is constructed to enable increased staff movement and to encourage activity, rather than stagnation. The premises come equipped with a number of interesting features, including a balcony upon which employees can challenge each other to mini golf tournaments.

If this collection of innovative workplaces inspires you, why not incorporate a few of the featured elements into your own workspace? If you plan to renovate or update your business office, you may be able to change your environment significantly, making it much more ergonomic in the process. A few simple modifications could help you meet quota more quickly and achieve goals successfully.

(Photo courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net)