I’ve been to some of the most incredible offices in the world.
Google. Microsoft. Mailchimp. New York Times. Nike. San Francisco Giants. Chicago Cubs. MGM Grand.
The list goes deep. I’m always inspired by the amount of thought that goes into workplace design to bring out the best in people.
It’s hard to pinpoint the singlemost “inspiring” workplace I’ve stepped foot in. But if I had to choose, probably the Nike Innovation Kitchen. It’s where the magic happens at Nike. Very off limits, even to employees. But stepping foot in the Kitchen lives up to the Innovation name. It’s like Zach Kaplan’s Inventables meets athletics meets the brightest minds around. The space is also very “kid-like.” Not corporate at all. It’s like kindergarten mashed up with a startup atmosphere.
Overall, pretty amazing.
What Is the Best Office in the World?
An inspiring office environment can have a significant impact on employee productivity and overall workplace satisfaction. We asked professionals from various industries to share their most inspiring office experiences, and they provided us with four unique and awe-inspiring examples. From a stylish warehouse office to the innovative Googleplex, discover what made these spaces so memorable and inspiring for our respondents.
- Function Meets Style in a Converted Warehouse Office
- Creative Atmosphere and Inspiring Quote
- Warm, Calming Office Environment
- Innovation and Creativity at Googleplex
Function Meets Style in a Converted Warehouse Office
Once I was assigned to assist a team of designers who were working on a project in a converted warehouse office that had been transformed into a modern, open-plan workspace. The high ceilings and skylights allowed natural light to flood in, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The walls were adorned with colorful artwork and inspirational quotes, adding to the creativity and motivation of the team. The office also had various breakout areas, including a cozy lounge and a well-stocked kitchen. These spaces encouraged socialization and collaboration, and the team would often bounce ideas off each other while enjoying a coffee or snack.
The office layout maximized productivity and creativity, with ample desk space, private meeting rooms, and phone booths for confidential conversations. The open-plan layout allowed for easy communication, fostering a sense of community. It was a perfect blend of function and style, and the designers felt energized and inspired by their surroundings.
Lorien Strydom
Executive Country Manager, Financer.com
Creative Atmosphere and Inspiring Quote
One of the most inspiring offices I have ever visited was a tech startup in Silicon Valley. The office had an open-plan layout and was filled with natural light, which made it feel very inviting. There were also plenty of artwork and sculptures around the office that gave it a creative atmosphere.
The highlight for me was the enormous glass wall at the back of the office that had an inspiring quote written on it. It said, “Dream Big and Dare to Fail.” This message resonated with me and reminded me to keep striving for my goals no matter what.
Aviad Faruz
CEO, FARUZO
Warm, Calming Office Environment
Plenty of modern offices lack a certain warmth. That’s because contemporary design focuses too much on a style that could only be described as sterile. That’s also why the most inspiring office I’ve ever been to was the exact opposite. A pleasant contrast of both light and dark colors, occasional flowers here and there, and plenty of open space automatically made me feel at ease and calm. Such an atmosphere was truly inspiring.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, ePassportPhoto
Innovation and Creativity at Googleplex
I visited the Googleplex in Mountain View, California in early 2017. It was an inspiring place to be, full of innovative ideas and creative minds. The Googleplex is home to the headquarters of the world’s largest search engine and one of the most successful technology companies in the world.
The Googleplex is a sprawling campus with a multitude of buildings and amenities. From the moment I stepped inside, I was awed by the sheer size of the complex. The main campus comprises several low-rise buildings and two large courtyards. The buildings are designed with lots of glass to let in natural light and are adorned with bright colors and artwork.
The main courtyard is filled with lush gardens, colorful flowers, and a large pond. There are also plenty of places to sit and relax, providing a peaceful atmosphere. The other courtyard is home to the iconic Google logo and a large green grassy area.
Lukasz Zelezny
SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
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