I have often imagined what my ideal office space would look like. I went to college with a generation of students who experienced total freedom to explore and create wherever technology allowed—which was generally everywhere. In the corporate world, on the other hand, most young professionals find themselves tied to the same desk day after day.
I was reminded of this the other day when I went to the Twestival event at Catalyst Ranch here in Chicago, where I met up with a few other young professionals. The unique space was reminiscent of the offices I had seen in my daydreams:
- Open and creative
- Wifi throughout
- Tables and chairs for concentrated work
- Plenty of spaces for groups to sit around in cozy chairs to collaborate on ideas
- Various rooms and spaces to escape to for some quiet
I have to wonder if the corporate world will ever see a push toward more offices like this, equiping employees with laptops, wifi and plenty of inspiration. This is becoming a natural environment for many young professionals, especially as more grow up with the mobile freedom of wireless technology. Might it make them more comfortable and productive at work, or do you think it would be a distraction?
What does your ideal office look like?
Angela Seits
I wish that the average employer would take a cue from Hollywood and allow for more creativity in office spaces. I think it would inspire greater creative thinking.
Instead of a cube farm with gray cubicles and huge mahogany desks (current), my ideal office environment would be very modern, airy and have touches of color, plants, and natural lighting. I love the idea of spaces for collaboration and comfy chairs. Finally, we’d all have Mac computers and wireless internet… cords all over the place is a huge pet peeve of mine!
Vixel
Mine would probably involve a huge armchair with wide, flat arms so that I can use a laptop on them whilst wrapped in a blanket. The walls would be cheery with pieces of art on them instead of dull beige and covered with years of blue-tack stains and cracks.
Rachel M. Esterline .:. A Step Ahead
My ideal office would have comfortable chairs and couches with blankets, because I’m always cold. Then as long as I have my laptop, I think I’m pretty much happy.
I think the workplace will evolve as Gen Y climbs the career ladder and becomes more in charge of things.
Chandni Luthra
This has been an issue with me since I started working, I think today’s technology oriented and mobile world calls for a more mobile workplace. Sitting in a cubicle form 9-5 just doesn’t work anymore, especially when it comes to creative work like marketing and communication.
So the ideal workplace would be one where there are no restrictions on where one works from as long as the work gets done.