Posts Tagged ‘work’

If Twenty-Somethings Could Design Their Own Office Spaces, What Would They Look Like?

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

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, equipping 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?

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What is it Like to Live and Work in Chicago?

Monday, August 11th, 2008

Brazen Careerist , the twenty-something blogger network that I’m a part of, has been featuring articles on various cities from the perspective of young people who live there. I recently wrote an article on what it’s like to live and work in Chicago—and why Chicago is more manageable than many other large cities.

Read the article: My City, Chicago

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Companies Must Look Beyond Salaries For Employee Loyalty

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

Market vs. Social Norms in the Workplace

Predictably Irrational Book Cover
In a fascinating look at human behavior, Dan Ariely’s Predictably Irrational points out that there is a distinct difference between social and market relationships. For example, when a friend helps you move, they do so based on a social relationship, and so they expect nothing in return. On the other hand, hiring a mover is a purely market relationship, based on the fact that the mover will be compensated for his or her work.

If you tried to offer your friend money to help you move, he would likely be offended, but offer your friend a gift as a token of your gratitude, and he will be delighted by your thoughtfulness.

So how does this fit in with the workplace?

As Ariely points out, the American workforce used to be based largely on market norms. There was a clear separation between work and personal time, and wages were paid based on hours worked. Today, as wages shift from hourly to salary and we are expected to be “always on” with our blackberries and laptops (not even vacations are sacred anymore), employers need to find ways to make employees loyal to their companies, to build committed social relationships that go beyond the simple market transaction of work = pay.

Look at Fortune’s Top 100 Employers to Work For . This list is made up of companies that go beyond salaries to show that they are committed to the employee-employer relationship. They offer such benefits as onsite gyms, free healthy meals, childcare, full health-care coverage, continued education and "extracurricular activities" with colleagues.

It’s all too easy these days to jump ship for a new job with higher pay—and many are doing just that—but the companies that make the extra effort to create a social relationship with employees and make them feel that what they have is special will find themselves with lower turnover.

What is your company doing?

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