6. Focus on utility.
When the basics of a functional office work flawlessly, and when complaints regarding technology and equipment malfunctions are answered and remedied quickly, that goes a long way to making employees satisfied with their surroundings. But you'll want to go several steps further. "Companies should take advantage of the research and give thought to furniture design and how it fits the needs of employees and their work habits," writes Goodell, who also suggests the space should be wired to support Wi-Fi to maximize the space's flexibility. But don't let utility override personality: Remember, your employees spend more time at work than almost anywhere else, so "it should be a comfortable and inspiring environment," with wall colors and art that support your company's image and culture. Read more.
7. Make the office optional.
Well, sometimes. A flexible work-week came into vogue during the recession, when plenty of companies – and even municipalities – looking to cut down on office expenses implemented four-day work-weeks. Peter Vanden Bos wrote about how it worked for Emily Stoddard Furrow and Gretchen DeVault, co-owners of DVQ Studio, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based branding and communication strategy firm DeVault founded in 2006. "We wanted to make this a different kind of business, so we decided on the four-day workweek from the get-go," DeVault says. "We've all worked in places where you get burned out easily, so we wanted to make this a place where you enjoy coming to work." It's also a way for them to distinguish their company in hiring, because they can attach a value to the benefit of having three-day weekends." Read more.
8. Make education a priority.
Did you hear that McDonald's has its own Hamburger University? Like large corporations before them, top small workplaces are adopting the university metaphor for their education efforts, which often cover not just business and technology but also nonwork subjects: ceramics, wine tasting, and more, Leigh Buchanan reports. She writes: "Last year, SnagAJob.com, a $21.8 million job-search site in Glen Allen, Virginia, offered employees 62 classes through its eclectic program, Snagger U. Classes, which are taught by in-house experts, take place during the workday and last for an hour or two. Eight to 12 employees typically show up for each class." The article goes on to describe – through the employees who have taken the courses – some of the most recent "university" offerings. Read more.
9. Consider mixing uses in a great space.
If the prices of great real estate are hindering your business from having all the open-air space it needs to grow and thrive, take a lesson from Jason Fried, who runs 37Signals. At one point in transitioning inexpensive office-spaces, he held an event, charging $300 a head, and profiting $9,000. That was three months' rent paid in one day. Fried writes: "That was a light-bulb moment. An office can be free – and even a profit center – if you start thinking about your company's byproducts." So, when Fried and co. found a beautiful raw space just six blocks from their current office with natural light and plenty of space, he signed the papers. "True to our vision, about a third of the 10,000 square feet is dedicated to teaching. We built a theater-style classroom, with 37 seats, in which we can give presentations, hold workshops, and offer training and support classes for our customers. We plan on holding the first of many regular workshops this fall," he writes. Read more.
10. Add some perks.
Okay, so this isn't directly related to the office space or congeniality in the office. But certain perks, in addition to useful and efficient amenities, can make employees feel like a million bucks – and perform like they're worth it. We compiled 10 perks we love, from free dinner to being able to bring kids to the office. See more.
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