Fast Talk

I believe so. It helps the general mood of an office and only fosters good morale and productivity. I don't think anyone would want to spend there days in a dark and drab cave.

Absolutely. Keep in mind that most Americans are now spending at least forty hours a week (usually more) in the office. This is more time than some people spend at home. A good office environment is a must for productivity and worker morale.

Of course! You want your greatest assets, your employees, to want to work hard for you, right?

I believe that office space has a lot to do with productivity. If the office is dark and dank, people will not work well. If it's bright and has a lot of collaborative workspaces, people will work better together and alone.

Do you feel that the setup of the Fast Company offices provide more interaction and involvement between employees and management? I like the open layout and lockers :)

During a recent conversation with a newspaper editor about their swanky new digs, he let it drop that he suspected it not only has had a postive impact on morale and productivity - but also on the tone of the publication. Seems that all those cranky old hacks needed were some Phillippe Starck furniture and Feng Shui!

don't come and visit me, you may never find me through the paper

Office spaces are all about status. If there is abundance of cubicles, sure nicer digs will make people more "productive," but only because you stop treating them like animals in a cage, and let them interact with others. But don't most of us still want the large corner office, with dark wood, high back black leather chair and an expense account for long lunches with clients? (Mad Men, anyone?)

DEPENDS...I agree that everyone likes to work in a cool, swanky environment. It probably increases productivity. Would you trade it for your bonus? I recently worked with a smaller company that invested in its environment in lieu of paying its employees. Instead of raises and bonuses everyone has a new desk or bigger office. The owner said, "Your bonus is working in a nicer environment." It caused lower productivity and lower morale to learn that all the profit for the year went into remodeling the office leaving nothing for the employees who had worked so hard all year.

Office space speaks to the value that an organization places on an individual or role. Having recently been moved from a decent private office to a cubicle on the shop floor there have been no tangible ill effects (same salary, same job status) but the residual effect is that of less value or importance to the organization.

Work environment is not as much a factor on productivity as it is a tremendous influence in attracting and keeping a better grade of employees. That said there are some basics. Drab dull interiors will bring out the same in overall employee response. Bright clean contemporary suroundings will lift the spirits of employees. The goal should be to provide an environment which minimizes the negative effects on employees. A positive work environment fosters teamwork and with that employees you can count on in times of duress. If you ignore the environment or treat it lightly, chances are you're doing the same to your employees.

great space usually reflect a great company. company that care enough to provide the best possible set up for their team is usually led by people that care for their people but also understand the neccessity of efficient and enjoyable work space. most people quit their job because they hate their boss or they feel underestimated either financially or on the relationship level. I am not mentioning also the fact that any customer or client walking in your office will expect to see a professional space rather than a dump.

Nice digs may keep some employees from becoming disatisfied if all other things are equal. The challenge is that all things are not equal. Which has a more powerful influence on employees? Having a nice work area, or having a supervisor who is positive, affirming, and who provides opportunities for growth and development? If people have a choice, I think most employees might prefer positive working relationships and an effective reward system over a nice, clean work environment. Better yet, why can't we have both?

I think that if employees have pride in their work environment, they will work harder and smarter and overall be more happy.

Definitely. However, there seems to be this "myth" that one's office must reflect one's industry or type of business. As such, corporate offices - unless it's the front-end business leading to the CEO's office - are often practical, functional, but boring. It also depends on which department of the company. The ones that receive a lot of visitors and need to impress are often well-designed, etc. On the other hand, companies in the creative business often have offices that reflect such creativity. Where I used to work, our advertising agency's offices had a pool table in the waiting area which also serves as recreation area for the staff.

I believe that enviroment is ONE key to improved productivity. Obviously employees are not going to give up their bonuses for nicer offices. (I need money to put into my own apartment)Me personally I find that certain enviroments for me make it harder to be creative. Working in the marketing department I come up with better ideas while driving home than sitting in my cubicle. Sometimes employees need to be inspired especially departments that have to be more creative. Companies should look into "Think Tanks" or company gym to allow employees to relieve stress and get the creative juices flowing.