Sparkles and Shoes

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My Dream Office

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As most of you know, I work from home but a few weeks ago showed two images of my dream home office.  I am taking some of these design elements and applying them into my own corporate office, with no sense of budget (not realistic, but a girl can dream).  I would start by removing the things I dread –  fluorescent lights, bare cream-colored walls, and those dreary cubicles.  Then, these are the things I would be sure to add:

Natural Light 

Research suggests that the benefits of natural light in the workplace far outweighing any benefits of artificial lights.  It makes perfect sense that an increase in natural light lessens the need for any artificial light source, and that means lower energy consumption.  My dream office would not be built with the sole purpose of being green but it can not hurt – switching to natural light will greatly reduce an officeโ€™s carbon footprint. Medically natural light has also been linked with fewer headaches, increases in attentiveness, reductions in accidents and even better quality sleep when workers are at home.

A Slide

Since most corporate environments do not factor in the time for “fun time” or a break the idea of a playground may be going a bit too far which is why I like the idea of a slide.   Across the Google offices they have EIGHT and I love this article on The Best Slides And Worst Slides In Google’s Offices!  From the dozens of corporate slides I have looked at I’ve decided on an inclosed slide, like this one below at Google, and incorporating some aspects of the amazing one RedBull has in the middle of their London headquarters – my office slide would also be adjacent to a floating staircase. 

Phone booths

When you work in an open floor plan there are those brief conversations you really need to step away from your desk for – to take a client call to discuss important financials or simply to confirm a personal doctor’s appointment. Individual phone booths are a great way to give employees more privacy for those calls they need to pick up immediately and my dream office would have attendants who handle diverted calls so no one important has to go to voicemail.  This combination would definitely increase the opportunities for uninterrupted work. PS. I love the dog under the chair in that photo but I am not going to touch the subject of pets in the office. 

A Fully Stocked Kitchen

I am a much more productive employee when I am fed and caffeinated, as are many other people I have worked with in corporate environments   Therefore, at a bare minimum, my kitchen would have a single cup Keurig brewer with hazelnut coffee and green tea cups, among other varieties and lots of diet soda. For other employees we would have regular soda and lots of seltzer water.  My office would also stock tons of healthy snacks from string cheese and greek yogurt to almonds, veggies, and fresh fruit –  the more the better! Yet, I do think you can go a bit to far, a kitchen that is intense enough to serve free breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a bit much. 
Conference Room

Simply put, conference rooms are were s**t gets done. You sit, brainstorm, problem solve, and discuss until the reason you entered the room has met a satisfactory end.  As people spend so much time in these rooms, I would make them pretty with interesting but not distracting pops of color and lots of writing space. The 2013 version of chalkboard paint is whiteboard paint and all of the reachable surfaces in my office would be covered in it.  


Treadmill Desks

I would have these as options but not as a permeant desk for any employee, rather a place you can bring your computer. I prefer the idea of a firm offers treadmill desks for employee use and encourages an active workplace environment. I have done quite a bit of research on this and while many found it difficult to walk, talk, think and concentrate a slow, casual pace, about 1.4 miles an hour, works for many. And one obesity expert at the Mayo Clinic said,  “There’s a tendency to want to jump on the treadmill and walk for hours and hours a day,” James Levine says. “Don’t do that. Certainly, at the absolute maximum, do half-hour on, half an hour off, for two to three hours a day.” Okay, I can handle that! 


Does your dream office match mine?  What changes would you make? 



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Comments

  1. Nicole Pharr says

    Those treadmill desks are quite interesting. Like you said in the post, I can’t imagine that I’d be able to get anything done while on it though. I’d definitely try for sure! And natural light just inspires me so it’s totally a must in a work space!

  2. A Lonestar State of Southern says

    I am SO with you on natural light! It is my favorite decoration of all, and always brightens my mood! Loved reading through this. Can’t wait to see pics i you ever incorporate all of these into the same space!!! How fun! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Love, Kate

    alonestarstateofsouthern.wordpress.com

  10. Angela Keeley-White says

    my co-worker just got a treadmill desk. it’s too cool!

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechicblog.com

  18. Andrea McCann says

    I’m pretty sure I wish my “office” had a slide. Ooo and a fire pole to slide down ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I’m five.

  30. Brittany Ruth says

    My goodness, I’m loving the treadmill desks! I currently have a desk job(that I’m at right now!) and I have to sit here about 8 hours a day. That can take it’s toll and make you gain weight. Would love if we could have that, although I’ve been told it’s okay to bring in a yoga ball to sit on, I’m not sure people would take me seriously lol. BTW I’m having a giveaway on my blog for a vintage inspired handmade clutch!

    -Brittany Ruth

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