What would your ideal office look like?

Anonymous

March 30,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

What would your ideal office look like?

I recently read how some companies are reimagining what their office physically looks like to adapt to their new work models. Do you prefer an open office space? Lots of private offices? Casual meeting spaces? Outdoor space?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

7 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

7 Comments

Join the conversation

Orlagh CostelloMarch 30,2022 at 2:28PM UTC
Private, quiet office, with a window for natural light and fresh air, preferably with about twice as much desk space as people appear to think I need so I can do computer stuff and then do paper stuff without having to rearrange everything...
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 4:24PM UTC
I'm really into minimalist, modern & sleek office space. I love pops of greenery and inviting natural light (floor to ceiling size windows) into the workspace. Large work surface are great, definitely need a quiet place and a "fun room" where you can write on the walls or work on the floor. Casual meeting spaces are cool, but prefer to keep those at a minimum. Having a barista or at least a kitchen to make coffee/tea & holding snacks/food is a must.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 5:21PM UTC
A lot of light from windows and skylights.
Outdoor space, large meeting rooms with video screen walls for video conferences. Lots of tech.
Large equiped Kitchen(s) . Beautiful clean restrooms and additional smaller breakoutrooms
The flow needs to make sense
Not many private offices.
Jessica BurtonMarch 30,2022 at 9:40PM UTC
I like a private workspace (now that I've been working from home for 2-years), and outdoor space for a walk at lunchtime, I like the idea of casual meeting spaces- I picture couches, pillows, etc. like a living room space!
Sophie JoernMarch 31,2022 at 2:29PM UTC
I have also read a few articles recently on how employers are revamping the physical workspaces and I came across one idea of the "coffee shop or cafe" feel. This includes minimal traditional "desks", cozy spaces and seating options, and warm colors to promote a comfortable and collaborative environment. Personally I loved this idea! I think reinventing the work space for staff is a long term cost effective way to engage employees and help make the transition of back to working in the office + flexible work from home and scheduling options.
KatMarch 31,2022 at 2:32PM UTC
My preferred space is my home office. But if I was designing a new work space, offices would be preferred to cubicles or the even worse open office. Private offices with some sound dampening separate from any common/reception areas. Quiet, personal spaces to work with few interruptions. I don't need a window, but soft overhead lighting that I can control rather than harsh fluorescent lights is preferred. A nicely landscaped outdoor area with seating for breaks/lunches/walks. Small conference rooms with comfortable chairs and pleasant outdoor views.
Jillian KnappMarch 31,2022 at 10:06PM UTC
It’s hard to know. So much has changed in the last couple of years. I think my “just right” would not only be an ideal office but one flexible in way of time I need to be there. That said while there I want an easy setup that I can slide my laptop into a cubicle and attach to 2 monitors. I also want private rooms for meetings and somewhere I could have a setup to facilitate sessions without interruption. That’s off the top of my head but I’m sure there’s more… like a great coffee machine!!