We all want to be as productive as possible in the office, but is there a science to this? Studio Alliance, a European alliance of workplace experts, have analysed the office spaces of the top 5 most successful CEOs to uncover the top features these office spaces have in commons.
They have also researched the psychological benefits these office features bring to their employees to unveil whether a correlation exists between individuals’ workplaces and the company’s accomplishments.
1) Open Plan Desks – Open-concept workstations offer employees increased flexibility and adaptability while catering effectively to group collaborative tasks. They prove advantageous for individuals who thrive in the presence of coworkers, as the concept of “body doubling” effectively bolsters task commitment and concentration.
Elon Musk has a net worth of $240 billion & CEO of Tesla and Space X; The offices above are those of Space X where open-plan desks are a common theme.
2) Outside Spaces – Office greenspaces or outdoor areas benefit employees by providing a refreshing change of environment, fostering relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing mood. Exposure to nature has psychological advantages, boosting creativity and overall well-being. Such spaces encourage social interaction and teamwork, contributing to improved job satisfaction and mental resilience.
Steve Ballmer has a net worth of $115 billion and is the CEO of Microsoft; his offices utilize outdoor space
3) Onsite Café & Food Stations: Incorporating cafes within the office establishes a central gathering place where employees can convene in a relaxed setting away from workstations. Additionally, it offers the advantage of easily accessible refreshments for those engaged in work, eliminating the need to endure potentially lengthy queues often encountered in public cafes.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, with a net worth of $120B, ensures convenient refuelling for employees through dedicated food stations and cafés within the Meta offices.
4) Small Bursts Of Colour (Mostly Blue and Orange)- Colours can influence our emotional reactions and mental well-being. Within a professional setting, the objective is to cultivate a sense of tranquillity and concentration among employees. Hues like red and blue evoke comfort, happiness, and enthusiasm.
With a net worth of $154 billion, Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO, infuses pops of colour throughout the company’s offices.
5) Games Areas –Game areas in offices offer employees recreational breaks, fostering stress relief, creativity, and camaraderie. They aid psychologically by promoting relaxation, boosting mood through playful activities, and encouraging social interaction, enhancing overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Larry Ellison, Oracle’s CEO with a net worth of $130 billion, boasts an engaging office adorned with games and entertainment distributed throughout the space.