While that sounds a bit high-minded, Microsoft and Steelcase have studies to back it up. For instance, Microsoft found that most workers feel career advancement "depends on their ability to be creative," but few think their workplace fosters that creativity. "Most employees are still working with outdated technology and in places that are rooted in the past, which makes it difficult for them to work in new, creative ways," said one analyst in the press release.

The various Creative Spaces include Steelcase Products like the $1,000 Gesture Chair, Brody Worklounge and $1,500 AirTouch Table. The concepts (shown in the gallery above) have descriptions that sound like Silicon Valley satire, but they should allow businesses to create employee-friendly creative spaces without Google-sized interior design budgets.

It's not exactly clear if Microsoft's products are being offered in a package with Steelcase products as part of Creative Spaces. At any rate, you can now see them at the Steelcase WorkLife Center in New York, with more coming online soon in San Francisco, Munich, London and other cities. The companies haven't revealed any pricing, probably since it varies according to the desired configuration. Select Steelcase dealers will also start selling the pen-enabled Surface Hub, which costs $9,000 in the 55-inch version and $22,000 for the 84-inch model.

Update: The article originally said that the Creative Spaces are at Steelcase Worklife Centers in ten cities, but they're only on display at one in New York City right now. Microsoft says, however, that "more showrooms will be coming online soon."