Going to work can be a bit of a chore for some people – but not if the office is an exciting, aesthetically appealing and intriguing place to be.



Google’s UK home for its engineers is perhaps the most famous example of an office building that challenges expectations – kitted out like a spaceship, but also acknowledging its central London location, just down the road from Buckingham Palace. Red telephone boxes, floor maps inspired by the iconic underground design, and lounges set out in the style of the city’s parks, complete with flowerbeds, all contribute to the environment. Its website boasts of a “quirky, independent design sensibility” – and it’s hard to disagree.

Channelled energy

Other businesses take their cues from the immediate environment – shopping channel QVC makes a point of emphasising the beauty surrounding its offices in Chiswick Park, describing it as “an urban oasis in the heart of west London”. In contrast to the cutting-edge technology within its studios, the company has a feature lake and waterfall outside, making it an attractive and relaxing space to work in or visit.

Even without Google’s room and resources, though, or the beautiful green spaces of west London, companies can still provide very special places for their staff. And the benefits of this are irrefutable.

“You can’t create a remarkable product or service if you have an average office culture,” says Paul Harris of BrightHR, a software firm.

Beach day at BrightHR. Photograph: Matt Taylor

Business goals

BrightHR has made its office a fun place to be by encouraging staff to play – not just by setting up board games and computer consoles, but also by creating space for a couple of football nets. It’s not unusual for staff to spend time before or after an important meeting competing in a penalty shoot-out, just to relieve their stress.

“We’re on the ninth floor and have great views over Manchester,” adds Harris. “We don’t have meeting rooms for the most part – we have open collaboration spaces. Nothing’s locked behind closed doors. If you want people to have ideas and be creative, you have to encourage them to be different. If you’re having fun and you’re relaxed and it’s easy to collaborate with your colleagues, it’s a much better environment.”

He admits that it can be a challenge for new employees to get used to this unique workspace, but he stresses that it’s all about setting a good example: “Buy-in has to start at the top, because it does take a bit of encouragement. That makes a massive difference.”

BrightHR may yet have a few tweaks and additions to the office. “It’s something you have to pay attention to all the time,” says Harris. In fact, he already has his eye on a new toy. “I’ve always wanted to have a slide in the office,” he confesses.

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