Creating a resort out of workplace

Not so long ago an office did exactly what it said on the tin; provided a place to work. However, times are changing and offices are now moving way beyond that starting point with leading firms creating a whole lifestyle environment for their workforce.

It's not too surprising that IT firms are leading the way, with Google and Microsoft particularly standing out, providing their staff with a destination offering an abundance of facilities and services to make the time spent at work more pleasurable.

If you take Google as an example, when you hear the unbelievable range of amenities in their workplaces, it is enough to make you apply for a job there. Some of the Google offices offer workers; three daily catered meals, on-site massage therapist, free gym membership and games room complete with air hockey, darts and foosball.

It is fair to say that what the web giants have created is a resort, rather than simply a place of work. The offices boast giant white boards, colourful bouncy balls, plenty of lava lamps and free snacks and for all of you pet lovers, even dogs are welcome, with a pet centre complete with treats and toys.

If all of this sounds a little crazy then fear not, there is a "quiet room" complete with lava lamp and massage chair where Google employees can take some time out and relax while conjuring up the next big thing for the World Wide Web.

Now obviously all of this entertainment and environment must come with a hefty price tag and while it sounds more like adventure land than work you could maybe question how employees find the time to do any work with so many distractions close to hand. However, for Google, this is one of the key factors to its success.

The company's directors see the offices as creating an "intellectual stimulation" in a fun environment, which in turn creates a happy, embedded workforce. I guess it's no coincidence that Google is often voted one of the best companies in the world to work for.

While I am sure there are other advantages than just the unique office concept, the fact is that the ethos of this company runs throughout it, including in the work environment, and as such, help aids staff retention in what is an extremely competitive sector.

Provisions

Now obviously the Google example is the exception rather than the norm and to create such an environment requires heck of a lot of space, something that we are not currently blessed with in Dubai at the moment.

While I am not suggesting that all companies follow the Google approach, it does raise the question of provisions for employees within office space. We all spend so much time at work that the more comfortable an environment we work in, the better. All firms should look to utilise space to the maximum and if the opportunity arises, provisions and amenities to benefit employees should be included.

One advantage that many commercial towers in Dubai have is the retail provision that comes hand in hand and therefore providing employees with the opportunity to take in some retail therapy at lunch time, have a manicure or massage, buy some groceries or even meet with colleagues for a coffee and snack. Admittedly, it is not quite at Google's five star standards, but it's a good start!

The writer is managing director of Better Homes.