subject: Social networking offices [print this page] Social networking offices Social networking offices
Social networking has become a beast of an enterprise. Concocted by nerdy computer geeks the likes of facebook, twitter and myspace are impossible to escape from.
Perhaps you are one of the many who dislike these new technologies and choose to shy away from anything that reduces privacy and increases exhibitionism. However, the enormous success of innovative social platforms illustrates that the majority of the modern world is keen to get a piece of the collective action.
Companies who have created and developed these sites are raking in the cash. This is exemplified in the extraordinary offices their staff work in, which are peppered with modern interior design, glass screens, shots of vibrant colour and fancy seating arrangements.
Social networking mega star Facebook has just moved into new offices in Palo Alto in California and boasts a dj set among its decorative pieces. Staff at the firm were asked their opinions on how they would like the space to be designed and used; apt for a company that champions social interaction and communication.
The walls of the Twitter headquarters are graced with the company birdie logo on a pale blue backdrop. Pretty communal kitchen areas and a massive dining area share the same black carpet tiling striped with lime green lines.
LinkedIn offices have a table tennis area, multi-coloured seating blocks and mammoth employee vending machines.
The MySpace Beverly Hills office headquarters has red walls, screens to play computer games on, basketball hoops and drum sets. The space is supposed to generate creativity, strengthen team bonds and increase interpersonal contact, as are all of the other incredibly designed office spaces.
Perhaps these designs are the precursors to the way the majority of future offices will turn. Employers may begin to focus on employee satisfaction and create office spaces that heighten team spirit. Until then the humble cubicle will have to suffice for the millions of office workers around the globe who don't work for a social networking giant.
