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How Much Do You Value Your Office Space?

Posted by Cliff on from the elbow-room-vs-cold-hard-cash dept.

reason asks: "I've heard that office space costs around $10,000 per employee, and sometimes much more. I have a great office: it's a nice size and I have a lovely view out the window. It's a good working environment, and I know I'm lucky. Still, if it came down to dollar terms, I'd be willing to share my office with a colleague or even move into a cubicle in exchange for a mere $5,000/year pay rise. Am I undervaluing what I have? If you have an office to yourself, how much would they have to pay you to make you willingly give it up? If you don't have an office, how much of a pay cut would you be prepared to take to get one?"

4 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Google and Me by komodo9 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Look at Google. They have very few offices, but instead many small rooms with 4-6 people in each. They say it enhances collaboration through discussion and brainstorming. If you're ever unsure about something, you can turn around and ask someone very quickly.

    To me personally, office space doesn't mean much. I almost prefer to work with others around rather than being isolated in an office by myself.
    --
    United Bimmer - BMW Enthusiast Community

    1. Re:Google and Me by AKAImBatman · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Look at Google. They have very few offices, but instead many small rooms with 4-6 people in each.

      I will point out, however, that they are rooms. I imagine that background noise is minimal, and people are allowed to focus on their tasks. In comparison, I've worked in environments with tons of open cubicles. The background noise really interferes with trying to focus on what you're doing. You don't even notice it at first, but the moment you find a quiet space you suddenly notice the difference.

      So in short, you need a conductive workspace, of which offices are only one type. :-)

      --
      Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
    2. Re:Google and Me by Tadrith · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The only problem with that is the problem I've had -- stupid people suddenly turn you into a walking question and answer machine.

      Collaboration only works when everyone is willing to work. Otherwise you get people who are lazy, stupid, and would much rather ask you instead of figuring it out for themselves.

  2. I'm not sure if I could put a value on it by Neil+Blender · · Score: 5, Insightful

    But shutting the door and thus muting the conversation about what is going on in the latest edition of American Idol is pretty damn valuable to me.

    Being able to control the lighting is also very valuable.

    Privacy too. I don't like people to hearing what I am saying unless I actually want them to overhear it regardless of what I am talking about.

    Ohhh - closed door meetings - those have lots of value.

    I think I'd need at least a 50% raise.