Ideal startup office environment?
ErrantX: We're building a big new office at the moment and this is the ideas we like so far.* go for the BEST chairs you can. Buy them first and buy plenty (I'd say the number you want plus 10% more :)).* lots and lots and lots of desk space. encourage people to move about (laptops and plenty of desktops).* white board walls are a must (we have one glass wall and the facing wall will be one huge WB)* if you have servers and suchlike pop up some big screens with "monitors" of their status on them (this is stolen from last.fm :)). We are having 3 52" monitors with open casework and urgent notices etc. on them.* coffeee bar are - is essential. A proper area not just a ktichen. Make it off to one side of the main space with comfy chairs and an actual bar to seperate it* make a meeting space out of bean bags and a low japanese style table* make a collaboration area. slightly closed in with a smart projector and surrounded in white boards. It does wonders for group work!I agree with the others - nerfball and such like is neat (and if you have an outdoor area then you should put something in) but often has a reverse impact. One better option could be to install a gym of some description. Just a few bits and pieces. Gym is good exercise (which is always good for us programmers to get a break :D) and will help make your staff more active. But it is not something they can spend all day every day doing - and also somethign they would tend to do at the end (or start of the day). Oh and you'd need a shower too probably.