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Ideal workspace / office for developers

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  • S SimonS

    I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
    "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
    article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

    M Offline
    M Offline
    Megan Forbes
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    Add nice sized windows, and lots of corners so everyone has monitor privacy :cool:


    Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams
    Meg's World - Blog Photography - The product of my passion

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    • S SimonS

      I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
      "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
      article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

      S Offline
      S Offline
      Shog9 0
      wrote on last edited by
      #6

      v. Cool! SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients Got it backwards - programmers should be exposed to clients, so they see the hell their managers have to go through for them. Clients, on the other hand, should never be exposed to programmers. SimonS wrote: foosball table Naw, too hard to take a break and play foosball if you're the only one working late. A pool (or other billiards of some sort) table would be good though.

      Your sincerity about keeping the soapbox organized and civilized is so obvious. I solute your effort. -- Anonymous, 10/18/03

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      • S SimonS

        I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
        "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
        article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

        D Offline
        D Offline
        David Wulff
        wrote on last edited by
        #7

        A bondage room to keep the boss in. Uh oh... :-O


        David Wulff The Royal Woofle Museum

        Always smile, because you never know who has fallen in love with it

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        • S SimonS

          I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
          "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
          article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

          M Offline
          M Offline
          Michael P Butler
          wrote on last edited by
          #8

          SimonS wrote: zero-politics hmm, I would think this one was impossible. SimonS wrote: foosball table Why? If it is a good working environment they will want to work. Why play games at work when you could go home. The aim of every developer should be to get the job done and then go home to their family and friends. SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors hmm, 5 years ago I would have agreed. However with the changing programmer job market. The more a developer understands the business and can deal with the people, the more chance they have of making a telling contribution to the company. SimonS wrote: feedback on what the company is doing Good communications is always a plus. Michael 'Logic, my dear Zoe, merely enables one to be wrong with authority.' - The Doctor: The Wheel in Space

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          • M Michael P Butler

            SimonS wrote: zero-politics hmm, I would think this one was impossible. SimonS wrote: foosball table Why? If it is a good working environment they will want to work. Why play games at work when you could go home. The aim of every developer should be to get the job done and then go home to their family and friends. SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors hmm, 5 years ago I would have agreed. However with the changing programmer job market. The more a developer understands the business and can deal with the people, the more chance they have of making a telling contribution to the company. SimonS wrote: feedback on what the company is doing Good communications is always a plus. Michael 'Logic, my dear Zoe, merely enables one to be wrong with authority.' - The Doctor: The Wheel in Space

            S Offline
            S Offline
            Shog9 0
            wrote on last edited by
            #9

            Michael P Butler wrote: Why? If it is a good working environment they will want to work. Doesn't mean they should though. It's good for your health to take short breaks now and then, to avoid sitting, etc. Also, at times i'll need to take a break - let my mind wander for a bit and hope it comes back with a solution to whatever i'm working on. Games, walks in the woods, etc. are good for this. :)

            Your sincerity about keeping the soapbox organized and civilized is so obvious. I solute your effort. -- Anonymous, 10/18/03

            R 1 Reply Last reply
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            • S SimonS

              I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
              "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
              article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

              R Offline
              R Offline
              Rohit Sinha
              wrote on last edited by
              #10

              Free coke/coffee/tea/whatever A place where they can smoke (if they do). I've found people absolutely start hating the place if they have the habit but can't smoke at work. All the time they'll be itching to go out and have a puff. Much better to let them smoke where they want to. If you can, have a separate smoking room. Or if everyone smokes, or doesn't have a problem with others smoking in the same room, let them smoke right at their desk. That'd be really cool for them. Music is a must. Give each of them a set of good headphones. If possible, have a file server or something where you can keep all the porn mp3s. Talk to them as often as you can. Build their trust in you. It's very important to have an environment where the employees identify with the company they work for, and feel that they belong. Make them feel that they matter a lot to the company, and what they do is significant. A whole book can be written on this topic, so I'll stop. Read the rest of it in my book, "Untitled". I'll let you know as soon as I begin writing it. ;P
              Regards,

              Rohit Sinha

              Meet Browsy

              Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
              - Mother Teresa

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              • S Shog9 0

                Michael P Butler wrote: Why? If it is a good working environment they will want to work. Doesn't mean they should though. It's good for your health to take short breaks now and then, to avoid sitting, etc. Also, at times i'll need to take a break - let my mind wander for a bit and hope it comes back with a solution to whatever i'm working on. Games, walks in the woods, etc. are good for this. :)

                Your sincerity about keeping the soapbox organized and civilized is so obvious. I solute your effort. -- Anonymous, 10/18/03

                R Offline
                R Offline
                Rohit Sinha
                wrote on last edited by
                #11

                Exactly. I've found Solitaire to be very good for this purpose.
                Regards,

                Rohit Sinha

                Meet Browsy

                Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
                - Mother Teresa

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                0
                • R Rohit Sinha

                  Free coke/coffee/tea/whatever A place where they can smoke (if they do). I've found people absolutely start hating the place if they have the habit but can't smoke at work. All the time they'll be itching to go out and have a puff. Much better to let them smoke where they want to. If you can, have a separate smoking room. Or if everyone smokes, or doesn't have a problem with others smoking in the same room, let them smoke right at their desk. That'd be really cool for them. Music is a must. Give each of them a set of good headphones. If possible, have a file server or something where you can keep all the porn mp3s. Talk to them as often as you can. Build their trust in you. It's very important to have an environment where the employees identify with the company they work for, and feel that they belong. Make them feel that they matter a lot to the company, and what they do is significant. A whole book can be written on this topic, so I'll stop. Read the rest of it in my book, "Untitled". I'll let you know as soon as I begin writing it. ;P
                  Regards,

                  Rohit Sinha

                  Meet Browsy

                  Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
                  - Mother Teresa

                  S Offline
                  S Offline
                  Steven Hicks n 1
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #12

                  Rohit  Sinha wrote: Free coke/coffee/tea/whatever Rohit  Sinha wrote: Music is a must. Give each of them a set of good headphones. If possible, have a file server or something where you can keep all the mp3s. Rohit  Sinha wrote: Talk to them as often as you can. Build their trust in you. It's very important to have an environment where the employees identify with the company they work for, and feel that they belong. Make them feel that they matter a lot to the company, and what they do is significant. What is your company and where is an application? I can't work without music. -Steven Hicks

                  CPA

                  CodeProjectAddict

                  Actual Linux Penguins were harmed in the creation of this message.

                  More tutorials: Ltpb.8m.com: Tutorials |404Browser.com (Download Link)

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                  0
                  • S Steven Hicks n 1

                    Rohit  Sinha wrote: Free coke/coffee/tea/whatever Rohit  Sinha wrote: Music is a must. Give each of them a set of good headphones. If possible, have a file server or something where you can keep all the mp3s. Rohit  Sinha wrote: Talk to them as often as you can. Build their trust in you. It's very important to have an environment where the employees identify with the company they work for, and feel that they belong. Make them feel that they matter a lot to the company, and what they do is significant. What is your company and where is an application? I can't work without music. -Steven Hicks

                    CPA

                    CodeProjectAddict

                    Actual Linux Penguins were harmed in the creation of this message.

                    More tutorials: Ltpb.8m.com: Tutorials |404Browser.com (Download Link)

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    Rohit Sinha
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #13

                    :-D
                    Regards,

                    Rohit Sinha

                    Meet Browsy

                    Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
                    - Mother Teresa

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • S SimonS

                      I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                      "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                      article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                      M Offline
                      M Offline
                      Mike Epprecht
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #14

                      Strippers. A company pervert (sorry you have Johan so you got that already). Seriously, an environment that is not too hot in summer and not too cool in winter. Cheers Mike Epprecht, MVP (SQL Server) Johannesburg, South Africa

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                      • S SimonS

                        I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                        "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                        article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                        S Offline
                        S Offline
                        Shayne Husson
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #15

                        What is a "foosball table" ?? Thanks, Shayne

                        J 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • S Shayne Husson

                          What is a "foosball table" ?? Thanks, Shayne

                          J Offline
                          J Offline
                          Jim Stewart
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #16

                          This[^] is a foosball table.

                          α.γεεκ

                          Fortune passes everywhere.
                          Duke Leto Atreides

                          K 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • S SimonS

                            I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                            "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                            article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                            RaviBeeR Offline
                            RaviBeeR Offline
                            RaviBee
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #17

                            A quiet environment. /ravi Let's put "civil" back in "civilization" Home | Articles | Freeware | Music ravib@ravib.com

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                            • J Jim Stewart

                              This[^] is a foosball table.

                              α.γεεκ

                              Fortune passes everywhere.
                              Duke Leto Atreides

                              K Offline
                              K Offline
                              KaRl
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #18

                              Oh...a baby-foot! :-D


                              Silence Means Death Stand On Your Feet Inner Fear Your Worst Enemy

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                              • S SimonS

                                I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                                "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                                article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                                B Offline
                                B Offline
                                Brad Bruce
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #19

                                Check out http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/BionicOffice.html[^]

                                J 1 Reply Last reply
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                                • S SimonS

                                  I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                                  "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                                  article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                                  J Offline
                                  J Offline
                                  Joe Woodbury
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #20

                                  SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors Like others, I strongly disagree with this, though great care needs to be taken when doing this. SimonS wrote: Good chairs Make that "good physical workspace". It's not just chairs, but lighting, desks, etc. I recommend, "Don't go cheap with 3rd party tools." I am continually baffled when companies are willing to pay me what they do, buy nice systems and even MSDN, but then balk when asked to spend $300 on a library or books. Oh yeah, add "Give them a book allowance and let them keep the books they buy." SimonS wrote: feedback on what the company is doing This is critical for building trust. Fortunately, I work for such a company right now. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke

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                                  • B Brad Bruce

                                    Check out http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/BionicOffice.html[^]

                                    J Offline
                                    J Offline
                                    Joe Woodbury
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #21

                                    I like most of it except how they set up monitors. I hate people reading over my shoulder when I work, though I do want someone to be able to sit comfortably next to me. I prefer having my desk set up such that when people come into my office, I can make eye contact immediately and talk to them without twisting around in my chair. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke

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                                    0
                                    • S SimonS

                                      I'm trying to create the best environment for our programmers (money permitting), but it's not the easiest thing. We've got decent machines and a super-casual environment ... all under a thatch-roof which is pretty cool. What's the general feeling on what makes a good working environment? My list (no particular order): technical managers :cool: zero-politics fast PCs Good bandwidth foosball table little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors feedback on what the company is doing flexible working hours Enough deskspace to bring monitor toys from home Good chairs Cheers, Simon sig ::
                                      "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead.", Jackie Chan on career choices.
                                      article :: animation mechanics in SVG     blog:: brokenkeyboards

                                      P Offline
                                      P Offline
                                      papaya_zm
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #22

                                      black coffee,my favourite

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                                      0
                                      • M Michael P Butler

                                        SimonS wrote: zero-politics hmm, I would think this one was impossible. SimonS wrote: foosball table Why? If it is a good working environment they will want to work. Why play games at work when you could go home. The aim of every developer should be to get the job done and then go home to their family and friends. SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors hmm, 5 years ago I would have agreed. However with the changing programmer job market. The more a developer understands the business and can deal with the people, the more chance they have of making a telling contribution to the company. SimonS wrote: feedback on what the company is doing Good communications is always a plus. Michael 'Logic, my dear Zoe, merely enables one to be wrong with authority.' - The Doctor: The Wheel in Space

                                        D Offline
                                        D Offline
                                        devvvy
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #23

                                        That's the idea. But in todays competitive environment, nobody goes home. Sooner or later, home will become a place where we sleep, shower and that's it. norm

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • J Joe Woodbury

                                          SimonS wrote: little exposure to clients, but good exposure with MS and other vendors Like others, I strongly disagree with this, though great care needs to be taken when doing this. SimonS wrote: Good chairs Make that "good physical workspace". It's not just chairs, but lighting, desks, etc. I recommend, "Don't go cheap with 3rd party tools." I am continually baffled when companies are willing to pay me what they do, buy nice systems and even MSDN, but then balk when asked to spend $300 on a library or books. Oh yeah, add "Give them a book allowance and let them keep the books they buy." SimonS wrote: feedback on what the company is doing This is critical for building trust. Fortunately, I work for such a company right now. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke

                                          D Offline
                                          D Offline
                                          devvvy
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #24

                                          "I am continually baffled when companies are willing to pay me what they do, buy nice systems and even MSDN, but then balk when asked to spend $300 on a library or books." That's a stupid thing to do. norm

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