Virtual Office View: Vocus Headquarters Has an Office Worth Going Home To

As someone who works from home and dishes on the struggles, the joys, and even some of the gadgets that come with having a home office, you would think it strange that I went for a tour of.... an office building.

Here's the deal.

The Vocus headquarters are unlike any other office space I've either worked in, or visited.

Vocus, located in Beltsville, Maryland, has built a mini town with a main street, and workspaces hidden inside little store fronts.

 Vocus 'Main Street'

Conference rooms are themed and include a movie theater, surf shop, flower shop, and even a traditional "Bored Room" - get it?

Book a conference room based on your mood! While each employee has a desk, CEO Rick Rudman told me straight up that he wants to see more people using the many open work spaces they have created including the coffee shops, the veranda, and the chill space which looks and feels very much like a spa.

And then he invited me to use those spaces any time I want.

 I refer to this space as The Veranda

Coffee shop has a record player and books and magazines lying around

How can you be stressed in this room?

Vocus is not just any company. And it starts at the top.

The CEO himself, along with the Director of PR took me on the tour of the Vocus building.

How in the world did THAT happen?

Like this:

The CEO of Vocus not only tweets, but actually monitors, responds, and engages with people talking about Vocus.   (It seems so simple when you spell it out. Isn't that what any of us using social media are supposed to be doing?)

On my tour I came to realize that the friendly and hospitable nature of the upper management extends not only to visitors, but to the employees as well.

For example, coffee, soda, even candy are available in any number of the 'shops' that line the main street area. There is a small shop that sells lunch items at very reduced rates (courtesy of being subsidized by Vocus), and popular Food Trucks make stops on a regular basis (coordinated by the company). For a healthy balance, there is an ENORMOUS fitness area with a full size gymnasium, cardio room, and weight room at one end of the building. Boot camp and yoga instructors make regular appearances. Plus, that Spa room? Once a week employees can schedule a mini massage with a professional.

Lesson Learned

It's clear that Vocus believes that if you take care of your employees, it will yield a happier and more productive team. This in turn leads to happier customers, which leads to more business, which leads to happier management, where the cycle starts all over.

Vocus seems to have a higher awareness of their brand, which extends to their company culture, their use of social, and ultimately to their customers. It's no wonder they recently experienced a 53% growth in revenue.

Do you know of a company that has created a comfortable and welcoming office?

For more on Vocus and my recent visit check out the Vocus blog and follow @Vocus on twitter.

Comments

[mackenzie]

This place looks amazing! As I sit here in my home office I am surrounded by letter openers, an envelope printer, a fax machine, and a stapler. I would love to be in the coffee shop surrounded by books, magazines and record players. I am going to have to visit the Vocus headquarters. Thanks for sharing!