Microsoft's Treehouse Office

Microsoft's Treehouse Office

An article in Ars Technica, and Langridge's blog, describe Microsoft's opening of a treehouse office in London's Pimlico Gardens, England. The project falls under Microsoft's MOOF (Mobile Out Of Office) initiative.

MOOF launched the treehouse office as a flexible alternative to the traditional concrete and glass work environ. It is an experiment in promoting employee flexibility and freedom in choosing where and how they work.

Microsoft commentators cite some interesting statistics to justify the treehouse office concept:

"From our research 73% of people consider the ability to work flexibly a deciding factor when choosing a new job; while 52% of workers believe they would enjoy a less stressful working life as a benefit of working remotely."

Also, "10 percent of British workers would like to work from a park or their garden".

The drive to attract creative and talented employees, and keep them, demands more flexibility in the employeer/employee relationship. So, it makes sense that an alternative tree house office could provide mutual work related benefits. It serves as both a test bed for mobile and wireless technologies and also a natural perk for employees.

As one Microsoft employee puts it:

"So, here I am and I have to say, despite the slightly breezy weather and the threat of rain, I'm enjoying the fresh air and the liberation and finding myself curiously motivated to work! Couldn't do it every day, but then, we all know the office is important too..."

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