Inside Havas WW Chicago wonderland
Havas WW Chicago has recently pimped its offices to build up a better working environment. By entering through the main hall everything looks quite normal, it is only when you get into the third floor that you become aware of how unusual and stunning the place is.
So, it was quite a shock when I first discovered the auditorium with reclining chairs, a welcome bag with everything we need to experience the office properly and…a puppy.
The open-floor plan gathers multiple expertise but also executives and employees in one giant space. Detractors would support that it is totally counter-productive, which is probably true for many industries and companies that do not integrate the need for more privacy and quiet setting.
Havas Chicago has thought of everything for everyone.
The open-floor areas are surrounded by an impressive number of conference rooms that give you the opportunity to find more private environments to work, whereas shared and teaming areas (kitchens, stages…)help to foster cooperation between teams and the village’s different entities. Hence, when you have an idea or a question you don’t have to wait for the next formal meeting but you are able to challenge your thoughts on such conversational and spontaneous places that make everyone more confortable.
By stopping to that point, you may wonder what is so remarkable, but that’s not all…
Art pieces are everywhere and surprise you in every corner of the office. A barbershop and nail salon are available on demand.
Day-to-day life is full of surprises: Bagel Friday, Fooda, Beer Cart…all these initiatives are centered on creating the most motivating environment and what seems obvious is that when you work for a creative company it can only help if your environment is stimulating.
The management is aware of how important employees’ satisfaction to the company and is initiating plenty of initiatives to ensure that each of them feels good while they are at work.
The “Better you” program helps them to fuel their passions and accomplish what they love to do, whereas “Power Play” sessions are 5 minutes interviews (and no more) with the CCO and the CEO in which each employee has the opportunity to share their ideas for improving the agency. Everything is done to encourage people developing their own projects that could serve clients on another perspective and thus to reinforce the “maker culture” that clearly appears as Havas Chicago’s key strength.
Havas Chicago is definitely a unique model for all those who work on closed and sterile spaces, with broken doors and walls. In saying this, I can only measure the chance I have to experience it during one month.
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