Qualtrics Offices: A Big Eye Opener

People take cues from external stimuli about their expected behavior. From the clothes that are worn, to the car one drives, to the words one uses around you – all of this tends to influence one’s attitude and behavior. One’s physical workspace is another big determinant of HOW one works.

Reflecting upon the experience visiting Qualtrics, I believe the special physical environment they’ve created positively influences their level of collaboration, teamwork, even efforts. The space they’ve created can unlock value out of their people that another space could not. The space is unlike what an employee might have known before – and as a result, that employee is freer to act in ways they haven’t acted before.

At Qualtrics, there are common spaces where ‘coincidental’ interaction happens by design. Each floor has a kitchen with a bar. This is one of the many purposeful ‘watering holes’ where daily interaction among Qualtrics employees is designed to take place. Designed “happy accidents” where people from one part of the company will be interacting with those from another.

Another way the Qualtrics space encourages collaboration is the absence of physical BARRIERS keeping people apart. There are few walls, and those few necessary walls are made of glass. A strong sense of community and mission is fostered when Qualtrics employees know each other, and are aware of all the hard work going on around them. The excitement and energy of the company isn’t absorbed into a bunch of sheetrock, it’s floating around the wide spaces. Direct and indirect collaboration/influence is encouraged by the shared physical spaces. The amount of positive interaction fostered by the physical spaces can all be considered collaboration. Camaraderie and a sense of mission develop as a natural consequence. Efforts increase as one