4 ms·
Apples to Oranges. Zappos is a support oriented culture whereas folks at 37s need a lot of quite time. I can't imagine Jamis Buck writing all his awesome maze a
by subbu 16y ago
Apples to Oranges. Zappos is a support oriented culture whereas folks at 37s need a lot of quite time. I can't imagine Jamis Buck writing all his awesome maze algorithms while surrounded by balloons and tents everywhere.
- ssharp 16y agoIt's definitely apples-to-oranges. If you're a phone/email CSR, you might enjoy being in a slightly more stimulating environment because you're daily job duties are less stimulating and more mundane. If you're working on software, you might enjoy the options of quite space, cleanliness. For a company like 37signals, where design takes such a focus, having a nicely designed and organized space might help inspire the company's output. Also, 37s had previously blogged about holding events in their office, so their physical presence must gel with their online image.
- trustfundbaby 16y agoI'm surprised this isn't being upvoted more ... and its the main problem I had with the article. Zappos isn't a creative space/company per se, 37 Signals is ...
- notahacker 16y agoAlso, 37signals' office has a lot more square footage per employee and looks like they've spent a lot more on the design and materials. That's probably partly a reflection of 37signals' marginal product per employee and partly a reflection of hosting workshops for paying customers there. I'm not sure Zappos could afford the 37signals office aesthetic
- groby_b 16y agoThis is the whole point. A support/service culture requires constant communication. (And a cheery environment. If you've ever entered a phone support center, you know the cloud of dread, dullness and desparation that's normally there). 37signals needs serenity and calm to be able to think.