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As the trend grows for offices that resemble kids' playgrounds on steroids, Jessica Powell investigates whether it could ever translate to a school setting
If Peter Pan had to earn a crust in the 21st century, he'd surely do it at Google. The tech giant's offices feature everything from scooters to slides. The aim? "To create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world", according to a spokesperson.
What it's certainly created is a trend, as more companies are investing in bright, fun offices with a smattering of pool tables and psychedelic paint jobs. But does it make a difference? And if so, could it work, scaled down, in school staffrooms?
Hold that eye roll for now...
"All employers should make the working environment attractive for staff," says David Uzzell, a professor of environmental psychology at the University of Surrey. "It shouldn't be an optional extra. Research demonstrates it can impact the health and wellbeing of staff, as well as productivity."
He points to a 2016 report from the Royal Institute of British Architects, which found schools with the best design (including natural lighting, colour and visual interest) were linked to teacher wellbeing and a 15 per cent increase in productivity.
However, when it comes to the specific playground-cum-office formula, Professor Uzzell doesn't know of any research into its impact. So there's no scientific answer to the question of whether slides make staff happier.
Still, you might anticipate companies that have taken the Neverland approach earnestly extolling specific benefits. Not necessarily: instead, many say playgrounds are not designed to have an impact in themselves, but are simply a tool to create a better overall working environment. Sky Betting and Gaming recently opened an office in Leeds complete with a poker table, putting green, roundabout and more. However, marketing and HR director Rob Painter is candid about these being novelties: "As a betting and gaming business, things like poker tables are reminders you don't work for the council. It's a bit of fun."
The real priority, he says, was to create a space that encouraged openness and collaboration. One striking feature is a roulette wheel imprinted on the floor, for example. Painter notes: "Really this is just a space with a screen where people can gather...