Currently, one of main arguments at Apple is not about new products or services. The question that is being controversial has to do with the construction of the new headquarter – named as Apple Spaceship HQ – which will be inaugurated in 2016. The estimated budget was of 3 billions, but it will cost almost 5 billions. Despite this amount represents around 1% of the cash reserves from this American giant, shareholders consider this investment an extravagance, in a time when investors claim more dividends. Considered as one of Steve Jobs last legacies, this Cupertino spaceship will lodge more than 13.000 collaborators, that will have at their disposal work and leisure areas exclusively oriented towards their well-being and productivity, fulfilling the best practices on the domain of social and environmental responsibility. Recently it was also announced that Jobs ensured to be included in the team of architects who conceived the project, led by Norman Foster. Investments of this dimension are not purely coincidental, and Apple visionary attitude is followed by other giants such as Facebook, Coca-Cola, Mercedes or Nike, not only in the United States but in the hole world. These multinationals know that the salary package stopped being the only attraction factor and talents retention and to prove the more pessimistic forecasts there are studies, such as the one from the American consultant Gallup, conclude that 30% of USA workers don't not feel involved in their work space, considering it does not reflect the spirit and values of the company. If we extrapolate these number to other countries the scenario gets worse. And there we realize that the majority of companies has not realized yet that comfort in the work space and a good environment provided to workers is absolutely central for its success. Aware of these factors, labor flexibility is increasingly more valued by new generations, who enjoy having the freedom to work in the company's office, at home or in a Coworking space or at a surf resort with a good Internet connection. If before companies were appreciated essentially by the modernity of it's outer facade or the beauty of its reception, nowadays what is inside and the work models adopted is increasingly more decisive for the construction of their notoriety: from lounge areas and kitchens for pleasure, to private spaces for meditation, yoga and other relaxation activities. The new Apple spaceship might be the first to combine all these factors, starting a journey and a new paradigm where all will be happier, including more reluctant investors. |