By Nitya Pandit
At Apple Park in Silicon Valley, Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ headquarters (HQ) was inaugurated at the same time as the iPhone’s 10th anniversary. On Tuesday, the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, while paying his tribute to Steve Jobs, revealed that the intent behind building the Apple Park was to replicate Apple’s value for technology and environment in a tangible manner. This is the very first media event that happened on the ginormous 175-acre campus. The Apple Park is the potential home ground for future innovations for the coming generations.
The uniqueness of Apple’s HQ
The Apple Park, converted from an asphalt to a green space, boasts of 9,000 Californian trees and has glass walls to keep the employees in touch with nature at all times. The electricity is generated in an environment-friendly manner—the on-site solar power system, which is one of the largest globally, is responsible for providing electricity for the entire park. Steve Jobs, having invested a lot of his time and efforts in this project, provided the park with many exquisite details and unique design.
The building has a ring design, breaking the usual norm in Silicon Valley, which is to have multi-story buildings constructed close together. Steve’s vision has always been ahead of its times, which is seen typically through his products and now through this new campus. Soon, a visitor center will be opened to the public in the latter part of this year and will provide them with a chance to experience augmented reality to explore the Park. The process of making this HQ has duplicated the unique design and enthusiastic nature that goes into the process of producing the products.
Other interesting headquarters around the world
Facebook, occupying some share of Apple’s limelight, has also recently revealed details about its 56-acre Menlo Science & Technology Park’s plan. This park, which was bought in 2015 is envisioned to have a pharmacy, grocery store, and other retail spaces across 125,000 square feet. Another interesting element will be the construction of houses in this plot as well, which will be 15% below market rates. Similar to Apple’s environment-related efforts, Impact Networking LLC also moved into its new HQ which has a plentiful technology, glass walls and open ceilings. The work environment entails large conference rooms and private touch-down spaces, ensuring that the employees are always motivated to work.
Why focus on headquarters
When a new HQ is built or is relocated, it helps bring more jobs for the city’s residents and increases tax revenue as well, a part of which can then be allocated to further improving the city. Once the HQ is built, the company shapes the business environment of the city, most likely attracting other business as well, causing a multiplier effect. For instance, HQ-associated multiplier, on an average, is 3.5, creating 2.5 new jobs when the HQ is relocated. Building the right headquarters can help the company seek its identity and add value to its corporate core. Companies are also able to benefit from the economies of scale in the overhead functions.
Not always mandatory
On the other hand, some small companies that were started in their founders’ homes, sometimes may not even need a HQ. Fractured Prune Doughnuts, a doughnut franchise, has 25 outlets, but only 2 employees. The founder doesn’t think it is necessary for him to rent office space in order to grow his business. Instead, he can save the expenses that come with setting up a physical office and avoids the hassles that come with it. Relocation costs are also avoided in this case. Also, once established, it is known that corporate HQs can take a life of their own, which can block the process of productive work and will not generate as much value, as may have expected. While having a fancy and unique set-up at company HQs can yield productivity, the most important element is fostering the organizational culture.
Featured Image Source: Flickr
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