Offices :(

[Beanbag12]

AIBU to think there are no nice offices to work? Before coming to work at my current job I worked in a few offices that were just awful. Managers on power-trips, sat in silence, no flexibility. I have even been to interviews where to places have horrified me, great big dull grey places where everyone stares. I am now being made redundant ☹ and I’m just dreading having to go to interviews (that’s even if I can find something that fits in around childcare!) and I’m just thinking I’ll never find another place where people are so nice and which has a nice atmosphere.

Yup, I worked in a lovely office that turned bad (one new unpleasant manager ruined it), and I was so distressed, as I thought I'd never find anywhere so nice. Now I have great friends from the old job who I stayed in touch with, and a lovely new office full of lovely new people. So yes, it's possible. Don't forget that the interviewing process works both ways; you can't be psychic but definitely make sure you get a good vibe before accepting a post. Good luck!

I have 2 offices... one I love but the other... ugh.

Nice colleagues at both but active interfering management is the rule at workplace2, so not fun.

Offices can vary a lot.

There are nice places, promise.

I would go with temping. Yes it is awkward when you start anywhere new but it gives you a chance to try out the workplace and you can leave if it doesn't suit you.

Also be really clear with the agency or recruiter about what you want. I went for one interview but I was clear that I wouldn't work with anyone who was rude or wouldn't treat me well, I put it nicely but was clear. He came back and said they'd hire me but admitted they have a few people who would not treat me with the respect I expected so I walked away.

There are as many types of office as there are companies and they range vastly in their cultures, approaches to employees etc, so YABU to think they are all going to be awful.

I've worked in terrible, drab places full of dull, clock-watching people who loathe each other, I've worked in big shiny corporate palaces, I've worked in macho places dominated with shouty blokes and small buzzy start-ups where a lot of horsing around goes on. What you like will depend on your personality and the kind of job you do. Its impossible to generalise.

The critical thing is that you try to get a feel for the kind of work culture you're going into. Its massively important and you should do as much due diligence as you can before accepting a job on this.

My current office is nice in terms of layout decor etc but the people are awful! I'm in a room with the most miserable girl, never speaks, grunts hello in the morning, is rude and aggressive. Others in the office are also rude and aggressive. It's a tiny company, 8 people and the rude ones have been there for years so nobody says anything to them.

I'm leaving next week and will be working in a non profit organisation which from the moment I walked in had a completely different atmosphere and my manager who interviewed me is friendly, chatty and seems normal. I just know it's going to be good.

So YANBU but I hope you find something nice.

I've worked in non office jobs, like hospitality and I loved it, so much fun, no stress, great teamwork, but zero hours contract so no guarantee of work every month.

My place of work is fab too. New building (not without it's faults mind) and the people are lovely.

I used to work for the NHS. Nice, shiny new building, PC and desk all to myself even though I only worked 18hrs per week. I worked on a small team of 6 where we all supported each other and all were happy to cover any work that needed doing on the section. Our teamwork produced excellent results and output.
However, our boss was the meanest bitch imaginable (thankfully, she was in a separate office). She had no respect for her staff or the work they did. I loved my job, but I hated going to work because of her.

Another vote here for work in a local authority. The offices can be a little run down, but the people, office culture and management have generally been great with lots of opportunities.

Additionally if I were to take all my annual leave and flexi leave I'd have nearly 11 weeks off a year!

My office is great. Fab facilities and good relaxed atmosphere. My boss is super flexible too. Lots of fun events and pop up shops coming in. I really like it.

My advice would be to seek a small company with an equally small office. There's about 8 people in my office and it's fab.

My head office isn't soulless and all the staff are happy.

Culture of the company is to be flexible, big ethos on home/life balance too

Im scared too. Im currently looking for an office role. And my last role had very heavy filling cabinets the massive ones with an wheel. I was placed their so i had no prior knowledge of the actual office setting. We had to be in and out of the filing house hundredth times of day.

Can you find a job that has you working from home?

Take your time about finding a new job - start looking now by going to a recruitment consultant and explain exactly what you want. It's their job to know a bit about the firms who use their services and they'll arrange interviews for you. When you go to the interviews try to get a feel of the place and the people.

Good luck.

Our offices are ok, considering it's the poverty stricken third sector. Modern(ish) building, decent physical environment, good IT, good air con/heating (except in our office, which used to be a laboratory), very clean, unlimited free tea and coffee (including a bewildering array of fruit and herbal teas, real coffee and hot chocolate) and a proper kitchen with real ovens and hobs, so you can cook a lunch.

But it's the ethos/culture which makes it great. It's a very supportive environment, very caring, tolerant, easy going and scrupulously equal and accepting of all diversities. All our clients are vulnerable in some way (mostly mental health and learning disability, but also addictions and disability), and quite a few former clients are now staff. You can "buy" an extra week's leave, flexible working is positively encouraged, almost all managers are compassionate and supportive, and we have a good laugh. It doesn't feel hierarchical and staff feel supported, valued and respected.

It's also in the top 10 of family-friendly employers.

I've been happier there than anywhere else I've worked, which is why I've stayed nearly 13 years.

Can you register with an agency and try temping?

....I found it a great way to see the inside of a load of companies - without the long term commitment from the outset..

Some companies - I was so pleased not to have gone for formal interview and accepted a position, and other much better places - where I found through chatting internally, some long term openings in great environments.

I'm currently retraining to do a role that will mean more flexibility (self employed professional)
I have had years of office nonsense and I am currently in a role with two rancid people and I have no respect for them as they are both idle and rude.One actually shook her head at me and did a face palm when I questioned her about something. Can't work with twats like this any more. Professionalism has become a thing of the past.
And the fridge thing...and the hot desking thing...and the 'working from home' thing...I'm so over it all...

Agree with your post thelikelylass...I could’ve written the exact same...am so over toxic offices. It’s difficult to get a happy, positive workplace these days...it’s misery being stuck in a draining environment day in day out....

Mine is really great. I am lucky to work with lovely supportive colleagues, in a job that is both flexible and responsible