LinkedIn experts and [in]thusiasts gathered in New York City last Friday. Some previously met each other in person, but for others, it was the first time meeting.

Where did they all come from? New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan, Atlanta, North Carolina, and Toronto.

Our morning started at the Starbucks Reserve in the Empire State Building and then led to a unique tour of LinkedIn with lunch in the LinkedIn cafeteria and a return to the Starbucks Reserve.

Since I have never worked for a technology company before, I enjoyed the tour to see the different types of workspaces available to meet the workstyle tastes of a diverse staff.

There were open, quiet, and compact phone booth spaces, a library, small tables, big tables, workspaces with a view, and many coffee bars and snack areas. For me, this tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Some common types of workspaces available at tech companies include:

Open-Plan Office: This is a layout where employees work in a large, open space without cubicles or walls, promoting collaboration and easy communication among team members.

Cubicles: Cubicles are partially enclosed workspaces that provide some privacy while allowing accessible communication with nearby colleagues.

Private Offices: Some tech companies offer private offices for higher-level employees or those who require a quieter and more focused working environment.

Hot Desking: In a hot-desking setup, employees do not have assigned desks; instead, they choose from available desks daily. This approach promotes flexibility and efficient use of office space.

Shared Workspaces: Tech companies may provide shared workspaces or coworking spaces, allowing employees to work in a more relaxed and creative environment with individuals from various companies or departments.

Work-From-Home (WFH): Many tech companies have embraced remote work or flexible work-from-home policies, allowing employees to work from their homes or other remote locations.

Hybrid Workspaces: A hybrid workspace model combines office-based and remote work. Employees can split their time between the office and remote locations.

Collaboration Areas: Tech companies often create collaborative spaces within their offices, such as lounge areas, brainstorming rooms, and informal meeting spaces, to foster creativity and teamwork.

Quiet Zones: Some companies have designated quiet areas where employees can work without disruptions or distractions when they need to focus on tasks that require concentration.

Standing Desks and Ergonomic Furniture: Many tech companies provide standing desks and ergonomic chairs or furniture options to promote employee well-being.

Recreation and Relaxation Areas: Tech companies may include recreational spaces, such as game rooms, relaxation lounges, or meditation rooms, to help employees unwind and recharge.

The availability of these types of workspaces may vary depending on the specific company’s culture, size, and policies. There might be new trends and advancements in workspace design and remote work policies in the tech industry, but the ones listed above are the most common.

After working in a home office during the pandemic, I moved to a 250 SF solo office a year ago and love my personal space to think and do my work, even though I spend much time on Zoom. It was fantastic to have the flexibility to leave the office and take time off to meet people in real life (IRL).

It was great to meet these individuals in person for the first time: Judi Hayes, Rachel Simon, Lisa Rangel, Nancy Aronson, and Brenda Meller.

It was great to see these individuals again: Beth Granger, Ed Samuel, Bobby Umar, Kenneth Lang, Christine Dykeman, Adam Ligeralde, Danielle Guzman, Stan Robinson, Jr., Brynne Tillman, Janess Messner, Liam Darmody, and Annette Richmond.

Look them up on LinkedIn to see what they each do! Support small businesses!

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UPCOMING EVENTS – Registration info is on the events page.

• Mon Jul 31 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
• Mon Juk 31 – How to Create Snazzy Graphics for LinkedIn & Social Media Step-by-Step Live Demos
• Tues Aug 1 – Nurture Empathy in Your Daily Life
• Tues Aug 1 – Virtual Job Seeker Support Group
• Tues Aug 1 – 19 Nuggets of Wisdom You Need to Know for Online Applications (ATS)
• Wed Aug 2 – Resilience Building Call-In
• Wed Aug 2 – Interview Clinic Check-in
• Thu Aug 3 – LGBTQ+ OUTstanding Careers Group™
• Sat Aug 5 – 2023 Tips to Build Your LinkedIn Brand