A Day Inside a Disney-Inspired Fantasyland Office in Wisconsin

Key Concepts:

• Epic Headquarters: A 1,670-acre corporate campus in Wisconsin.
• Employee Retention & Recruitment: The primary goal of the unique campus design.
• Campus Themes: Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Wizards, and Storybook.
• Architectural Design: Three-story buildings for ease of access.
• Surprise & Delight: Design philosophy focused on creating unexpected and enjoyable experiences.

Campus Overview and Design Philosophy:

Epic's headquarters consists of five distinct campuses: Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Wizards, and Storybook. Despite the wildly different exterior designs of the 28 office buildings, they share a common structure: three stories high. This design choice is intentional, as the company found that employees are less likely to use stairs beyond three flights. The overall design philosophy is rooted in "surprises," aiming to create a stimulating and enjoyable work environment.

Recruitment and Retention Strategy:

The unique and elaborate campus serves as a major recruitment tool. Epic aims to attract talent from across the country, including California, New York, and Texas, to Wisconsin. The company believes that showcasing a "fun place" to work is crucial in convincing potential employees to relocate.

Examples of Unique Features:

• Slides: Slides are strategically placed within buildings as a fun and efficient way to move between floors. One example shows a slide taking 6 seconds to descend.
• Themed Spaces: The campuses incorporate themes from stories like Harry Potter and the Wizard of Oz.
• Three-Story Library: A large library is available for employees.
• Treehouse Conference Space: A treehouse serves as a unique meeting area.
• New York Deli: A deli provides employees with food options.
• Air-Tagged Sheep: The presence of air tags on fake sheep is an example of the quirky and unexpected elements found throughout the campus.
• Yellow Brick Roads and Train Car Conference Rooms: Themed elements contribute to the immersive environment.

Architectural Influence:

John Cunningham, an architect who previously worked on Disney's California Adventure theme park, played a key role in designing Epic's headquarters. His experience in creating immersive and engaging environments influenced the overall design of the campus.

Notable Quotes:

• John Cunningham (Architect): "The word was surprises, surprises."
• Epic Employee: "Wow this is a fun place."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Epic's headquarters is designed to be more than just a workplace; it's a strategic tool for attracting and retaining talent. By creating a unique, engaging, and surprising environment, Epic aims to foster a positive work culture and make its employees want to stay. The campus's design, with its themed spaces, recreational elements, and focus on employee convenience, reflects a deliberate effort to create a workplace that stands out from traditional corporate environments.