Office Surfing 

The Dangerous Idea …

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a very different environment from your usual workplace? Would you like to try it out and become an office surfer?  Would you like your organisation to Host and office surf?  Would you like to meet people from other professions and sectors? What? … Spend some time in a different work environment, doing your work or work as a host, welcoming a surfer to experience your working environment.

Why? … 

Two reasons (among many!):

1. To become more aware of the physical work environment, and the effect it has on your work.  Does your workplace help you to be creative?  How is the new environment different?  What about it is helpful?  Any ideas you could take back and implement in your own workplace?
2. To meet new people and have interesting conversations.  The random coffee scheme that was organised by Education Scotland has put hundreds of people together for interesting conversations, and ideas have grown out of it.

Benefits?

As a Surfer you get:

• the chance to see what working in a different environment feels like, and how it suits – or doesn’t – your work and your style
• to benchmark your own work-space against the one you are visiting, and against best practice, and come away with ideas for improvement.

As a Host you get:

• feedback on your work environment from a fresh pairs of eyes, based on rigorous research rather than just personal preference

You both get and interesting and unexpected connection.

The Emporium of Dangerous Ideas gets:

• stories, photos and videos from surfers and hosts about their experiences
• the assessment of what makes a creative environment
• lots of great learning to share

Results of the office surf will be shown at the Emporium Finale in an exhibition of creative change.  This will take place on Friday 19 June 2015 view programme and book online. If this sounds like a Dangerous Idea that you would like to be a part of, please contact Dawn Brooks dawn.brooks@cdn.ac.uk for more information on how to take part.  Any responses should be in by Thursday 30 April 2015.