Would you be motivated by a wacky workplace?

But would you work for a boss who promised happiness more than wealth? Would you believe her? A couple of go-ahead firms – Orange and Innocent – feature in a web article You’ve got to laugh - BBC where the offer of a stimulating workplace is every bit as important as the wage rate.

Google is at it too, Google your way to a wacky office - BBC with a workspace in Zurich that includes a slide, a games room, a ‘chill-out’ aquarium and plenty of free food. They have meeting ‘pods’ in the style of Swiss chalets and igloos, fireman poles to allow easy access between floors and a slide to ensure that people can get to the cafeteria as quickly as possible. The ‘wacky’ publicity can’t hurt in an environment that is increasingly hostile to the firm’s business practices. They also hope that the innovative environment will help information exchange between staff.

But in fact, offering an ‘alternative’, cool workplace is a well established practice amongst firms facing staff shortages. A decade ago as some firms experienced recruiting difficulties they were quick to promote a vision of a ‘stress free’ office, ‘dress down’ Fridays, ‘duvet days’ and ‘a positive work/life balance’. These were trends that quickly passed. Besides, many workers would prefer a competitive salary to any amount of office parties, table football and the opportunity to be rubbed down by the in-house masseur.

But the debate rages on, and will continue to do so. Economists have picked up on the survey results that show an apparent paradox: although as a nation we continue to be wealthier, cleaner, healthier and are blessed with increased leisure opportunities, the level of ‘happiness’ in society has barely budged since the 1950s.

To find out more, and see how happy you are, check out the happiness formula - BBC