One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to work for lots of different companies in different industries (and while I was on my rotation – all over the country). I spend about 95% of my time at my client during the duration of the engagement, so I really get the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of the company. I’ve worked for clients of all types from government to financial services to technology.

While I was working in San Francisco in the spring, I had the opportunity to work at a tech start-up. I know it was nothing compared to the Facebooks and Googles of the world, but I got a glimpse into the tech and start-up culture and there are a lot of things that I could get on board with if my company made the transition. Fortunately, some of these are things that I’ve even started to see a shift around in my own company, as the business rules and expectations change with the times. Hopefully, more change is coming soon!

seven things I noticed (and can’t help but love)!

1. Open floor plan

I think that this is the “office of the future” that a lot of companies are moving towards. Each floor of the client’s building had an incredible open floor plan. Gone are the days of desks and cubicles and high walls. These have been replaced by workspaces in pods with adjustable desks (sitting to standing) to accommodate everyone’s needs, where you can see your whole team easily. Leaders sit with the rest of their teams and not in offices and all offices and meeting spaces have all-glass walls.

2. Dress code

You’ve seen Silicon Valley – I don’t need to say anything else.

But I will – the dress code is so lax. It’s really “wear whatever you want and feel comfortable in.” Some people are still in nicer jeans and tops and others are in sweat pants and running shoes. The range is broad, but no one cares. There are lots of jeans and tee-shirts and sneakers and, frankly, I’m just jealous RN.

3. Snacks & food

FOOD EVERYWHERE. There are kitchens throughout the building that are stocked full with lots of snacks (and a lot of healthy ones too!). Once a week, lunch is catered for the employees with yummy rotating cuisines ranging from Indian to Meditteranean to Mexican, and everything in between.

I’ve also heard rumors and stories that there are lots of other companies out there that provide breakfast and lunch (and sometimes dinner) daily to all employees. Tech companies – you know the way to this girl’s heart.

4. Alcohol

This one actually surprised me quite a bit. There were beers and wines stocked in the fridges of the kitchen (provided by the company) but also, lots of people had bottles of liquor at their desks. No one is going around smashing back shots and shotgunning beers, but on an occasional day that there was an office-wide meeting at 5 – everyone grabbed a drink if they chose to. If there was an evening where a team was working later than the normal hours, you may see someone having a beer as they wrap up work. We aren’t talking Mad Men here, but times are a-changing people.

5. R&R

Throughout the building, there were different places for people to take a break from work, whether it is to play corn hole (on a very nice rooftop I might add), an arcade game, ping pong, or a round of pool, there are options for everyone who wants to take advantage. There was also a space dedicated to yoga with mats and blocks and word on the street was that there were actually yoga classes on certain days that you could attend.

6. Laid-back attitude

The overall attitude is extremely laid back and carefree. Due to the quick growth of many tech companies, they frequently outgrow their spaces quickly. In my experience, no one let this deter them from getting things done. Have a meeting in a room that is short two chairs? No problem – people will plop down on the floor. And not just the interns/first-years, I’m talking company management and leaders.

7. Nerf wars

Last but not least (and maybe my favorite) was the nerf wars. I’m using my imagination here a little bit because I NEVER ACTUALLY SAW ONE HAPPEN. But there were nerf darts of the floor all the time, in new places, where they weren’t just hours before. I assume there is some major intense nerf game happening over days, weeks, months, but for me, it was this mysterious thing where I just kept stumbling across new nerf darts all the time. IDK why, but I found it hilarious and it always made me laugh.

Overall, I found that the people were happy and still got their work done. I love these changes that are happening with certain companies and look forward to seeing how it continues to impact the future of more industries’ cultures.