The Best Offices in the UK: 7 of the UK's Most Productive Workspaces

Where once office workers were lucky to get air conditioning, a steady supply of Post-it notes and five minutes to stretch the legs, today’s breed of desk dweller has never had it so good.

It seems more companies than ever are investing in novel new workspaces and leftfield perks, all with the aim of boosting productivity and morale among employees.

To give you some inspiration in your own nine to five, we’ve gone and uncovered the most productivity boosting offices in the UK, speaking to those who use them first-hand.

1. SPLUNK, London

The guys at Splunk know how to have a good time. They’re called Splunk, for one – clearly, the bods at this data firm can cut loose. But if more proof of their affable nature were needed, their office has specially-themed meeting rooms designed to transport your mindout of the workplace and get the creative juices flowing. Sure, you could sit in the Tardis, but what fool turns down a train carriage? "All aboard to PowerPoint Town!" "Not now, Tim."

What the employees say: Matt Davies: "The train carriage is great. We can meet a customer and take them somewhere a bit different, then round the day off with a beer and a quick game of nine-ball on the pool table."

2. Bright HR, Manchester

When not taking the faff out of people management for other firms, it’s good to know Manchester’s Bright HR go above and beyond in keeping their own employees tickety-boo: there’s Pirate Time, where workers are encouraged to do something innovative; a 50ft indoor garden complete with Astroturf carpeting, tents, bean bags, comfy chairs and plants; and, for those prone to a mini lunchtime kickabout, there’s even a five-a-side goal. And you thought having a foosball table was cool.

What the employees say: Simon Dalley: "This stuff actually works. From the game consoles to the informal meeting areas, the company encourages us to build team relationships, encourage creativity and boost productivity. I’m asked by friends if I get any work done, but it’s all about trust that people can manage their own time. We are professionals after all."

3. Virgin Money, Edinburgh

While talk of ‘blue sky thinking’ would normally be enough to see you (quite rightly) being thrown headfirst into a fiery pit of lava, not at Virgin Money’s Edinburgh office, where sleek airline lounge-like sofas are eclipsed by a ‘sky ceiling’. Unfailingly bright even on the most overcast of days, the cutting-edge LED light installation is designed to recreate the passage of the sun across the sky. It certainly beats most in-office lighting.

What the employees say: Amy Drysdale: "Working here is amazing. A lot of planning went into creating an open environment which has established an atmosphere of openness and creativity. The sky feature is brilliant for working around, and draws comments from colleagues and visitors alike."

4. Ticketmaster, London

Trust Ticketmaster to come up with a workspace that we’d happily queue for hours to get into. Giving us serious Tom Hanks from Big vibes, its HQ has breakout rooms, hosts launch events, hackathons, client functions and dance classes to help ease the stress of a working day. And you won’t have failed to notice the biggest draw – yes, a massive slide that goes between floors. Productive? It’s faster than an elevator.

What the employees say: Mark Jansen: "It definitely makes us work harder, and the breakout desks are designed to keep us fit and healthy. We have free fruit, free drinks, gym memberships, on-site massages, to name but a few of the perks. Though the slide certainly gets the most attention."

5. Airbnb, London

Pigs can’t fly. Tottenham Hotspur don't win trophies anymore. Sitting down is bad for you. Some undisputed facts for you there, and rest assured Airbnb has the answer for at least one of them. Visit the firm’s London office and you'll see an area where employees can stand, recline or simply lie down while they work. Introverts need not worry either, as a call-free library and individual quiet kiosks also feature. No word on how much it costs to bunk per night, mind.

What the architect says: Matt Driscoll of Threefold Architects:"Working in close collaboration with Airbnb, we set out to create a workspace embodying the organisation's ‘belong anywhere’ philosophy. Instead of a global generic handprint, their offices are imbued with a sense of place reflecting the culture of their location. The design blurs the boundaries between social space and work space and creates a relaxed and comfortable environment which promotes productivity, creativity and wellness."

6. BBC North, Salford

One bleary-eyed glance at this and you'd be forgiven for thinking James Dyson had released a new range of B&Q garden furniture. Not so: these are the futuristic meeting booths strewn around BBC North’s eccentrically-designed campus at Salford’s MediaCity. Designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, they add a dash of privacy to public spaces, encouraging a climate of openness.

What the employees say: Chris Norris: "We use space really effectively, and the seats help us do that – they take up less space than a meeting room, and there’s enough privacy to talk, but you don’t feel like you’re completely removed from the office. They’re spot on for a one-on-one catch up."

7. Google, London

Come on, you didn’t think we were going to omit Google, did you? All but shorthand for Silicon Valley slackerdom, the internet giant has managed to bring its playful charm over the Atlantic in some style. Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (and currently getting a £1bn extension), its King's Cross outpost comes armed with £17,000 sofas, sleep pods for power naps, canteens brimming with the finest food (all complimentary), a running track and a sprawling gym where you can check emails as you use the equipment.

What the employees say: Hank Scorpio [not actual name]: "There are restaurants on different floors and a coffee bar on one of the high levels with amazing views over London. One of the restaurants has a pizza oven, a juice bar, an Asian dim sum area. The gym is amazing. It has a studio, actual running tracks, massage rooms (where you can use credits your manager gives you if you are performing well). There is even a room that has scooters to move around. Everything is connected, and the company track your activity by swiping your employee card. Everything is prepared so you are working even when you think it's a break."