Nestled in the lush landscapes of Wisconsin lies the bustling headquarters of Epic, an electronic medical records company that has redefined the idea of a workplace. With 1,670 acres to explore, this headquarters feels more like a whimsical theme park than a typical corporate office. It’s not just about crunching numbers or writing code here; it’s an environment designed to foster creativity and collaboration. There’s a giant chess set, air-tagged sheep, and even a slide in the hallway. Why? Well, if you have to ask why, you might not fully appreciate the magic of the place.
Before 2006, the land was nothing more than a stretch of farmland. Then, visionary founder Judy Faulkner decided to turn it into an oasis of innovation. She hired architect John Cunningham, who previously designed parts of Disney’s California Adventure, to bring her dreams to life. The result? Five uniquely themed campuses named Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Wizards, and Storybook. Each corner of the headquarters evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, giving employees not just a place to work, but a space to feel at home.
Epic’s clever design keeps navigation engaging and fun. Instead of dull signs directing people to building numbers, employees can tell each other, “I work in Oz” or “I’m based in the chocolate factory.” Each structure is adorned with imaginative markers that make finding your way almost a scavenger hunt. Inside, the layout remains consistent; three stories high with central staircases, every building is like a sibling, sharing the same body but wearing different outfits. You quickly learn that whether you’re in the “Alice” building or the “Wizard” structure, you’re bound to find your way.
But what’s it like to get from point A to point B in such a sprawling campus? Well, walking can take ages, so it’s common to see employees zipping around on bikes, playfully reminiscent of cows grazing in a field. Depending on the weather, staff can stay cozy, thanks to an interconnected network of tunnels and bridges that link the buildings. This design is especially appreciated during those cold Wisconsin winters when stepping outside can feel like entering a freezer!
While the fun decor, slides, and themed rooms make headlines, the real investment is in ensuring employees feel connected and valued. Epic has made a conscious decision to maintain private offices for employees, clustered together by their projects rather than their job titles. This approach enhances collaboration and streamlines communication. They believe that an office filled with happy, engaged employees is the best recruitment tool, luring talent from places like California and Texas all the way to the Midwest.
As Epic prepares for further expansion with new buildings on the horizon, one thing is clear: they’re not just building an office; they’re crafting an experience. The goal is simple; create a place where employees want to work five days a week because they enjoy being there. With all this fun and functionality, it’s exciting to think about where Epic will go next. Who knows? Maybe their dream of making work feel like play is just getting started.
