Space
They didn’t explicitly call it this, but what I heard in their stories was the importance of space. Space in their calendars, space to think, and space to breathe. The kind of space that allows you to experiment, to focus, and, most importantly, to get into a flow state. Those moments when time flys away, and you’re so immersed in your work that everything clicks. This kind of space can’t exist if someone’s hovering over you or if your day is packed with back-to-back meetings.
I truly believe there’s a link between people with overloaded calendars and a tendency to micromanage. When leaders don’t give their teams the room to think for themselves, creativity and deep work suffer.
Choice
The freedom to choose where and how you work. Remote, hybrid, in-office—my friends had options, and they could choose what worked best for them. No rigid policies, no awkward percentages of office days required. Let’s keep this one simple: the best talent isn’t necessarily living within 20 kilometers of your office. If you’re still fighting against it, it’s time to make your peace with reality!
Competition
Competition isn’t the enemy of a healthy work environment—far from it. In fact, it can be the driving force that keeps people motivated and engaged. We’re not talking about ruthless office politics here. It’s about a healthy level of competition that pushes everyone to grow and be better at what they do.
People who are passionate about their work want to be challenged, both by the tasks in front of them and by their colleagues. Promotions and recognition based on transparent, well-defined criteria create a sense of fairness and encourage skill development. When promotions are earned through clear expectations, tested in real scenarios, it builds trust in the system and boosts team morale rather than breeding resentment.
Community
One of the strongest themes from our discussion was the sense of community. It’s not enough to just tolerate your co-workers. My friends spoke about having a core group at work—a team that feels like a stable, supportive foundation. It’s about showing up (even virtually) and knowing you have people who’ve got your back. That sense of belonging makes all the difference.
Personally, I think a bit of healthy office gossip can even play a role in this. It’s part of how we bond, learn, and share information. It doesn’t have to be malicious—in fact, it often strengthens relationships and helps create a sense of unity within teams.
Energy
Finally, let’s talk about energy. A great workplace has to have life—whether it’s through excitement, humor, or even a little tension. If everything feels flat, if no one’s cracking jokes or sharing stories, if even the tough days pass without a ripple, you’ve got a problem.
Work needs a pulse. It’s the highs and lows, the laughter and the venting sessions, that keep things real. Sure, not every day will be perfect, but the best environments are full of energy—moments of inspiration, frustration, and even a few good-natured debates. That’s what keeps people engaged, keeps them coming back for more.
A better work life isn’t just about ticking all the boxes—it’s about dancing these lines. The right amount of space, choice, competition, community, and energy can create a thriving work environment.