Staff Reports
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin lies an unexpected wonderland known as Epic’s headquarters. Spanning an impressive 1,670 acres, this isn’t just any ordinary workplace. It’s a vibrant mixture of whimsical design, creativity, and cutting-edge technology. As curious visitors stroll through five uniquely themed campuses—each more curious than the last—they’re likely to find themselves peppering the air with questions. Why are there air tags on fake sheep? What’s up with the giant chess set? And, oh, is that a slide in the hallway?
While these questions abound, the real one is, why not? The mind behind this magical workplace is architect John Cunningham, who, before diving into the world of healthcare software design, lent his talents to the famous Disneyland California Adventure. His experience has translated into a space where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary at every turn. As Epic grew from a single building to five distinctive campuses—named Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Wizards, and Storybook—the design philosophy remained the same: surprises around every corner.
At Epic, employees are embraced by creativity. Imagine taking a break from coding software to grab a bagel at a New York deli or finding inspiration in a three-story library. With around 13,000 employees working here, the goal is clear: create an engaging environment that makes staff want to stay. Each campus is built to be no taller than three stories because studies show that if people have to climb more than three flights, they may just decide to take a coffee break instead. The design encourages movement, collaboration, and the occasional mad dash down a slide.
Just picture it: you’re running late for a meeting, and instead of struggling up the stairs, you gleefully hop on a slide. It’s not just fun and games; it’s a culture that promotes team spirit and innovative thinking. After all, who wouldn’t want to tackle their daily tasks knowing a whimsical surprise is just around the corner? The very buildings themselves are crafted to engage employees’ imaginations and push boundaries, helping them connect in dynamic ways rather than being confined to dull cubicles.
But the magic doesn’t end there. Epic’s unique design serves a practical purpose in recruitment as well. By creating an enchanting place to work, they successfully lure in talent from bustling tech hubs like California, New York, and Texas. When potential employees tour the campus, they are met with an immersive experience that boldly states, “This is not just a workplace; it’s a community.” And perhaps above all, it sends a clear message: when it comes to building a thriving company culture, Epic’s got it all figured out.
So, as we step back and think about Epic’s headquarters, it becomes clear that its fantastical flair is not just whimsical decoration; it’s a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and enjoyment. In a world where work can often feel like a chore, Epic has built a place that gives employees something to look forward to each day: a chance to work in a real-life fairy tale, complete with surprising delights and endless possibilities, all in the name of creating life-saving medical software.
