Staff Reports
At the heart of Wisconsin lies a unique workplace that looks less like an office and more like a whimsical amusement park. Epic Systems, a giant in the electronic medical record sector, offers its nearly 13,000 employees a playground of creativity and collaboration across five distinct campuses. Imagine walking through colorful buildings inspired by stories like “Harry Potter” and “The Wizard of Oz,” all while enjoying the comfort of fireside lounges and the thrill of indoor slides. Yes, you read that right—slides! With such a delightful work environment, one has to wonder: is this a dream job or a magical land?
Epic Systems wasn’t always this fantastical. Just a couple of decades ago, the sprawling 1,670-acre property was simply farmland. However, visionary CEO Judy Faulkner wanted to create something special. She wanted an office that felt cozy and inviting—a home away from home. The result? An artistic wonderland where employees can feel like characters out of a storybook. The headquarters, designed by architect John Cunningham, captures this essence perfectly. He even had a hand in designing Disney’s California Adventure theme park, so you know the fun-factor is high.
Navigating this expansive campus can feel like a scavenger hunt. Buildings have fun names like “Oz” or “Chocolate Factory,” guiding staff with visual cues and quirky décor instead of traditional signs. Employees often jokingly say, “I work in Oz!” or “I work in the chocolate factory!”—a far more engaging and memorable way to find their way around than dull old building numbers. Each of the 28 office buildings, while unique in theme, shares a similar structural layout, keeping the navigation as seamless as possible. Epic’s approach ensures that no one is just another number; the company fosters a culture where each individual feels valued.
Life at Epic is both playful and practical. With the design encouraging short commutes between departments, employees can easily find colleagues nearby to collaborate on projects. The fun doesn’t stop there; bikes are as common as Wisconsin’s famous cheese, allowing team members to navigate their way across the campus effortlessly. And what about long winters? No problem! Epic cleverly connects all buildings internally with covered walkways, ensuring employees stay warm and dry while moving from one enchantingly themed space to another.
Productivity and happiness are at the core of Epic’s philosophy. They emphasize private offices over open workspaces, creating an environment where employees can feel secure and focused. It’s not just about the aesthetics; Epic believes that a well-designed workplace can significantly enhance productivity. Parents are even encouraged to spend time with their kids in the uniquely designed break rooms. By committing to an in-office work model five days a week, Epic ensures that its community thrives, with everyone building relationships and working together like a well-oiled machine.
As Epic continues to grow—with a sixth campus already in the works—the workplace will only get more magical. After all, the colorful, fantastical backdrop is not just for fun; it serves as a key recruiting tool in drawing talent from states like California and Texas to the heartland of America. In Epic’s world, where whimsy meets function, the work does feel like play, and the expectation of continued expansion shows that this innovative company has no plans of slowing down. So, while the world may view Epic as just another software company, those who work there know they’ve stepped into something truly extraordinary.
