Remember Mike Judge’s classic 1999 film Office Space? You know, the movie that made the red stapler infamous and preceded a string of work-based TV sitcoms like The Office and 30 Rock? Back then, flair and fax machines were among the peskiest annoyances at work, during a time when unemployment nationally was 4.2 percent—the lowest rate in 30 years.
My, how things have changed in the past decade or so.
Today, most St. Louisans in the workforce feel fortunate just to be gainfully employed. That’s particularly the case for Gen Y grads, many of whom are coming out of college with unprecedented amounts of debt and few job prospects. Others are reevaluating what’s important: the benefits? The stability? The dry-cleaning pickup and delivery? Then there are those making the leap from steady paycheck to startup biz—a daunting prospect, indeed.
SLM scanned the ever-evolving work landscape to delve into all of these employment experiences, plus local leaders’ ideas for creating jobs. Finally, we’ve highlighted perks and policies at St. Louis companies from A to Z and provided a sneak peek inside seven of the coolest spaces around, from Cannon Design’s rehabbed building to the office of Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.
There is no single answer.
By Jeannette Coopermann
In a languishing economy, some St. Louisans are branching out and pursuing their dreams.
By Robert Meyerowitz
When it comes to job creation, is bigger always better?
By Jarrett Medlin
As Millennials enter the workforce during the worst recession in year, their perpetual optimism—plus their parents' support—is coming in handy.
By Stefene Russell
Office Space (Web Exclusive: View a gallery of "wow" workplaces in St. Louis)
A peek inside seven inspired places to work
Photographs by John Fedele
Company Perks, From A to Z (Web Exclusive: More enviable perks and policies at St. Louis companies)
Story by Jeannette Cooperman, Jarrett Medlin, Robert Meyerowitz, and Stefene Russell; Photographs by John Fedele and Kevin Roberts; Illustrations by Peter Hoey
