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There is a certain hilarity that comes from life in an office. From the cast of characters you employ to the unfolding drama of a major deal or project, it's no wonder that screenwriters have mined office culture for laughs and poignant moments in film. Some of our favorite movies take place in offices, featuring the triumphs and trials of professionals just trying to get ahead in their workplace. Here are four of our favorite movies about offices, and what we learned from them.
- Why we love it: As a cult classic, Office Space has gained a following for its pinpoint observations of a dull, uninspiring workplace. With perfect comic timing and a clear point-of-view, this movie has aged like a fine wine. The doldrums and tedium of a boring occupation have never been more accurately or hilariously rendered onscreen, and thank goodness many offices 16 years later have broken from stale 90's conventions.
- What we learned: The modern office can be petty, bleak and absurd. Make sure your employees find meaning and purpose in the work they do every day.
- Why we love it: We can't say enough about this one. From the classic lines ("I'm not steak. You can't just order me.") to memorable characterizations by Melanie Griffith, Joan Cusack and Sigourney Weaver, Mike Nichols' corporate fairytale depicts a woman hustling to the top of an M&A firm. When Tess McGill's boss is laid up with broken bones, she goes in for the kill and takes control of her career by hijacking a big deal. Between the 80's fashion and the film's enormous heart, this is a comedy every working girl should see.
- What we learned: To get to the professional place of your dreams, it's important to take risks and tune out the static of criticism and rejection. Also, "If you want to be taken seriously, you need serious hair."
- Why we love it: Everyone remembers that job in the beginning of their career when fetching coffee and managing endless errands threatened to derail their sanity. In an adaptation of the wildly successful novel, Anne Hathaway is Meryl Streep's gopher at a preeminent fashion magazine. With catty coworkers and unsupportive friends, Hathaway's character finds herself in the superficial world of designer dresses and endless photo shoots. We even see the humanity in a severe, archetypical boss from hell.
- What we learned: In one's professional life, every step is a step to something else. Sometimes we have to appreciate where we are, learn what we can and stand up for what we really want from our careers.
- Why we love it: This satire features one of the most glorious triads of actresses ever to appear in a comedy: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. With three distinctive characters and important themes about harassment and exploitation at work, 9 to 5 is a hilarious exploration of women in the workplace. Bonus points for the memorable theme song we can't get enough of.
- What we learned: In a stressful or challenging work environment, look for allies who can support and validate you. You may be surprised by the camaraderie vastly different people can forge under tricky circumstances.
At On Point Executive Centers, we love movies about offices as much as we love offices themselves. Contact us today for more information about our services, and to explore our office space in Tampa. Go virtual! #onpoint