According to an exclusive report in The Wall Street Journal, Exxon Mobil Corp. is downsizing its executive offices, moving from a palatial suite known as the "God Pod" to a more modest space on its campus outside Houston.
The move is part of a broader effort by the oil company to cut costs and become more efficient. Exxon has been under pressure from investors to streamline its operations, particularly after the pandemic and oil market crash of 2020 led to a historic annual loss.
The new executive offices will take up two floors on the company's 385-acre campus in Spring, Texas. The space will be modern and open, with ample space for collaboration.
The move away from the God Pod is a symbolic shift for Exxon. The suite was designed to telegraph the company's global reach and power. But it was also seen as out of touch with the company's rank-and-file employees.
The new offices are intended to be more egalitarian and economical, in keeping with the company's recent pledges to be leaner.
Exxon's move to more-open executive offices underscores a cultural shift among oil companies to reshape their workplaces to encourage collaboration. The changes are in line with recent trends in office design.
If done right, the move could help build trust with workers and improve employee morale.
Key Points
- The move to more-open executive offices is a symbolic shift for Exxon Mobil, signaling a change in culture and a focus on collaboration.
- The move is also cost-saving, as the new offices will be more modest than the God Pod.
- The move could help build trust with workers and improve employee morale.
- The move is in line with recent office design trends favoring open and collaborative spaces.
Written by
For leaders.
The above article was written, edited, and reviewed with AI assistance by experienced CEO.com journalists and researchers to produce the most accurate and highest-quality information.