Is Google really revolutionising the work environment?
April 5th 2008 10:50
In today's 'My Career' cover story of the Sydney Morning Herald, there was yet another praise about Google being the ultimate work place. "One of the biggest drawcards to working at Google is the seemingly endless string of employee perks." the article reported.
Not only to Google's US headquarters, named 'Googleplex', has on-site dry cleaning, swimming pools, dining, hair salons, gyms and medical facilities. Almost like a home community. The Sydney office is not as big, but still, the free catering and table tennis and pool tables are just one of the few benefits their employees are given to enjoy.
I have seen it with my eyes, when I visited a friend of mine who was working for Google in Dublin. She invited me to have lunch with her. I walked in. It looked just like any other corporate environment like the one I work in, except everyone seems like they really were having fun.
We past the games room, where three arcade game machines were beeping for attention. A pool table, already occupied by three laughing employees, table tennis, a small gym room and a 'media' room where you can escape to and watch a DVD or listen to music. Stepping into the 'cafeteria' was quite an experience. Expecting something similar to the one we dubbed 'The Bacteria' at work, I was really pleasantly surprised.
Well, first, it's free. Buffet style food counters were displaying quality food from roast to fried rice to fish to curry. Unlike ours, it actually looked good. You line up, get what you want, grab a drink from the nearby fridge and sit down. All for free.
"Even for me?" I asked nervously, trying to hide my 'VISITOR' name badge from the rest of the crowd.
"You are here with me. Of course you can eat too!" Answered my friend cheerfully.
Indeed. It did seem like they are having it too good. After lunch, a fridge full of ice cream beckoned and I couldn't help but also having one too.
Wouldn't all this prevent people from doing actual work? Well, Google apparently is very selective of their employees, "putting them through an interview process that can take anywhere from two to six months", reported the SMH article.
And employees work happier and better in good environments where they feel like an asset, not a burden.
Food for thought for the rest of the corporate world!
Google Logo
Not only to Google's US headquarters, named 'Googleplex', has on-site dry cleaning, swimming pools, dining, hair salons, gyms and medical facilities. Almost like a home community. The Sydney office is not as big, but still, the free catering and table tennis and pool tables are just one of the few benefits their employees are given to enjoy.
I have seen it with my eyes, when I visited a friend of mine who was working for Google in Dublin. She invited me to have lunch with her. I walked in. It looked just like any other corporate environment like the one I work in, except everyone seems like they really were having fun.
We past the games room, where three arcade game machines were beeping for attention. A pool table, already occupied by three laughing employees, table tennis, a small gym room and a 'media' room where you can escape to and watch a DVD or listen to music. Stepping into the 'cafeteria' was quite an experience. Expecting something similar to the one we dubbed 'The Bacteria' at work, I was really pleasantly surprised.
Well, first, it's free. Buffet style food counters were displaying quality food from roast to fried rice to fish to curry. Unlike ours, it actually looked good. You line up, get what you want, grab a drink from the nearby fridge and sit down. All for free.
"Even for me?" I asked nervously, trying to hide my 'VISITOR' name badge from the rest of the crowd.
"You are here with me. Of course you can eat too!" Answered my friend cheerfully.
Indeed. It did seem like they are having it too good. After lunch, a fridge full of ice cream beckoned and I couldn't help but also having one too.
Wouldn't all this prevent people from doing actual work? Well, Google apparently is very selective of their employees, "putting them through an interview process that can take anywhere from two to six months", reported the SMH article.
And employees work happier and better in good environments where they feel like an asset, not a burden.
Food for thought for the rest of the corporate world!
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