Googland

It is 10 years since the word “Google” quite fast turned from proper name to a verb. All over the world people use it as an invitation to look for answers in the Internet. The search may take you pretty much anywhere. But we took it to the Google village ourselves. So welcome!

Green, blue, red, yellow – corporately colored bicycles are here for your free use.  Comfy and light they take programmers towards numerous Google-cafes in the campus. It is lunch time. Important time. 

Food and the way you eat are taken very seriously there. It is mostly buffet type: plate is in one hand, spoon is in another and you fill it with whatever you like. Menu? It is vary every day: soups, salads, pastas, veggies, fruits, sandwiches, snacks…  All the food is marked with the grades of healthiness: red is bad, yellow is ok, green is the best for you. There is a strong accent on the healthier lifestyle in Google:

- food-pyramid and “you can eat better” posters are calling for you on each corner

- free gym with personal trainers plus salsa and yoga classes are accessible any time

- swimming pools and volleyball field are right in between of office buildings

And it got its results. Employees stay fit, tuned and open to the ideas, which sure help the company in general.

Of course Google is a big enough and can provide those benefits to its employees easier than some others. But it is just nice to see how hard HR work to win worker’s loyalty. Starting from a free shuttle bus which saves googlers form necessity to drive to work in the car. And aside from a friendly driver this bus got WiFi to accompany staff on the road. Finishing with movie club, massage chair and the sleeping cabin if you feel like taking a nap.

Keep looking.