Google perks: The secrets behind America's favorite employer

Summary

Google’s success as a top employer is rooted in its data-driven approach to human resources. By studying employee behavior and workspaces, Google creates an environment designed to maximize productivity and innovation. From personalized onboarding processes to inventive office designs like ski gondolas and nap pods, Google tailors its workplace to boost creativity and well-being. The company even uses data to refine food choices, improve health, and extend the longevity of its employees. Through these efforts, Google aims not only to attract top talent but also to ensure their long-term happiness and productivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google is named the best company to work for in America, with millions of resumes submitted each year.
• 😀 Google's approach to human resources is based on data analytics, bringing a scientific method to employee management.
• 😀 A small personal greeting from a manager on the first day can increase employee productivity by 15% in 9 months.
• 😀 Google has created a 'living laboratory' to experiment with and optimize the workplace environment for creativity and productivity.
• 😀 Unconventional office designs, like ski gondolas and sidewalk cafes, promote spontaneous interactions and innovation.
• 😀 Casual collisions, or informal interactions between employees, are encouraged to foster creativity and idea generation.
• 😀 Google provides features like nap pods and treadmill desks to improve employee well-being and health.
• 😀 The company has tested various materials for their offices, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and optimizing color choices for a better work environment.
• 😀 Google's innovative approach to food in the workplace includes providing free meals and snacks, but with health-conscious changes such as portion control and healthier options.
• 😀 'Nudges' are used to subtly guide employees towards healthier eating choices, such as smaller plates and color-coded food options.
• 😀 Google's ultimate goal is to extend the life expectancy of its employees by 30 years, with the oldest employee being 83 years old.

Q & A

Why is Google considered the best company to work for in America?

Google is considered the best company to work for due to its innovative workplace, extensive employee perks, and data-driven approach to enhancing productivity and well-being.

How does Google use data to improve employee productivity?

Google uses data to analyze employee behavior and optimize work conditions, such as ensuring managers greet new hires on their first day to improve productivity by 15% over nine months.

What is the purpose of Google's 'Living Lab'?

The 'Living Lab' is a space where Google tests innovative work environment designs and materials to determine what fosters creativity, collaboration, and productivity among employees.

Can you give an example of a creative workspace at Google?

Examples of creative workspaces at Google include ski gondolas in the Zurich office, a public meeting room in Dublin, and a sidewalk café in EST UL.

Why does Google provide nap pods, and how do they benefit employees?

Nap pods at Google promote short power naps (5-15 minutes), which have been shown to boost productivity and overall well-being, ensuring employees stay refreshed and focused.

What is the significance of the color choices in Google's office design?

Google analyzes color psychology to optimize employee mood and productivity. For instance, they found that purple was not well-received in the work environment, leading them to avoid its use.

What health-related initiatives does Google offer to its employees?

Google offers health-focused amenities such as treadmill desks, bike rentals, and garden spaces for employees to grow vegetables, promoting both physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

How does Google address unhealthy eating habits in its offices?

Google uses 'nudges' to encourage healthier food choices, such as color-coded food options and placing unhealthy snacks like M&Ms further down the shelf. This led to a reduction of 3 million calories consumed over a period of seven weeks.

What is Google's ultimate goal for its employees' health?

Google's ultimate goal is to extend the average employee's lifespan by 30 years by creating a work environment that promotes long-term health, happiness, and career satisfaction.

How does Google create opportunities for employee collaboration?

Google fosters collaboration through open and unconventional spaces like casual meeting rooms and the strategic placement of workstations to encourage spontaneous interactions among employees.