Taking a cue from a post Jenna put up at the 3gen blog, I wanted to talk about Google's recent recognition as the "Best Company to Work For" by Fortune Magazine. I've done a lot of research into Google's work environment, and it certainly sounds great on paper, but there are some catches. You see, Google tried really hard to make the integration of work and life seamless. They have childcare, free food, laundry on site. It's hard to argue that these are bad things.
However, if you think about it, they're actually only devising ways to get their employees to work earlier and to keep them there later.
"Come in and get free breakfast...but you have to come in at 8am to get it."
"Use our free laundry...but not during your scheduled work hours."
I guess it's hard to harp on Google since they offers these things at all, but the truth is they're hiring recent college grads and giving them a very college like atmosphere. Google, in effect, becomes their new college campus where they spend most of their time.
So what do you think, am I reading too much into this or have I uncovered Google's secret plot?
Google - Is it really the best place to work?
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Best Place to Work,
Google
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4 comments:
It does sound a bit like a cult. Evidently, the Google transportation system (for getting people to and from work) is more extensive than the MUNI! I'm surprised they don't just house them on-site...then employees could work 24-7.
Exactly!
Then again, I am planning to move to Northern California soon and a job at Google may be one of my more realistic options.
Hmm...on second thought, hooray Google!!
I agree - It sounds great on paper but sometimes there needs to be a seperation between work and life in order to have a break from it all! From personal experience, making work your life can be very stressful and doesn't always turn out well.
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