5 reasons why you would want to visit the Google office

MANILA, Philippines – This year, for the sixth time, Google has ranked number one on the annual list of 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune. So what is it about the search engine giant that makes it such a great place to work for?

Having a fun workplace where you can play games, take naps and have free meals is something that most of us can only dream of. Here are just a few of the cool things to be found at the Googleplex that keeps Googlers happy year after year.

Work hard, rest hard

For most of us, sleeping on the job leads to a one-way trip out the door. But in Googleplex, they take napping to a new level with nap pods – space-age-looking recliners designed to shut out noise and provide the perfect resting position.

Encouraging naps at work might sound like a crazy idea for a business owner, but as any employee can attest, a 20-minute power nap can do wonders for productivity. Arianna Huffington, founder and president of The Huffington Post says, “Sleep makes us more productive, creative, less stressed and much healthier and happier. Even a 20-minute nap in the middle of the day can make a huge difference.” She adds,” I grew up thinking that if you work around the clock, you are going to be more effective, and I realize that is not true.’’

On the house

With close to 30 cafes on site, Googlers are spoiled for choice when it comes to food. The most envious part is that everything is absolutely free. Whether it’s a vegetarian lunch or lobster for dinner, you don’t need a search engine to find a delicious and free meal at Google.

One of the common issues that today’s working professionals deal with is the tendency to make poor food choices while in the work place and generally letting their health slide. Free food is a welcome perk at any corporation, but ensuring access to quality and healthful meals is the game changer.

Think of it not only as a long-term investment in employees’ health and disposition, but also as another opportunity to interact with team members and get to know them better. In addition, having a proper pantry for meals encourages bonding and collaboration between employees. (Read: INFOGRAPHIC: Definining the modern day boss)   

Let things slide

With its sprawled layout, funky architecture and rainbow color scheme, the Google office looks a lot more like a playground than a corporate office. And yes, that means that there are rides, too. Forget about waiting in a boring elevator; when a Googler needs to get downstairs in a hurry or if they just want to have some fun, the slides around the complex are a quick, easy and fun way to accomplish both.

The slides help keep Googlers think creatively and out-of-the-box; the architects behind the Googleplex have noted that Google “valued play as immensely important – allowing employees to treat the world as a massive ground for experimentation. 

For businesses that value innovation and creativity, it’s worthwhile to note that the workplace promotes and encourages these values as well. (Read: Let your business ride the digital wave)

Getting around when you’re two-tired

Free food and a free ride?  That’s right, riding a Google bike is also free of charge. These bicycles allow Googlers to move around with ease without the hassle of having to pay for gas or find parking.

The free bikes also help to accomplish two of Google’s core initiatives: environmental and employee health. Whether it’s biking around the Googleplex or exploring what the local countryside has to offer, a Google bike can take you there – with less carbon footprint and a better impact on your health. 

For business owners, sometimes all that’s needed is to make, small practical adjustments that not only means more savings for the company, but also a significant contribution to a more sound environment.

Serve’s up

For those that prefer smacking a ball and making new friends while getting fit, there is a beach volleyball court available in the middle of the Googleplex. At Google, getting sand in your shorts is just part of a fun afternoon.

Recreational facilities help employees relieve stress, and promote camaraderie among workers. Positive outlets such as these keep them happy and better able to manage their workloads. A happy worker is a productive worker after all. 

Search and you shall find

What Google has accomplished in terms of keeping its workers happy and maintaining a pleasant and fun office environment is something other businesses can certainly take note of.

It might be as simple as having more relaxed rules that take into consideration rest and recreation or being in a wide, open space that encourages the free flow of ideas. There’s certainly a thing or two that a business owner can pick up from a trip to Googleplex. – Rappler.com

Visit rappler.com/betheboss for more information.