Lunch at Google
Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus is less than a mile from the Googleplex and I've been trying to get over there for lunch since the day I started. Today, a couple of us headed over to meet Vikram's friend Anand (who just happens to be a recruiter at Google). The first question for us: which of the many cafeterias to eat in. Anand's office is a bit off the beaten path, so we headed towards main campus and the company's original cafeteria. I had chicken enchiladas. Mmm. All free, of course, because all of Google's cafeterias serve free meals at breakfast lunch and dinner.
After lunch, Anand took us on a tour of campus. People are everywhere and offices are busting at the seems. They sit four to an office, but Anand insists Google employees wouldn't have it any other way. As we walked around, it was hard to tell if these folks are working or playing. Everywhere we went we saw people riding the motorized scooters used to travel between buildings. The company gym was packed with people even in the middle of the day. I'd be impressed by all the equipment, except that the treadmills only get 75 cable channels.
Whether the free meals, 20% time, and seemingly endless perks contribute to the company's success or not, it's hard to argue that Google isn't doing great right now.
After lunch, Anand took us on a tour of campus. People are everywhere and offices are busting at the seems. They sit four to an office, but Anand insists Google employees wouldn't have it any other way. As we walked around, it was hard to tell if these folks are working or playing. Everywhere we went we saw people riding the motorized scooters used to travel between buildings. The company gym was packed with people even in the middle of the day. I'd be impressed by all the equipment, except that the treadmills only get 75 cable channels.
Whether the free meals, 20% time, and seemingly endless perks contribute to the company's success or not, it's hard to argue that Google isn't doing great right now.