Perks defined Google for years, and defined most Silicon Valley culture as well. Microsoft has been famous for its perks since the early 90s, in fact. So when a number of posts, sparked by a NYT article (now nearly two months old) claim that the era of perks is over at Google, it prompts musings such as this one in ComputerWorld, claiming Google has lost its mojo.
I’m not sure that’s true, at least not yet. Perhaps amongst IT managers, that’s true (ComputerWorld being an IT publication, after all), but I am not sure IT managers ever had more than a passing interest in Google’s “mojo” to begin with.
The piece is entirely anecdotal, so the conclusion must be as well. For now, the jury is out.
Google does look like a cool place to work. I heard they have great perks and free lunch and drinks everyday.
What mojo? As a place to get free food or as a search engine? Can’t rate the food, but I’d say the search engine lost it’s mojo several years ago.
I have a feeling Google is overrated in terms of a workplace but of course I wouldn’t know. I guess they charge an arm and a leg for childcare for the working mothers of the company and they are all in a huff about it (naturally). Perhaps their other perks aren’t pleasing them enough.
I too also heard Google is giving up the free dinners. If that is true. I hope they watch that, cause if they do that, I feel it can adversely affect not only their stock price, but also the company’s growth in overall. We all know how good those employees do their jobs over at Google. I don’t work there, but I love Google too. I would hate to hear that they start flopping financially just cause they are giving up the free food to their employees.
http://www.ShawnDrewry.com
Google does look like a cool place to work. I heard they have great perks and free lunch and drinks everyday.
Well over in the UK i think it is fair to say Google lost its mojo years ago.
I remember going to a fantastic pre IPO summer bash. Google were basically thanking advertisers for their business and businesses were enjoying Google’s hospitality and thanking them for providing customers to their store.
There was nothing smug about it, there were big hitters & small fry all getting along, sharing info and just enjoying themselves.
Google staff were all buzzing, (unsurprising given the IPO) – there was an openness that was refreshing for such a big company.
Sadly since then there hasn’t been another bash, everything is serious.
To me Google has moved from a “do no evil” company to a “see no evil” monopoly.
Perks in the UK have never been as good as in the States, but there has certainly been jealousy at the differential. Especially given the importance of the UK market to Google…
Perks help create an aura around a company – they show staff are cherished, giving them and then taking them away when a company is still making massive company smacks of corporate greed!
Given Google’s profit margin and their reliance on small advertisers, this is a perception that the Brand can’t afford. IMHO anyway…
Who Stole The Mojo?
Maybe it was Skid Roper, trying to get Mojo back?
(Sorry, you’ve been on a music kick lately, John. I’m just trying to weave your two threads together.. music and search.. Google Mojo.. Mojo Nixon.. Oh, nevermind. Wasn’t that funny to begin with..)