Google – Home Is Where the Work Is

Google is a household name and just about every mom on the internet has “Googled” something one time or another or every day. Google is certainly the number one search engine and the largest American company not part of the Dow Jones. But how do they treat their employees and what can we learn from the company whose philosophy says, “Don't be evil”?

Fortune magazine rated Google the number one place to work in the US and perhaps it has to do with their motto: “Work should be challenging and the challenge SHOULD BE FUN.” Maybe it's because they let you bring your dog to work or because you can get your car washed or oil changed onsite. And if you buy a hybrid car, Google will give you $5,000 for being environmentally conscience. Not a bad perk.

But the real winning point to working for Google is the free food. Every employee gets three free gourmet meals a day at 11 cafeterias and nutritious snacks such as carrots and fresh fruit located within 150 feet of their workspace. Google must know if their employees are well nourished, they will be more productive, think clearer and work harder.

And there's more. Much more. Employees can get their hair cut onsite, wash a load of laundry, visit the doctor, get a massage, work out and have a notary sign their important docs. There's also childcare available and if you just had a baby, congrats! Google will reimburse you up to $500 in takeout food to make your first few weeks at home a little easier.

Google has no doubt created a fun atmosphere for their employees. And it shows in the work. Google's the most used search engine and their offerings continually increase from applications like Google Earth, Gmail and Google Images. Google is innovative, hip and just plain special. And the first to acknowledge this are the people who get up every morning to make it so.

Business School for Moms

Google shows when you treat those you work with right, you get so much more in return. Feeding our children well will help them grow and develop body and brain power. Washing laundry, haircuts, doctor visits… We as moms know all about taking care of our children. But what are the “perks” to being a member of your family? What will make your children feel special and glad to be home? Like Google, it's what you put into it that determines what you get out of it.