[DataJunkie]

Top down entirely. It's based entirely on propaganda that Google has the best perks and that serendipitous hallway conversations lead to innovation. Zero evidence that that is the case. And other companies have the same, if not better, perks.

[ceras]

It's been years since I worked there, but I gotta say nothing compares to the Google NYC office in my opinion, as far as offices go. If you know a better office let me know :)

I still know people there, several of whom started going in again as soon as they brought back the big perks like cafes even though it was fully optional.

(The companies I've worked at since then seem to have fewer people going in during this optional period, though still some.)

[bradlys]

Yes - this is a component of offices that I think people are skipping. Google and some other companies have world class offices and really cater to their employees quite nicely.

I think many here think of an office as an open office with 500 desks crammed together and nothing else. I know those offices - I've worked at plenty. I do not want to go back to that. I've seen what my current work has done for their "renovations". It's soul draining and will be a terrible office environment. Needless to say - I'm looking for a new job because I do want some office time but I don't want a soul sucking office like the ones we currently have at many companies. Google's isn't perfect (and it is huge YMMV - I've seen some that are fantastic and some that are horrific!) but it's usually far better than others. At least there's an option to enjoy some nice perks and office culture! Many places don't have any of that. No activities - no team building - no peer bonding - no anything!

Amazing if you hate people - horrible if you love interacting with new folks.

[Gunnerhead]

Mind telling me more about the Google NYC office?