[shanac]

Just as a caveat - I know Anne. I'm also a lady, so, some of the sexism arguments both do and don't ring true.

I'm not sure what I think. I've drunk alcohol in the office that had beer as a way of thinking through a problem. It worked. I also know a few engineers and other tech people who are alcoholics, and have admitted to me they spent serious time (and still do) in AA. I'm not sure the continual serving beer at pretty much every tech event I've ever been to is good for their careers. I'm 90% sure theire are events where they just bow out of because of temptation reasons (not every event, but still) I personally wouldn't mind a dry event just for calorie count/i don't need it reasons on occasion.

I also know that other countries drinking during the day is much more normal (an example here :http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2010-04... ) I also think other countries have very different feelings towards alcohol. The US still has some puritan motifs in its alcohol culture.

Finally, the one thing that does bother me - beer in tech companies usually means they want you to be there 24/7. Fine, ok - but you can do business elsewhere. For all you know interacting with some bartender may help you - and it isn't going to happen if your work life is also your social life, as implied by the kegs.

[mathattack]

Finally, the one thing that does bother me - beer in tech companies usually means they want you to be there 24/7. Fine, ok - but you can do business elsewhere. For all you know interacting with some bartender may help you - and it isn't going to happen if your work life is also your social life, as implied by the kegs.

This is very true, and includes other benefits too. Dinner is a cheap price for a few hours of developer time. Laundry service? Much cheaper than a few hours of developer time. Package delivery at the office? Again much cheaper...

[shanac]

I'm not sold that always being in the social context of work is healthy. And as my cofounder says "Keeping healthy is the cheapest way to get stuff done"

Further, productivity drops if you work 24/7.

On a personal level - time for other things (including laundry) outside of work does make me more productive because it gives me to time to think about work. The mind relaxes and you make connections you would not otherwise.

[mathattack]

I hear you - gym memberships are a great benefit because they save the employee money, and pay for themselves in better health.

Any perk that gives me time back is a good one, whether or not I invest the time in the office or elsewhere. I'd rather play with my kids than fold clothes.

Personally I find my productivity increases up to about 50 hours, and then drops slowly until about 60, when it falls off the cliff. Different people hit it at different times.