When we talk about the various things we can do to make our workplaces better for our people, this story about Google (GOOG) comes to the forefront as an excellent example.
What I like especially about this isn't simply that they throw out a bunch of programs and perks, which they do. But it's the commitment to making things work right there that adds the real value.
Probably the best example is the morning commute. Essentially a department at Google is set aside for the sole purpose of operating this with as little frustration as possible for its employees.
The department consists of transportation specialists that moniter regional traffic patterns, develop new routes and map out the places where new hires will be living. They even have racks available for bicycles and even forward seats where people can put their dogs.
This isn't just an afterthought where the company offers a program and hands it to the employees and then forgets about it. It's considered an integral part of their business.
To me it's worse to offer something to our people and then make them figure out all of it, than to offer it, run it and let them simply be benefitted from it.
I've seen a number of well-intentioned employee perks backfire on employers when they offer them and then leave them alone. I like Google's idea of considering it part of their customer service to their people. They take it as seriously in serving as they would with any of their customers. Their people know it and reward them for it.
This doesn't mean that we should necessarily start something like this, what it means is that if we're going to do something for our people, than do it to the best of our ability. If we aren't commited to that, it's better not to start it in the first place. The good will achieved from taking care of our people is always rewarded beyond what we give. It's just good business.
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