Google is taking a novel approach in encouraging its employees to return to the office by offering a “Summer Special” at an on-campus hotel in Mountain View. The deal allows full-time employees to book a room for $99 a night until September 30.
The goal is to ease the transition to the hybrid workplace. However, some workers are skeptical about the offer, as the cost could amount to around $3,000 a month. In comparison to apartments in the already pricy San Francisco Bay Area, it is an expensive alternative.
Despite the promotion not being eligible for reimbursement, Google hopes the hotel’s amenities and work proximity will appeal to employees.
Why it matters: Google’s attempt to lure workers back to the office stems from ongoing challenges in getting employees to return after the pandemic. Some employees appreciate the convenience and potential benefits of staying in the on-campus hotel. However, others see it as a costly and less appealing option compared to their current living situations. The initiative reflects the tech industry’s struggle to strike a balance between in-person and remote work.
- In response to employees’ reluctance to return to the office, Google introduced new enforcements including tracking badge data and addressing office attendance as a factor in performance reviews. These measures aimed to encourage more employees to come back to the workplace and foster team collaboration in person.
- Google faced resistance from its employees when initially attempting to implement three days in office. However many cited new concerns about housing costs and expressed a preference for remote work, which led the company to modify its return-to-office plans multiple times.
- As the tech industry continues to evolve its approach to work arrangements, Google’s actions may serve as a case study for other companies navigating similar issues in attracting and retaining talent.
