Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom My Visit to Google Chicago

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom My Visit to Google Chicago Upfront disclosure: I don’t work for Google…yet. Thanks to my new friend Sally Anderson, a human resources partner at Google Chicago, I recently had the opportunity to tour the office and see for myself why Google is one of the most desirable employers in the world. I wasn’t disappointed. The Customer is King While I sat in the brightly lit, colorful lobby and sucked on a lemon Jolly Rancher, I watched the front desk receptionist field several calls from prospective summer interns. Did he turn up his nose and scoff? No sir. Google understands that when a call comes into the organization, you never know who’s on the line and what kind of influence that person might have â€" so its receptionists are helpful and friendly to everyone. Diverse Work Spaces Promote Concentration and Collaboration Google generally favors an open office environment, but the organization is very creative in its use of space. If you need a moment to relax alone, you head to the porch swings by the windows. You can brainstorm with colleagues in a room decorated like a garden. Want to impress a new client? Take her over to the speakeasy-themed conference room. A Wellness Focus is Everywhere Google serves up gourmet, healthy breakfast and lunch to its Chicago employees so they won’t rely on the plethora of fast food options in the area. And if you don’t have time to hit the in-house gym or massage chairs, you can meet with colleagues as you walk around the office track â€" 12 laps equals one mile. For more reasons why I love Google, head over to Intuits Fast Track blog.