26 March 2018

Motivation at work, Google style

Table of contents

According to research by leadership consultancy Firm Bain & Company, Google is a 40% more productive than an average company”. This is not a recruitment issue, nor is it because this company focuses its search for candidates on high-performing employees. In fact, it has 16% of outstanding profiles in its workforce, only 1% above the rest of the companies studied (FastCompany). But then, what is its secret?

Motivation is the key to your success, The spring that drives staff productivity and enables them to enjoy results that set them apart from other companies.. Did you know that in 2017 Google was ranked #1 in the Best Place to Work ranking? (Fortune)

7 motivational strategies that work for Google and could work for your business

Some of the following proposals may not be imported as-is into the business, but they are sure to inspire:

  1. Facilitating reconciliation. We all have tasks to do and thinking about them can be a drain on productivity. Even so, it is sometimes difficult to switch off when time is limited when you get home and you know there will be a lot to do. Google solves this by providing the staff with a car wash and oil change service, bicycle repair shop, dry cleaning service, gym, massage therapy and also a hairdressing service.
  2. Helping employees to fulfil their dreams of raising a family. In addition to the 18 weeks of maternity leave with full pay, and the first three months after the baby is born, an extra $500 is paid to the mother and father so that they can order meals at home, Google offers financial support for adoption.
  3. Meeting your basic needs in premium style. Lunch and dinner are available free of charge. But it's not just any gastronomic offer; there are always healthy options prepared by gourmet chefs.
  4. Ensuring transparency. At the beginning of each quarter, Google's CEO shares with all employees the same information he shared with his Board at its most recent meeting.
  5. Focusing on continuous improvement and inspiring leaders. Employees are regularly surveyed about their managers. The survey results are used to publicly recognise the best managers and make them role models. Those with the worst marks are given support and guidance, which results in three-quarters of this group improving in less than three months.
  6. Working on flexibility. Google employees know that they can come to work at any time or even bring their dog. The relaxed, creative and fun environment benefits them psychologically. Among the opportunities that boost their motivation are the frequent breaks, creative sessions or facilities for sports as diverse as volleyball and climbing.
  7. Putting a fun spin on it. Making the workplace associated with good times is a very effective form of motivation. At Google they achieve this with their parties, their pyjama day or fancy dress days.

An engaged employee is 44% more productive than a satisfied worker., But, in addition to motivation, you have to work on inspiration. Did you know that an employee who feels inspired at work is almost 125% more productive than a satisfied one (...)?FastCompany)

Edenred Spain

Related publications

a boy clocking in with his card at his work station

How to adapt to the new Digital Signage Law 2026?

Four people at a meeting with a “Wellbeing” document in their hands.

Income tax exempt health insurance: How does it work? 

picture of two happy and hugging co-workers

Sharing joy on the saddest day of the year