Google culture

Michael Stefanone
Professor, University at Buffalo
 1. Thorough hiring process for the best

Google receives over 1 million resumes each year,

with less than 0.5% of all applicants actually being

hired.

The surprising thing is how meticulous they are

with one as the other, assessing not only a candi-

date’s technical skills and intellect, but also his cre-

ative thought process and quick thinking abilities.

 Interviews at Google consist of curveball questions
like
“How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?”

Their hiring process allows Google to filter the

flood of applications for extraordinary people who
will best contribute to their innovative office vibe.
While it may be a slow process, careful considera-
tion of your candidates can build a stronger foun-
dation for your company to grow on.
 2. Casual, democratic atmosphere

Google is what one would call a “flat” company,

with smaller number of middle managers and an
upper management.

This lack of top-down hierarchy cultivates a more

open atmosphere for employees to voice their
opinions and new ideas in various ways
like employee engagement surveys.
 3. Clear mission and value: Why you do
and what you do

Having a clearly articulated mission that is

prominently communicated to all employees
cultivates an intentional culture – an environ-

ment where people know why they do what

they do, and love their work.
“It’s best do one thing really, really well”

“Innovation is in their blood”

That hunger for innovation is what provides

purpose in the office, aligning every em-
ployee’s decisions with a simple, collective vi-
sion.
4. Transparency and open-door environ-
ment

Sharing information through weekly meeting

called TGIF establishes transparency in the of-
fice, creating an environment where everything
is up for debate.

Founders Larry and Sergey host the event,

where employees from around the world are
encouraged to ask, then vote online on ques-
tions they most want answered.
Keeping the employees updated about
where the company is headed will help
the employees feel like a part of some-
thing greater than just a conglomerate of
anonymous individual.

Companies that value collaboration and

encourage transparency will develop a
positive atmosphere in the office that
can only make its people more produc-
tive.
 5. Employee recognition for small and
big contributions

Google recognizes that appreciation is the best

way to reward employees for their contribu-
tions.

Recognition like The Founders’ Award provides

incentives for employees to do the best work
they can do, the rewards from which, paid in
the form of Google Stock Units, are pretty en-
ticing.
 6. Interacting with communities

Commitment to community is one of the lead-

ing indicators of a great corporate culture.

Google
has contributed $1.2 billion to the Berkeley Co
unty data center facility as a long-term investm
ent,
along with close to $1 million for charitable
causes in South Carolina.