What's it like to be a Google employee based at the HQ in California?

It's estimated that Google uses over one million servers in data centres around the world, and process over one billion search requests and about twenty-four petabytes of user-generated data every day. 

Google was first incorporated as a privately held company on September 4, 1998 and has grown exponentially ever since. The company's mission statement from the outset was "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful" and the company's unofficial slogan is "Don't be evil". In 2006, the company moved to its current headquarters aka "the Googleplex" in Mountain View, California.

Aside from the many employees the Google HQ building also hosts a massive roof-mounted array of solar panels.

Today, Google employs 53,546 people around the world, receiving a CV (resume) every 25 seconds from eager job-seekers, hiring an average of nine new employees a day.

A full-size replica of Virgin Atlantic's Spaceship One (space tourist vehicle) hangs in the reception area.

To work off the pounds, and the stress Google has its own state-of-the-art gym offering weight-training and a host of exercise machines, rowing machines, lockers and shower rooms, and two swim-in-place wave pools.

Other staff perks include free haircuts, dry cleaning and laundry, child care, car services, chiropractors and five onsite doctors available for employee check-ups; all free of charge.

Perhaps the most unusual bonus of all: employees can bring their dogs to work with them and keep the four-legged canine in their offices.

We already know that working for Google has many advantages, but, believe me, this giant of a search engine takes the welfare of its employees very seriously as shown by this decompression (stress) capsule that is impermeable to sound and light

A slide allows quick access from different floors. There are also “poles” available. They' re similar to the ones used in fire stations.

 

Employees can eat all they want for free from a vast choice of food and drink, whipped up by in-house chefs.

A typical Google lunch

The cookie selection is amazing

Each employee has the latest IT equipment including at least two large screens. 

Large white boards are available just about everywhere because 'ideas don't always come when seated in the office'says one of Google's managers.

Pool tables, video games, etc. are available in many areas.

On each floor there are private areas where employees attend to personal affairs.

Having trouble with your computer? No problem! Bring it to this area where drinks are available while it's being fixed.

Professional massage therapists are available.

View relaxing aquariums on massage chairs that you control.

There are many books in this library; even some about programming.

It seems amazing.