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‘Looking for a convenient way to shorten your daily commute?’
Google Offers On-Campus Hotel Special to Encourage Hybrid Work
Google is taking steps to attract more hybrid workers back into the office by eliminating the commute when they do need to leave home. In a bid to make the transition to the hybrid workplace easier, the tech giant is offering full-time staff the opportunity to book stays at the Bay View campus’ hotel for $99 per night through September 30th. This promotion aims to provide employees with the benefits of both office and home environments, without the need for extensive travel.
The summer promotion, recently reported by CNBC, is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to incentivize employees to return to the workplace. While Google has not yet commented on the matter, a spokesperson mentioned that the company regularly offers employee specials for its facilities.
However, there is a catch. Employees will have to bear the cost of the hotel stays themselves. Although the $3,000 monthly expense aligns with apartment rentals and includes full service, it essentially means paying to live at work without a significant discount. This arrangement puts Google team members in a position where they either have to forgo their own homes or effectively pay rent for two places. Furthermore, the hotel offer is only beneficial for those working at Bay View, which predominantly houses ad-related teams. Employees working at the older campus will not be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Google’s hotel special coincides with its intensified efforts to bring remote workers back to the office. The company began gradually returning employees to its offices in 2022, mandating three days a week of in-person work for those affected. However, some employees expressed concerns about the associated high living costs and reduced productivity. Despite the pushback, Google proceeded with plans to include office presences in performance reviews starting in June.
The growing tensions surrounding the return-to-office policies have now escalated to the point of potential regulatory action. YouTube contractors who voted to unionize have accused Google and its contracting firm Cognizant of using these policies to suppress labor organization. As a result, they have filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.
External Links:
– Google Wants Employees to Return to the Office on April 4th