As remote work became the norm during the pandemic, companies now aim to bring employees back to the office. Google plans to entice workers with a “summer special” offer: full-time employees can book stays at the Bay View campus hotel for $99 per night until September. The hotel is situated within Google’s newly opened 42-acre Bay View campus in Mountain View.
In the past year, Google mandated its employees to work in the office three days a week, but later embraced a hybrid work approach. In June, CNBC reported that Google revised its policy to incorporate badge tracking, making in-person attendance a factor in performance reviews.
The company aims to facilitate Googlers’ transition to the hybrid workplace through this promotion, eventually leading them back to the office.
Google’s “summer special” offer entices employees with an additional hour of sleep, no commute, and a delightful breakfast as a way to lure them back to the office
Envision a morning without the daily commute to the office—instead, enjoy an extra hour of sleep and reduced hassle. Imagine stepping out of your room to savor a delightful breakfast or fit in a quick workout before starting your workday, as described in the offer.
This exclusive offer is available only to full-time employees and will remain valid until September’s end. However, it’s essential to note that it is not classified as a travel expense, so employees will be responsible for covering the costs themselves.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, real estate costs are notably high due to restricted housing supply from long-standing zoning regulations and increased demand. The city of Mountain View, home to many corporate offices, including those owned or leased by Google, also faces housing shortages.
According to Ryan Lamont, a Google spokesperson, the company provides accommodation specials for both local and traveling employees, granting them access to various spaces and amenities. These specials, along with discounts on other services and entertainment options, are promoted through Google’s regular Perks email.
The “summer special” promotion sparked a variety of reactions among Googlers. In internal forums, employees engaged in discussions, shared memes, and expressed their opinions about the hotel deal. While some found the $99 per night cost reasonable given the amenities, others desired a lower price or additional perks to be included.