The Greater New York Chapter of IFMA, International Facility Management Association
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Facility Management Practitioner Membership Drive Event
What company’s name has become a verb that stands for the easiest way to find an answer? You got it! Google!
IFMAGNY was treated to a grand tour of the facilities Google occupies at 111 Eighth Avenue in Manhattan on October 11th. Arranged by the Membership Committee, the tour attracted over 75 members and guests who were delighted by the unique environment designed for the creative 700 Google team members who zip across the 210,000 SF floor on scooters traversing Manhattan “Avenues.” After all, it would otherwise waste a lot of time getting from one end to the other of the five acre footprint that extends from Eighth Avenue to Ninth and from Fifteenth Street to Sixteenth. 111 Eighth Avenue, the former MTA warehouse, is the second largest building in the City, so horizontal transportation is just as important as vertical transportation. And scooters are a lot more environmentally sensitive than any mechanical alternative.
The mission of Google is to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful,” and the facilities enhance the mission by creating an open environment where collaboration seems paramount. A large game room with billiards and ping pong as center points along with a lounge area with vibrating massage chairs was well occupied at the early evening hour of the tour, and is in constant use. Also contributing to the teaming of employees are small gathering areas throughout the facility with even a television lounge where employees hang out after work hours to watch movies.
Another employee diversion that encourages teamwork is a huge Lego play station designed by one of five “CLP’s” (Certified Lego Professional) in the world. It’s a favorite feature during bring your children to work day.
There is also a somewhat unique policy allowing staff to bring their pets to work, although the policy was recently revised to exclude pythons when one went missing for a few hours one evening.
Communication is facilitated with whiteboard areas throughout the facility where employees can write anything they want including poetry. Everything in the work environment seems carefully planned to look casual and relaxed. The tour attendees were not allowed to see most work spaces due to corporate security concerns, but from what we were able to see, large teaming areas appear to be the norm. Liberal use of glass allows natural lighting to enhance team workspace. Video conferencing capability seems to be everywhere. Other amenities are an exercise room, yoga classes and mothering stations.
Google is clearly green conscious, from 25% recycled fibers in the carpeting to local organically grown food in the free cafeterias and food stations liberally dispersed across the floor. Even the plates and cutlery are biodegradable.
While the unique and friendly employee environment is highly visible, a visitor is always reminded Google is the business and the brand. Signs reminding one of brand importance are prominent and search engine requests are even randomly scrolled via light projection across the floor.
The tour was facilitated by Laura Gimpel, Facilities Manager for Google and IFMA Membership Committee Co-Chair.
By John Poblocki of Grubb & Ellis - IFMAGNY PR Committee Member