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Work Imitates Life
Article

Work Imitates Life

Aeon, 2016

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Eye Opening
  • Overview

Recommendation

Meeting rooms filled with thousands of colorful plastic balls, rooftop hiking trails and Disneyesque downtown eateries are just some of the perks on offer if you work at one of today’s monster “tech campuses.” Journalist Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey explores the plush workspaces of Google, Facebook and the Downtown Project. He describes how companies hope to influence their workers’ emotions through designer working areas, free hardware and gourmet meals. getAbstract recommends this article to anyone who has ever been curious about the pluses and pitfalls of life on a tech campus.

Summary

In February 2015, Google revealed plans for a new building in Mountain View, California. At roughly 3.5 million square feet, it included shopping outlets and recreation areas as well as modular work spaces. For many employees, this style of office is attractive. In 2013, roughly 10% of the population of Mountain View worked for Google, but those who didn’t started to see the giant facility as a “fortress.” The local city council eventually declined Google’s building application, forcing it to downsize its plans.

Among tech giants, the trend to design offices...

About the Author

Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey is a freelance writer specializing in American history, technology, media and music.