To help lure employees back to the office, Google offers on-campus hotel ‘Summer Special’

Google’s ‘Summer Special’ Offer

Google’s ‘Summer Special’ offer will run until September 30 and is designed to make the transition to the hybrid workplace easier for employees, according to CNBC. While the idea may sound appealing, employees are skeptical about the fine print.

The stay is only for unapproved business travel, and employees are required to use their personal credit cards for payment. Google will not reimburse their expenses.

The promotional materials for the ‘Summer Special’ emphasize convenience and relaxation, with descriptions of no morning commute and extra time for sleep, as well as the ability to enjoy breakfast and exercise before work starts. The promotion also mentions the opportunity for a relaxing evening on the rooftop deck or participating in local activities.

$99 Stay in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its high real estate costs, limited housing supply, and high demand. The area contains many corporate offices and is particularly favored by tech workers and executives in the industry. Google’s on-campus hotel in Mountain View aims to alleviate some of the housing crunch, but employees are questioning the value considering the price tag.

At $99 per night, the cost of staying at the hotel adds up to approximately $3,000 (₹2,50,000) per month, as pointed out in internal discussion forums.

Employees’ Reactions

However, some employees are not convinced by the deal and have expressed their views on internal discussion forums. Memes with movie clips from “Mean Girls” have been shared, along with comments suggesting that the price is too high or that living on campus for the summer could disrupt work-life balance.

Employees have compared the cost of the hotel to their current living arrangements, with some saying they pay more for less in their apartments and others stating that their current living situation is better. One employee suggested that they would consider the offer if it included rent, meals, utilities, and housekeeping at a lower cost.

Encouraging Employees to Return to the Office

Google began bringing employees back to the office last year, but attendance remains sparse due to high housing costs near the offices and increased productivity while working remotely. Despite efforts to enforce office attendance and track employee presence, some employees are still holding out for remote work opportunities.

According to the report, Google’s HR chief has urged approved remote workers to reconsider their status and return to the office.