I'm happy with free coffee, ergonomic chairs and the occasional office party, but the times they are a'changin'.

Many of us have heard about the office environment at Google. The free, organic meals prepared by gourmet chefs. Scooters. Your dog in the office with you.

Some of this stuff was unheard-of before Google went big. But, will office perks like these become the norm?  My friends talk about how they would kill to work for Google.  Maybe companies will have to adapt to keep up with the Joneses by providing these types of programs and facilities in order to remain competitive for top talent.

With new emphasis on work/life balance, it seems like companies are driven to find new ways to keep their employees healthy and happy. For example, many companies are allowing employees to bring their dogs into the office.  Not just Google, but places like Proctor & Gamble and small businesses.  CBS reported on this a while back and they found that 46 Million Americans would work longer hours if they were allowed to bring their dogs with them. And there is a theory out there that dogs reduce stress. TAPP’s own Founder and CEO, Linda Guild brings Buddy, her Black Lab mix into work with her. It seems to brighten Linda’s day, and I have to admit, having Buddy around to poke at me for a good scratch behind the ear keeps me feeling like a human being and always makes me smile – except when he slobbers on my dress pants.  So, maybe Linda, Google, and P&G are on to something.

Just the interior design and furniture at Google seem to encourage low stress, comfort and creativity.  A giant zebra print beanbag chair by my desk could be just what the doctor ordered.  I’ll have to ask Linda for one of those.  Google and Redbull have slides (and I don’t mean the PowerPoint kind) that you can use instead of walking down the stairs!  That would definitely make me more productive!

Google and other large (?) companies also offer more interesting resources, like scooters to get around on their large campuses, on-site hair stylists and massage therapists, concierge service, bicycle repair, and dry cleaning.

I think this is all (free, gourmet) food for thought for employers out there looking to attract and retain productive, talented, creative people.

What workplace perks does your company offer?