Google CEO reveals how free meals policy fosters innovation at the workplace.
In a recent interview, Google CEO Sundar Pichai opened up about the company’s famous employee meal policy and how it aids creativity.
Contrary to popular belief that meals are just perks, Mr Pichai explained they serve a deeper purpose by sparking new ideas during casual interactions over food.
“Recalling early days at Google, I can think of several times conversing with colleagues at cafes, getting excited about something new,” he said on The David Rubenstein Show.
As Product Manager in 2004, Mr Pichai saw first-hand how some of Google’s brightest ideas emerged during communal meals.
He noted the policy fosters collaboration and builds community, with benefits “dwarfing” costs. It’s a long-term investment in innovation, not a financial burden.
Beyond complimentary dining, Google’s worker-friendly initiatives like insurance and remote work positively impact dynamics, attracting top talent, he added.
Mr. Pichai said diverse roles seek different skills, but engineering favors programmers adaptable to change, hiring “superstar engineers”.
While some perks have changed, Google still leads Silicon Valley in offering generous benefits influencing other firms. For Mr Pichai, it’s impact on creativity that drives the meal policy.
