#2 Google
When the mention of a company's name calls to mind words like, "cutting-edge," "success," and "technological giant," you assume that the company is going to be at the vanguard of perfecting the modern work environment. You'd be right. With offices all over the world, Google provides its Chicago employees everything--and more--to get to work on the future of the Internet.
"We focus on bringing out the best in our employees," says Brian Fitzpatrick, Engineering Manager. "We find what is most appropriate for each individual. If you loosen up the general structure, it allows people to slip into roles that are more comfortable for them and allows them to be more productive."
"Loosening up" that structure means major benefits, basically. At Google, full meals are provided around the clock, employees get plenty of time to take care of non-work items on their list, there are outings and events, and multiple social groups have formed to give a voice to the multitude of diverse voices within the "Googler" company.
"The people here are the best people I have ever worked with, period," says Fitzpatrick. "This is the happiest I have ever been in my life. I love my work and I love working here."
It goes without saying that at a company as influential and far-reaching as Google, opportunities for advancement and growth are a given. Megan Danielson, a Team Leader on the Google Travel Team, says, "Google is developing my career by giving me opportunities to do what I want. I have never been told 'no' here. At other companies, you're typically pigeonholed, but Google encourages you to think outside the box and do things that aren't typical to your role."
Danielson adds that the community feels cozy, surprisingly enough. "Google is run as if it were a small company despite its huge growth and success. At no other company have I felt such a strong sense of teamwork and unity."
Gen Y employee Jessie Chavez says that while the legendary perks at Google are as good as they sound; it's not what's at the heart of the company. "Our office is cool and colorful, but these things wouldn't matter if it wasn't for our 'bottom-up' culture. The employees have a big voice here. The people that work here are often overlooked because of all the cool perks and benefits that Google has to offer, but it's important to recognize that the people here are the most important part of Google."
