Celebrating a culture of diversity
Diversity is an essential component of the culture at Google. Building diversity and inclusion into the way we operate around the globe continues to be an essential part of our business and our culture as Googlers.
The 6th Sense: Diversity Week in India
In 2010 we organized The 6th Sense – a week-long event with the theme of “Diversity and Inclusion” – a first in Google India. Over 750 Googlers enthusiastically participated in this initiative to increase employee sensitivity and awareness of differences across genders, cultures, and sexual orientation.
We kicked off the week with “Diversity 101,” a tech talk covering basic frameworks of diversity and culture, resources available at Google, initiatives led by Googlers around the world, and how Googlers in India can get involved. Next, we attended the “Engayging Lives” session led by Nitin Karani, a well known gay rights advocate who has been working on LGBT issues for over 15 years. Nitin spoke about Humsafar Trust (India’s leading community-based HIV prevention organization), and ended with a panel discussion. The session received glowing feedback, including, “Just discussing a sensitive topic in an open forum at Google was a picture of how diverse we are and is a good start in creating awareness.”
We also conducted a “Yes, We Can” workshop for a select group of women who had been nominated by their managers to participate. Participants brainstormed and shared ideas on overcoming obstacles, prioritizing work, and being a “super woman.”
"I worked elsewhere before joining Google and I can very clearly differentiate between the two workforces. Initially I thought it was just a coincidence that such a diverse workforce is employed here. It was great to know that it was no coincidence, but instead due to the great effort taken by a lot of people here at Google.”
Sum of Google Celebrations
In 2009, a group of Googlers organized an event at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, CA, designed to celebrate our culture of diversity with food, music, dance performances, and executive speakers. This group of passionate Googlers launched the first event in a series of Sum of Google Celebrations with over 1,000 Googlers attending. 2010 saw the expansion of the Sum of Google phenomenon, with over 5,000 Googlers in 22 offices participating across JAPAC, EMEA, and the Americas.
In Mountain View and Santa Monica, ERG leaders participated in a panel moderated by Laszlo Bock, (VP, People Operations), and joined 500 Googlers in celebrating with live dance performances, food, and an “I am Part of the Sum” photo shoot.
In Bangalore and Hyderabad, we launched the Sum of Google Celebrations for the first time in India. Attended by over 500 Googlers in June 2010, the event included interactive kiosks set up by Googlers that provided employees with information on our diversity and inclusion initiatives across the country.
In collaboration with the Google Culture Club, Googlers in Taiwan came out in large numbers to showcase the many ways they contribute to the Sum of Google.
In London and Zurich, local diversity teams and ERG leaders hosted Sum of Google TGIF celebrations.
Cultural Celebrations: Diwali and Google Mela
Each year the Indus Googler Network (IGN) celebrates the Diwali Festival of Lights with 6,000 candles lighting the way at Charlie's Cafe at the Googleplex in Mountain View. This event is one of many hosted each year by the Indus Googler Network (IGN), formed to help raise cultural awareness of countries and people in the Indus region. This event is a fun way to get Googlers from across the world to come together, learn about new cultures, and tap into their hidden talents! At Diwali 2010, hundreds of Googlers and their families participated in an evening celebration where they collectively lit over 6,000 candles. The competition brought out beautiful and unique designs, merging Indian mythology with Google Culture.
IGN celebrates the Indian Independence holiday with Google Mela, bringing together dancers, musicians, poets, game players, fashionistas, artists, and foodies. This year’s theme was “Colors and Flavors: Diverse Regional Indian Culture,” with 15 dance performances and 4 food buffets, featuring regional foods and dance from different parts of India. This Google celebration was co-hosted by IGN, the Google Culinary Team, and the Dance Department.
Best place to work
We are thrilled to be recipients of awards honoring us for our inclusive work environment, including:
- HRC Corporate Equality Index 100% Rating (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
- Fortune Magazine's #1 on 100 Best Companies To Work For (2007, 2008) (#4 in 2009, 2010)
- UK IT Industry Awards: Organizational Excellence, Diversity in IT Award
- The Equality Foundation awarded Google with the Hyacinth Tolerance Award
- The Times UK: Top 50 Places Women Want to Work
- Diversity MBA Magazine: Top 50 Companies for Diversity Leadership
- Grand Prix Award: Great Place To Work For in the IT Industry, Google Korea
- United Negro College Fund: Corporation of the Year (2009 & 2011)
- 2009 Signs of Courage Advocacy Honor for our support of our LGBT employees, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
- Employer of Choice (Western Region) MCCA (Minority Corporate Counsel Association)
- NALC Executive Sponsor of the Year Award, awarded to Megan Smith, Vice President New Business Development
- The Best Place to work, around the world: Korea, China, Ireland, India, Brazil
- Google Ireland named "Best Employer" by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation in 2009
- International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Award (IGLCC): 2nd place 2010
- Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County - Corporate Citizen Award
- #16 on the 20th Annual “Top 50 Employers” in CAREERS & the disABLED
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Accessibility Award
Google Earns 100%
Why do people come to work at Google? We hear time and again from our employees that it is the people we hire that make Google’s culture what it is. Googlers are smart. They are inclusive, open and transparent, and they care. Googlers want to improve the world. This creates a sense of community that brings people to Google, and it’s why they stay.
And this is not by accident. Google works hard to ensure an inclusive culture where people can come to work, be themselves and thrive.”
- Alan Eustace, SVP, Engineering & Research
Workplace benefits
We have a variety of internal programs and policies that make Google a great place to work for everyone. Below are some of our programs and benefits that are specifically focused on creating an inclusive environment for all of our Googlers.
- Adoption Assistance
- Day Care
- Mother's Rooms
- Maternal/Paternal Leave Program
- Domestic Partnership Programs
- Accommodation Policies (including those for visually, mobility and hearing impaired Googlers)
- Transgender and Transitioning Workplace Support
Equal Opportunity
At Google, we are committed to a supportive work environment, where employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Each Googler is expected to do his or her utmost to create a respectful workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination of any kind.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.