This week we were joined by Jonny Oser, formerly Head of Internal Communications at easyJet and current Internal Communications Manager, EMEA at Google. With years of experience in communications, Jonny spoke to us about how the physical work environment and culture of a business contributes to productivity and fosters collaboration.
Jonny believes the culture of Google is down to their leaders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
Every week Larry and Sergey stand up in front of the whole company and talk about what’s going on as well as inviting a team to discuss what their working on. This is recorded and then broadcast to the rest of the company globally. They have set the tone for the communications culture within Google and this has impacted the rest of the company’s leaders. They see internal communications as a valuable and integral part of their role.
As an engineering company, Google have several home grown tools to enable internal communications.
Jonny emphasised the importance of face-to-face interaction, and Google offices have a variety of spaces that encourage this using virtual face-to-face via video conference equipment. With a large team spread throughout Europe, Jonny believes face-to-face interaction has a much higher engagement level within teams.
Jonny then spoke to us about the work environment and talked through a video of Google offices around Europe, which showcased the variety within the different local spaces. This diversity alows people to choose a working room that resonates with them and help to help them think. For example: in the London Google offices there are traditional desked areas but most of the building is a series of smaller informal spaces that create a culture of collaboration. For Jonny, these spaces allow him to get into a different mindset and think more creatively.
In the Google London offices there is a room dubbed the “Collaboration Plaza” in which every surface – walls and furniture – can be written (or scribbled!) on. It serves as a great space for brainstorming and bouncing around ideas within a team. It’s a good example of the thought behind each. space and how it will be used, highlighting that these spaces aren’t just about interesting arrangement but that the function and use of a room is encouraged through design.
Finally, Jonny spoke to us about Google’s culture of providing food and eating areas for its employees. The logic behind this being that people who are fed are happy and that places where you eat are places to meet, talk and discuss ideas. It highlights the ethos of Google giving to their employees and, in turn, the employees giving back with hard work and dedication. Jonny feels that this employee consideration is what makes Google a great place to work and contributes greatly to the success of the company.
Uffindell would like to thank Jonny Oser for taking the time to speak at Catalyst Club.
