Listening 35 – Listen for specific words

What’s the best way to Fill in the blank 1 of 22 your employees? Most companies use the standard method of offering promotions and threatening dismissal. But Google has taken an unorthodox approach to this challenge by Fill in the blank 2 of 22 the boundaries of what can be considered a “workplace” further than ever before.

Inside the company’s headquarters, which is known as the Googleplex, the layout itself is far from Fill in the blank 3 of 22 . Instead of cubicles and conservative décor, Google’s office feels a little like a grown-up playground. Bright colors abound, there are secret rooms with innovative Fill in the blank 4 of 22 around every corner, and pets can accompany their masters to work. Employees are encouraged to express themselves by writing on the Fill in the blank 5 of 22 , and are also given plenty of leeway in designing their own work stations – they can even have a treadmill Fill in the blank 6 of 22 so they can walk or jog while working.

The benefits for Google employees are unmatched – from cafés and vending machines offering free gourmet food to Fill in the blank 7 of 22 hours and casual dress. (One of Google’s principles is that “you can be serious without a Fill in the blank 8 of 22 .”) The company not only offers a healthcare plan, but also includes on-site medical staff to attend to employees. Free Fill in the blank 9 of 22 , laundry, and dry cleaning are all part of the package – and children of Google employees can be enrolled in the in-house day care program, which has become so popular that the waiting list now numbers in the Fill in the blank 10 of 22 .

If the work gets stressful at times, Google employees can enjoy a subsidized massage service from a licensed therapist. Or they can take a Fill in the blank 11 of 22 in one of the recreation areas, with pool tables, ping-pong, foosball, and even a swimming pool. In stark contrast to many other cutting-edge Fill in the blank 12 of 22 in their field, there is the idea that the weekend is strictly family time, and as much as possible of the Google dynasty Fill in the blank 13 of 22 down on Saturdays and Sundays.

One of Google’s most controversial programs is called “Fill in the blank 14 of 22 Time Off,” in which engineers are allowed to spend up to 20% of their hours on projects that interest them. Although some criticize this policy as a Fill in the blank 15 of 22 of tech talent, the results speak for themselves: almost half of Google’s new products and services have originated in these Fill in the blank 16 of 22 endeavors. Having company-sanctioned time for innovation also Fill in the blank 17 of 22 employees and increases their work output.

Working at Google sounds like a Fill in the blank 18 of 22 come true – but first you have to get through the hiring process. With such Fill in the blank 19 of 22 perks, the company can afford to be picky when it comes to recruitment. This has led to their infamous interview questions, such as “How many ping-pong balls can you fit in a school Fill in the blank 20 of 22 ?” Rather than searching for the most accurate answer, Google is likely filtering out people who won’t be a good fit with their company Fill in the blank 21 of 22 . They are seeking not only brilliant minds, but also creative types who resonate with their Fill in the blank 22 of 22 that “work should be challenging and the challenge should be fun.”