How do you set the techsphere ablaze with cries of foulplay?  One sure-fire way is to proclaim the cutback of famed employee perks at darling Google.  Whether founded or not, Silicon Valley gossip blog, Valleywag, has on a number of occasions claimed that one of Google’s most-beloved perks – free food – was to some extent, on the chopping block. (Check out the “food” pictured in hyperlink number – I’m not sure that can classify as a “perk” unless you’re an enterprising cardio surgeon.)

When the rumour again surfaced today, bolstered by the over-played (and incorrect) fault of a weakened stock price, the response was as expected, with many jumping on the bandwagon claiming Googlers are a(n overly-) pampered bunch, who’ve got nothing to complain about, even if their free dinners were to be taken away.

Whether the rumour is in fact true or not (seems to be an exaggeration of one single cafeteria being cut back) this raises a hot topic that many organizations are still struggling with, and the billion dollar management challenge of finding the right balance for employee rewards.  While Google is certainly the crown jewel of “total rewards”, there are many other organizations with very progressive, company-appropriate rewards programs who seem to be getting it right, day after day (albeit not many as all-encompassing, but then again, not everyone’s sitting on seven billion or so in cash).

For me, I suppose the question with such full employee “perks” has always been: is it really a “perk”, when I don’t have to leave the office to enjoy some of the luxuries, and even the ennui, of everyday life?  While it would be neat to have my dry cleaning left, and picked up, at the office, I’ve got a great place just down the street from my house, where the banter alone is sometimes worth the extra time/money spent.  Continue…