Is It Different Just Because Google Does It?
from the it's-called-a-bonus... dept
Google has been getting a ton of (mostly, well deserved) attention for some of their employee practices. However, sometimes, it seems that they get extra attention for ideas that don't seem all that innovative, just because "Google" is doing it. Take, for instance, this NY Times report about how Google is now offering "Founders' Awards" to teams that work on important projects. Basically, Google's founders pick some teams (technical or business) that have worked on something that's become important or has done very well, and dump a bunch more stock on them. In the first case of this happening, they gave out about $12 million in stock to about a dozen employees (though, it wasn't divided evenly). Now, obviously, that's quite a bit of money, and part of the idea is that it encourages employees to stick around, rather than go out and start their own companies with their own ideas -- but, honestly, isn't this really just what the rest of the business world calls a bonus? About the only real difference may be the size of the bonus -- and that may be more of a function of just how much cash Google happens to be swimming in right now.
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No Subject Given
that said, im probably just jealous. and on the other hand, i do want companies i own to keep talented employees and encourage innovation, so its not the worst idea ive heard.
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Re: No Subject Given
Anyway. Point is, the larger the company, the more traditional they become. Stock options have been around for ages, and really, I'd just prefer to have honest money in savings account and be done rather than yanking my chain around with what the options are worth today.
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Re: No Subject Given
As for startups spinning out of google... yeah, it's probably happened already. No company can corner the market for talent, if only because there won't be enough front burner projects to satisfy everybody.
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