Google is getting ready to bring its employees back to the office, and as an added bonus, it will be offering them free electric scooters. In this way, the major tech company wants to make the transition easier.
See also: Managers can no longer manage employees!
Specifically, Google is partnering with Unagi to launch a new program called "Ride Scoot." Thanks to this program, most of the company's US-based employees can receive reimbursement for the full cost of a monthly subscription for the Unagi Model One scooter. The Model One sells for $990 and is a lightweight dual-motor scooter with a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 15.5 miles.
According to Unagi founder and CEO David Hyman, Google wants to help its employees get to the office more easily — or at least to the nearest bus stop (Google provides free bus transportation in Silicon Valley).
See also: Lenovo plans to hire 12,000 “R&D professionals”
"They know there's fear among employees," Hyman said. "People are really used to working from home. And the company is just trying to do what it can to improve the return experience."
Many employees are reluctant to return to the office, and Google is trying to offer various incentives to change their minds, such as electric scooters.
Google: Electric scooters for employees
Google thought about free electric scooters and found a good partner in Unagi. However, the electric scooter manufacturer won’t just hand out free scooters to every Google employee. The company plans to set up kiosks at various Google offices for employees to sign up for a monthly scooter subscription at the discounted price of $44.10 per month, plus a $50 registration fee. This cost will be covered by Google. Google employees must use the electric scooters for at least nine trips per month to receive full reimbursement for their monthly subscription.
See also: COVID-19: Google relaxes measures for employees
Google and Unagi will host demo days for employees to try out the Model One at various office locations.
Whether the free scooters will excite Google employees remains to be seen.
Hyman said Unagi has struck deals with other major companies besides Google, including Salesforce, to provide employees with electric scooters for commuting. It also partners with a number of hotels.
"What we hope is that other companies will follow suit"Hyman said. "We think it's a great privilege."
Source: The Verge
