[olecapt]

It is not universal Tony. In the case of Xerox it was standard at PARC and not done at other facilities. Generally every department had a coffee pool.

I would note though that on a couple of hot projects we implemented free coffee to partially compensate for the 70 hour weeks.

It is however pretty much standard at LV RE shops.

[sierramadre44]

Originally Posted by olecapt

It is not universal Tony. In the case of Xerox it was standard at PARC and not done at other facilities. Generally every department had a coffee pool.

I would note though that on a couple of hot projects we implemented free coffee to partially compensate for the 70 hour weeks.

It is however pretty much standard at LV RE shops.

Xerox was being cheap! We had water coolers in most places I've worked from health care facilities to corporate offices. Where else would one get the 'good' gossip? Got to have a water cooler!

As for coffee, well at the medical center it was basically mandatory to drink coffee. Docs worked 36hr shifts, particularly interns, and nurses 12-24hr shifts. You have to have something to keep you going. And, STRONG, OMG, the coffee was so strong it would hold up the stirrer!

[teach1234]

Originally Posted by sierramadre44

And, STRONG, OMG, the coffee was so strong it would hold up the stirrer!

Yes, I know, black as a landlord's heart.

[tony soprano]

Originally Posted by olecapt

It is not universal Tony. In the case of Xerox it was standard at PARC and not done at other facilities. Generally every department had a coffee pool.

I would note though that on a couple of hot projects we implemented free coffee to partially compensate for the 70 hour weeks.

It is however pretty much standard at LV RE shops.

Few things are universal. That said, you'd be hard pressed to find a publicly traded company in Silicon Valley that didn't have multiple water coolers at a physical site of any consequence.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by tony soprano

Few things are universal. That said, you'd be hard pressed to find a publicly traded company in Silicon Valley that didn't have multiple water coolers at a physical site of any consequence.

Free water is universal. Free coffee is not. Most US Engineering facilities did not provide free coffee though it was almost universal in Silicon Valley. It was not however free in LA.

The funniest one I know of was the coffee/tea machines in our facilities in England which were free during coffee/tea breaks and required payment the rest of the time. Whole place would line up at the start of the break...

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Free water is universal. Free coffee is not. Most US Engineering facilities did not provide free coffee though it was almost universal in Silicon Valley. It was not however free in LA.

The funniest one I know of was the coffee machines in our facilities in England which were free during coffee breaks and required payment the rest of the time. Whole place would line up at the start of the break...

Were I work the coffee and coffee condiments are free. I work graveyard shifts, and the coffee is a necessity. However, they have gourmet condiments that are 50 cents, and they are based on the honor system. Needless to say, I never use (or steal) them.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by olecapt

It is not universal Tony. In the case of Xerox it was standard at PARC and not done at other facilities. Generally every department had a coffee pool.

I would note though that on a couple of hot projects we implemented free coffee to partially compensate for the 70 hour weeks.

It is however pretty much standard at LV RE shops.

Xerox isn't a Silicon Valley company, and has little in common with what most people think of as "Silicon Valley" companies.

Look at any of the desirable employers in the area: Google, Apple, Adobe, Oracle, Yahoo, NetApp, Nvidia, Cisco, eBay, Juniper, Salesforce.com, etc. All give their employees free bottled water (or RO-filtered, UV sanitized water and stainless steel drinking bottles for the greener companies; we get both), free soft drinks, and in some cases, free meals. Even at these companies, you see a lot of abuse. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen someone stuffing their backpack full of canned soda at the end of the day, or bringing four to-go containers to take food home at dinner. The evening meals are supposed to be for people who are working late, not so people going home at a regular hour can avoid cooking for their family. These are people with salaries well into six figures, so it's not like they can't afford restaurant take-out, or even a private chef.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Xerox isn't a Silicon Valley company, and has little in common with what most people think of as "Silicon Valley" companies.

Look at any of the desirable employers in the area: Google, Apple, Adobe, Oracle, Yahoo, NetApp, Nvidia, Cisco, eBay, Juniper, Salesforce.com, etc. All give their employees free bottled water (or RO-filtered, UV sanitized water and stainless steel drinking bottles for the greener companies; we get both), free soft drinks, and in some cases, free meals. Even at these companies, you see a lot of abuse. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen someone stuffing their backpack full of canned soda at the end of the day, or bringing four to-go containers to take food home at dinner. The evening meals are supposed to be for people who are working late, not so people going home at a regular hour can avoid cooking for their family. These are people with salaries well into six figures, so it's not like they can't afford restaurant take-out, or even a private chef.

PARC, in its time was the classical silicon valley operation. It was also a tragic error as are many silicon valley companies.

That many in silicon valley lack basic morals is a given. Why does that surprise you? The out of control entrepreneur is the model. You have forgotten what Apples first product was...

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by olecapt

PARC, in its time was the classical silicon valley operation. It was also a tragic error as are many silicon valley companies.

The rest of us are discussing the present time, not 1979. Feel free to continue bringing up ancient history, but like you, your experiences stopped being relevant about a quarter century ago. Now, isn't it time for you to go yell at some kids to get off your lawn?

[Dimm]

The water here is really,really bad. I have to buy lotion that is the equivalent of vaseline to keep my skin from flaking...lol. I now have dry scalp now, when I wash clothes I have to use double the soap or wash it twice. And the smell/taste....? Byuk! my initial thought was that i was drinking swimming pool water. I really notice the difference from NYC water.