Life in the Googleplex

BE YOURSELF Desktop gizmos and lava lamps express Google's laid-back ethos. Be Yourself

ASK THE HELP DESK Laptop on the fritz? Google keeps experts on site to fix computers and other digital gadgets. Ask the Helpdesk

GOOGLER WITH GOGGLES A lifeguard sits on duty as an employee works out in one of two swim-in-place pools at Google's headquarters. Googler with Goggles

GOOGLE GRAFFITI Two employees break for coffee beside the "idea board," a canvas for playfully grand designs like Google spaceships. Google Graffiti

HANGING OUT Googlers can shoot pool while taking a break in one of several employee lounges. Hanging Out

GOOD-HAIR DAYS Google contracts with stylists to give its employees cut-rate haircuts. Good-Hair Days

RULING THE NET Google employees take an afternoon volley ball break. The corporation's Mountain View campus is at once a flurry of playful activity and creative technological innovation. Ruling the Net

MARCHING ON ITS STOMACH Google is obsessive about food, offering its employees three free gourmet meals a day that can be eaten in a cafeteria adorned by artwork created by Google employees. Marching on its stomach

KIDS' PLAY There are toys for employees' children and for the young-at-heart Googlers like this one. Kids Play

HANDS-ON CARE The work-weary can unwind with a Google-subsidized professional massage. Hands-on Care

DOGS ALLOWED Googlers are permitted to bring their dogs (but not cats) to the workplace Dogs Allowed