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A few weeks ago, we had the idea to do some research into the history behind some of the perks that seem to define startup work culture. Of course, it’s the Googles and Facebooks of the world that come to mind when we start talking about nap pods and free lunches – but where did these perks actually get their start? Where did the idea for free food really come from? How did beer cart Friday get going?
But as we started doing the research, we discovered something interesting.
As it turns out, a lot of these perks come from one company: Hewlett-Packard.
Even in its earliest days, founders William Hewlett and David Packard were committed to the employee experience and the value of that startup work culture.
“The philosophy, part of a broader cultivation of employee loyalty and respect called the H.P. Way, inspired legions of technology companies, like I.B.M. and Apple, to believe that happier employees were more productive,” wrote the New York Times. “Such now-common perks as casual Fridays and employee stock options eventually emerged from this movement.”
For a few examples of the now ubiquitous perks (and a few less common ones) that seem to have gotten their start at Hewlett-Packard, read the full article here:
How Hewlett-Packard defined the startup work culture
