What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Google? Probably “search,” right? It’s a natural answer, as the search giant has been revolutionizing the indexing of the internet since 1998. But what about meditation? Sounds like a stretch. Google employee 107 – otherwise known as Chade-Meng Tan – is working to change that.
Tan created an in-house motivational meditation course for “Googlers.” The course, aptly named “Search Inside Yourself,” is based on Buddhist-inspired mindfulness meditation techniques, science and organizational psychology. It aims to help overworked, stressed out employees turn into happy, peaceful, self-aware and effective employees – valuing them not just as assets to the business, but also as family members, friends and members of society.
Over the past four years, the course has taught over a thousand people about five key elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Yet another reason to apply for that great job at Google!
