Integrators and Segmentors

24 Mar 2007

Interesting article from the Wharton School of Business about company perks.

The article was interesting more of the same w/ regards to the perks provided by companies like Google.

I’ll draw attention to discussion of Integrators *and *Segmentors.

Perks like Google’s appeal to integrators, people for whom work life and home life have little distinction. These are the employees who like to plug into the wi-fi system on Google’s commuter bus and do work as they ride to and from the office; who check office e-mail frequently at home on nights and weekends; and who like child-care facilities at or near their office so that they can bring a part of home with them to work.

Segmentors, by contrast, like to maintain distinct walls between work and home. These are people made uncomfortable by a workplace filled with perks related to one’s personal life. Even employees with children can dislike the fact that their employer provides on-site childcare.

It’s important to note that an integrator is no better an employee than a segmentor.  There’s a time and place for both.

Personally, I’m an integrator. 

I’m young and enjoy what I do but there are plenty of times when I wish I could easily separate my home and work lives, it’s difficult.  And that’s just me being an employee of a Company that doesn’t provide a lot of perks.  A laptop and free pop/dinners (if you’re there late) is about as far as it goes, but I’m happy.  I couldn’t imagine being in such a perk-filled environment as Google (or companies like it) provides.