This week, Google officially opened its new Zurich research and development centre and Web User's News Editor Ben Camm-Jones enjoyed a visit there.

His video commentary:
Google has opened a new engineering plant in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. But if you thought it would be a dull, dark place full of men with grey beards and white coats, think again!

A colourful, high-tech reception area gives you a clue that this isn't going to be anything like the average office.

There's not many offices that have a games room. And there's a gym and a personal trainer.

Nobody seems to be at work, so where are they all? Of course, there's the serious business of eating to get on with. A slide leads to the canteen – it's not just for kids!

Employees can have three free meals a day if they wish, and there are plenty of healthy options available.

Of course, there is some real work going on, but if you feel stressed out, why not relax with a massage?

Getting around the building is quick and easy, particularly if you're going downstairs. Even the IT department has a funky feel to it.

If you're having a meeting, you'll find areas to chat in the cable-car boxes. All the floors are themed and some could make you forget you're in Switzerland altogether.

It's clear that Google likes its staff to feel relaxed, to encourage creativity. This relaxation room should soothe away the strain after a hard day at work.

All in all, it couldn't be further from the image of a conventional office if it tried. Google has made a conscious effort to do everything it can to make its employees feel at home, including giving access to families.

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