Bengaluru: A woman working at Google’s Bengaluru office has triggered widespread discussion online after sharing her observations on workplace culture differences between the company’s India and United States offices. Through a short Instagram reel, Diksha Aggarwal offered a cross-continental comparison based on her recent visit to Google’s New York City workspace, highlighting how collaboration, individual work styles and everyday office norms vary across locations while core values remain consistent.
Her video, which quickly gained traction on social media, has resonated with professionals curious about global work cultures, especially within multinational technology firms operating across continents.
Observations from a cross-continental visit
In the Instagram reel, Aggarwal shares brief glimpses from inside Google’s New York office while reflecting on how her experience differed from working in Bengaluru. She begins by noting that the work culture in India and the US is not the same, setting the stage for a comparison rooted in everyday interactions rather than formal policies.
According to her, the Bengaluru office feels more energetic and collaborative, with teams frequently engaging in discussions and idea exchanges. She describes an environment where colleagues naturally gravitate towards teamwork, informal brainstorming and shared problem-solving.
In contrast, Aggarwal characterises the New York office as more individually focused. She explains that employees there tend to work independently, concentrating on their own tasks, while still maintaining high levels of productivity and efficiency. Despite this difference, she does not frame one culture as superior to the other, instead presenting them as distinct approaches shaped by local work norms.
Collaboration versus individual focus
One of the key takeaways from Aggarwal’s video is the contrast in how collaboration manifests in the two offices. In her view, the Indian workplace thrives on constant interaction, with colleagues frequently checking in with each other and offering input.
She suggests that this collaborative energy in Bengaluru creates a lively atmosphere, where conversations and teamwork are integral to daily work life. The New York office, on the other hand, appears quieter in comparison, with individuals focusing deeply on their own responsibilities.
However, Aggarwal notes that this individual focus does not imply isolation or lack of teamwork. Instead, it reflects a different style of working, where autonomy and self-driven execution play a larger role.
Office policies and everyday differences
Another aspect highlighted in the reel is the difference in office policies between the two locations. Aggarwal points out that alcohol is permitted within the New York office, a practice that is not followed in Indian offices due to cultural and regulatory norms.
This observation sparked curiosity among viewers, with many commenting on how such policies reflect broader societal attitudes towards work-life boundaries and corporate culture in different countries.
While she mentions this difference briefly, Aggarwal does not dwell on it, instead using it as an example of how local customs influence workplace environments even within the same global organisation.
Shared values across continents
Despite the differences she observed, Aggarwal emphasises that certain core values remain unchanged across Google’s offices worldwide. In the video, she remarks that the “freedom to think big” is a constant, regardless of location.
She explains that whether in Bengaluru or New York, employees are encouraged to share ideas openly and pursue ambitious concepts. This shared emphasis on innovation and creative freedom, she says, is what makes Google feel familiar across cities and countries.
“That is why Google is different in every city but feels like Google only,” she says in the reel, a line that resonated strongly with viewers and was widely quoted in comments.
Social media reactions and engagement
The video drew a wave of positive reactions on Instagram, with many users praising Aggarwal for her clear and relatable comparison. Several commenters described the reel as insightful, noting that it offered a rare insider perspective into global corporate culture.
One user wrote that the comparison helped them better understand how multinational companies adapt to local cultures while maintaining a unified identity. Another appreciated her detail-oriented approach, saying such content is valuable for professionals aspiring to work in global organisations.
The reel also sparked broader discussions about how work styles differ between India and the West, with users sharing their own experiences and perspectives in the comments section.
Broader relevance for professionals
Observers say the popularity of the video reflects growing interest among Indian professionals in understanding global work environments. As more employees collaborate across borders and time zones, such first-hand accounts offer practical insights beyond formal corporate narratives.
The discussion also highlights how workplace culture is shaped not only by company policies but by local social norms, communication styles and expectations around collaboration and independence.
Conclusion
Diksha Aggarwal’s comparison of Google’s Bengaluru and New York offices has struck a chord by focusing on everyday experiences rather than stereotypes. While highlighting differences in collaboration styles and office norms, she underscores a shared commitment to innovation that transcends geography. The conversation sparked by her reel suggests that as global workplaces continue to evolve, such nuanced perspectives are increasingly valued by professionals navigating international careers.