Google, Intel, Makemytrip among the 'Best Companies to Work'

MUMBAI: Google India, Makemytrip, Marriott, Intel and American Express were adjudged as the 'Best Companies to Work' in India this year in a study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute.

As per the study, Google India, Intel Technology, Makemytrip, American Express India, Marriott Hotels are top five among the top 50 companies in India, Great Place To Work Institute India's ceo, Prasenjit Bhattacharya said.

Great Place to Work Institute is a pioneer in studying and recognising best workplaces around the world. For over 25 years and in 45 countries, the Institute has been conducting studies to identify and understand the best workplaces.

Bhattacharya said that the overall expectation of employees remain the same as in 2010. Companies are putting in place new initiatives to retain the talent like Makemytrip.com offering 70% Esops to its workforce and American Express has special pregnancy care programme for female employees etc.

The top 50 best workplaces are concentrated in Mumbai, NCR and Bangalore, but also have representation from Chennai, Pune, Vizag, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana.

38 of the top 50 have more than 1000 employees, with 19 out of 50 having more than 5000 employees. Only 12 of the top 50 best workplaces saw increase in employees at more than 30% in the previous year, and five actually reduced its workforce.

While 8 out of top 50 best workplaces have employee attrition of over 20%, however, in all major industries, attrition for the top 50, on an average, is less by one-third to two-third of the industry average, Bhattacharya said.

Overall, one of the biggest improvements in workplace culture shown by the best workplaces over the years has been in the area of work- life balance, flexibility in being able to take time off when required, and creatively designing and implementing practices and policies which are perceived as special and unique benefits, by employees.

One of the most difficult areas where the best employers have fared much better than others is in fair pay and fair share of profits. Corporate India has loosened its purse strings in 2011 and in the Top 50 best workplaces this year, 4% more respondents in our survey are agreeing with the statement that they receive a fair share of profits made by their company and 3% more agreeing that they are paid fairly for the work they do, Bhattacharya said.

Fair pay and fair share of profits had seen the biggest dip in our previous study at the beginning of 2010, he said.

Bhattacharya also pointed out that the company now plans to expand its operations in neighbouring Saarc countries and may have segment wise studies for corporate sector.