The August 2011 issue of People Matters showcased exclusive insights into the work culture, best practices and initiatives in the 50 Best Companies to Work For - 2011, a Study conducted by Great Place to Work® Institute and The Economic Times. The complete study on the 50 winners for this year was released in a collector’s book ‘The 50 Best Companies to Work For – India 2011’ in the same month

#1. In Search of Passion - Google India

The most remarkable Internet story of our time has undoubtedly taken the right route in enabling the company to stay ahead of the race. The Google culture stems from what was defined by the ‘Google guys’ - Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who said Google is not a conventional company. The culture is one that reeks of innovation and risk-taking, which are the key factors responsible for the company’s advent into varied unique services over the years. Google India provides platforms such as encouraging people to spend 20 percent of their time in projects of their own interest and providing patent bonuses The need to foster a culture of innovation is kept in mind from the time when Googlers are hired. The company hires only those who are passionate about technology and about making a difference to the world. Employees are encouraged to take risks, challenge the status quo and are empowered to make decisions. This culture reaffirms their strong belief that ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. The ‘Global Rotation Program’ provides Googlers a chance to work in another country. ‘I-Magnat’ is another initiative which is an internal job portal where fresh openings are uploaded and employees can also put their individual profiles for others to view when looking for specific skills. The ‘Career Week’ aims to educate Googlers on their career advancement opportunities within Google. This includes the ‘Career Panel’ where leaders share their career philosophy; a session on ‘Internal Mobility’ and a ‘Career Fair’ where each business unit talks about their business.

Together with its unique initiatives, what makes Google a great workplace is their prominence in communication and transparency, continuous employee development and the culture of innovation.

#2. Sharing & Celebrating Success - Intel Technology India

For a company which manufactures microprocessors - the brain of the computer, the greatest challenge is to maintain an environment for continuous innovation while meeting the aspirations of the young workforce. Hence, it is business critical for Intel to maintain a work environment that attracts the best talent in the industry, and at the same time, ensure that the policies and practices consciously cater to the aspirations of the different segments of the employee base. Intel has been fortunate on both counts - be it in terms of attracting talent or retaining them.

Innovation and challenging the status quo is a way of life at Intel; and it is the challenging nature of work that provides ample opportunity for people to excel, accomplish things, and grow to the limits of their individual potential. Sharing his thoughts on what makes Intel a great workplace, Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel India and Vice President, Technology, Manufacturing and Enterprise Services Group, says, “Intel’s belief in promoting a challenging work environment that develops our diverse workforce, recognizing and rewarding accomplishments through our various performance programs and making each and every employee an asset to the Intel community worldwide, makes it a great workplace.”

#3. A Joyride at Work - MakeMyTrip India

The online travel industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is the most crowded arena in the e-commerce segment with many new players entering this space. Being a pioneer in this aggressive market space, MakeMyTrip, has had to innovate on talent hiring. Hiring the right kind of people is the key to a company’s success. Being in a young and growing company, there is a need to hire bright people with a lot of enthusiasm. While hiring, they look for both aptitude and attitude. Aptitude is assessed through a test while attitude is gauged during the interview. Care is taken to ensure that they pick those with team spirit. The work culture and attention to employee well-being and growth has ensured that employee retention is not a concern for the organization. In fact, the company still has many people who joined in the first year of its business and continue to contribute till date.

Today, a 22-year-old at MakeMyTrip can be doing a job which may have a significant impact on the overall revenue. The younger generation knows more about technology than even the founding team. The company’s uniqueness is that it emphasizes on giving latitude to their existing employees, by means of more freedom and empowerment at work.

#4. Diversity & Inclusion for Talent Optimization - American Express

Acknowledging the diversity and inclusion (D&I) journey for over 30 years, American Express (AMEX) today has over 60 percent of its global employees as women, which makes a healthy diversity ratio. Their 73 Employee Resource Groups/Networks and 10 Diversity Councils across the globe are testimony of the company’s efforts to build an inclusive ecosystem for the 60,000+ strong employee base. As an organization, they follow a ‘Glocal’ strategy, which is driven by the D&I Council, wherein global solutions are made locally relevant, and local solutions are replicated globally.

Their practices have been evolved to meet the employee needs and the focus is on leveraging on their diversity accomplishments to drive business.The three things that make American Express a great workplace are credibility, respect and camaraderie. ‘Rewards Blue’ is a one-stop-shop for recognition worldwide. It is a global recognition program that enables leaders and employees to recognize each other - across business units, band levels, markets - to reward great work and effort. ‘Blue Awards’ are the currency by which employees nominate and reward each other for significant effort and meaningful results. The focus is to create an inspirational workplace which attracts and nurtures the best talent which is strongly reflected in their slogan, ‘Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Workplace’.

#5. A Customer’s Delight - Marriott Hotels India

For more than eight decades, ‘People First’ has been and remains the guiding principle behind Marriott’s culture and success. As Marriott continues to launch innovative new brands, expand in emerging markets and chart a new level of growth story, thereby solidifying its position as a world class hospitality company, the enduring belief that its employees (who are referred to as ‘associates’ as a symbol of respect) are its greatest assets, remains as true as it were 80 years ago.

Gurmeet Singh, Area Director of Human Resource, India, Maldives, Marriott Int’l Inc., reasons “great associate friendly work culture, associate empowerment, and ample opportunities to develop and grow within the company” as to why Marriott is the employer of choice. The ‘Awards of Excellence’ program is one of the ways Marriott celebrates its associates by honoring the finest associates for their outstanding service. There are many employees who began their career with Marriott that are today in varied roles across Marriott facilities all over the world. The Marriott experience (pride in the Marriott name, accomplishments, and the legacy of the brand) attract talent from across the globe and the people policies in place further make it a great workplace.