Even after the hyped media coverage on postponing offer letters to IIT graduates, Flipkart is the No.1 choice for employees, according to the recent LinkedIn Top Attractors List 2016. LinkedIn announced its list across 6 countries – US, UK, France, India, Australia and Brazil. Apart from the list they have also announced a Global list of top 40 companies to work for. 

In India, 14 out of the 25 top companies in the Top Attractors list are home-grown companies such as Flipkart, HCL Technologies, Housing.com, Ola and Wipro.  

“It is clear that Indian professionals are now looking for more than just a good salary package when deciding which companies they want to work for. Career growth opportunities, a company mission they believe in and brand values that they respect are key career considerations for talent. It is therefore important that employers continue to build and invest in an employer brand that relates to, and resonates with both potential and existing employees,” Irfan Abdulla, Director Talent Solutions, LinkedIn India.

The India list comprises companies from diverse industries such as Telecommunications, Software, Internet, Financial services and Hospitality. 

Here is what the 10 LinkedIn Top Attractors from India are doing to draw talent:

1. Flipkart - one of the first Indian start-ups to offer six months of maternity leave and sabbatical options
2. Amazon - known for providing excellent compensation and programs that encourage career growth and  mentorship
3. Capgemini - keeps employees engaged with initiatives that promote physical and mental wellbeing. They also have a special program for differently abled employees
4. Google - offers post-mortem financial support to the spouses and families of employees
5. KPMG  - the company’s “global mobility program,” allows employees to work internationally
6. Deloitte - invests heavily in its employees, offering various trainings as well as education reimbursements
7. Adobe - introduced "experience-a-thons" for employees to use new Adobe products and provide feedback ahead of launch
8. HCL Technologies - HCL Tech introduced a new management model called “Inspire,” which puts employees first and clients second
9. Housing.com - offers employees great challenges and opportunities for growth
10. Ola - offers employees innovative projects and is known for always trying something new 

The remaining 15 employers are: Snapdeal, Microsoft, Tata Communications, Wipro, Mercedes-Benz R&D, OYO, Accenture, Bajaj Finserv, Honeywell, Cognizant, ZS Associates, MakeMyTrip.com, Reliance, Cisco, and Zomato.

As part of the launch of Top Attractors, LinkedIn conducted research  that revealed valuable insights for employers in India, when it comes to attracting talent. In particular, the top three things Indian professionals look for in an employer of choice are - opportunity for (career) growth (79%); a competitive salary (69%); and a healthy business (62%). Interestingly, growth opportunity matters more to women professionals (83%) than men (79%). 

A company’s mission is also seen as an important positive factor for Indian professionals when deciding between companies to join. 51% of professionals in India (versus the global average of 37.5%) say they choose to join a company based on its mission and values. Interestingly, 52% are willing to take a cut in their compensation if the company’s mission resonates with their beliefs and values. 

LinkedIn’s survey further reveals that a flexible work schedule and ability to work remotely are increasingly important perks for Indian professionals (66%). Moreover, 48% Indian professionals say that they would forgo a top position and a high salary for more flexibility. Strong healthcare benefits (58%) and emphasis on team building and professional development (52%) are also cited as important incentives.

Even though India is a growing hub for start-ups, 51% Indian professionals are attracted to big companies and only 8% find start-ups attractive. Job stability (75%), association with a recognized brand (74%) and higher salary (73%) are the key reasons for choosing to work for big companies. Job stability is more attractive for Indian women professionals (81%) than men (74%). 

Daniel Roth, Executive Editor at LinkedIn wrote, "With the pace of change just accelerating, smart employers know that they have to rewrite their strategies and rethink who they’re competing with to survive. Those companies who can hire better and keep the best (even if only for a short tour of duty) are going to be the ones with better shots at making it to the other side of the transition."