Microsoft better employer than Infosys: Mercer

Global software giant Microsoft has pipped domestic IT giant Infosys as the best company to work for in India, according to a new study released today.

International consultancy firm Mercer ranked Microsoft India at the top of its 15 Best Companies to Work for in India 2007 list, which is dominated extensively by technology firms.

The study was jointly conducted by Mercer with Business Today and international market research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS).

Microsoft was followed by Mindtree Consulting, J&J and Sapient at second, third and fourth ranks. Infosys, India's second-biggest software exporter, topped the list in 2006 but slipped to fifth spot this year.

Other companies in the top ten include iGate (6th), Agilent Technologies, HCL Comnet, Accenture and Dr Reddy's Labs (10th).

The list also includes Marriott Hotels India at 11th spot, followed by Covansys India, HCL Infosystems, Godrej Consumer and Honeywell Technology.

Mercer said this year's list include seven new entrants in the top 15 rankings. Last year's list had 10 firms, but it was increased to 15 this year on the request of participants.

Two companies "" domestic IT major Satyam and global banking giant HSBC "" have moved out of the list, while Infosys, Dr Reddy's Labs, Agilent and Covansys have slipped in the rankings. Three companies "" J&J, HCL Comnet and Sapient "" have moved up the ranks in the 2007 list.

The 2006 list was topped by Infosys, followed by Mindtree, Satyam, Dr Reddy's, Sapient, Agilent, J&J, Covansys, HCL Comnet and HSBC.

A total of 129 companies registered for the survey, of which 94 completed all participation formalities. The study revealed that young employees were not happy with their compensation.

Companies need to communicate better and pay for performance, while line managers need to take greater responsibility for employee engagement, the study said.