If you were to conduct a spot survey with industry leaders, you will doubtlessly find that an overwhelming majority of them understand the value of a talented, respected, and well-supported workforce. The understanding that ‘People’ represent one of the Ps that form a company’s pillar is very palpable.
And yet, people-first companies are rare. Nearly two decades since legendary management consultant Peter Drucker first said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”, his words are more prescient than ever, and this manifests itself in many ways. Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group, is on the record as saying, “When it comes to business success, it is all about people, people, people”. And the Marriott chain of hotels follows a similar philosophy, which says “If we take care of our people, they will take care of our customers, and the customers will come back.”
Perhaps most notably, that great seeker of value, the celebrated investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett, understands why one of his most lucrative investments, Costco, is performing so strongly. It’s its people-first philosophy. Studies show that investing in human capital don’t impact the bottom line or reduce competitiveness. In fact, it’s the opposite. Costco’s commitment to employees and customers sees them perform robustly, year-after-year. People and profits go hand in hand.
Clearly then, people form the beating heart of an organisation, and the 4th edition of Team Marksmen’s Most Preferred Workplace lauded those that have embraced this truth fully. These are the workplaces that have evolved rapidly to meet the diverse needs of the day, embracing innovative models to serve both customers and employees effectively. Right from prioritising employee wellbeing and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to engaging talent, and adapting to evolving needs are key drivers of growth, these are the organisations that understand better than most what it takes to succeed in the modern-day milieu.
This research-driven and industry-focused initiative came to be realised on the back of a rigorous, industry-wide research that appraised organisations on parameters such as work-life balance, employee centricity, diversity, equity & inclusion, organisational purpose, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, career development and rewards. Those recognised as leading the charge in creating aspirational workplaces include:
- ACA Group
- AdaniConnex
- Ajanta Pharma Limited
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- Amway India Enterprises Private Limited
- Anant National University
- BUSINESSNEXT
- Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
- CapeStart Software Pvt. Ltd.
- Coforge Limited
- Cyble Inc
- DCM Shriram Ltd
- Drychem India Pvt. Ltd.
- ElasticRun
- Fenesta
- Goodyear India
- Greenlam Industries Ltd
- Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited
- Hero MotoCorp Limited
- Hindustan Unilever Limited
- NTPC Limited
- Honda Cars India Ltd.
- INDIAN IMMUNOLOGICALS LIMITED
- Infosys Finacle
- Intellect Design Arena Limited
- JMS Mining Pvt Ltd
- KIRTILAL KALIDAS JEWELLERS PVT LTD
- Lennox India Technology Centre
- Lumen Technologies
- Mars India
- Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
- Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.
- Modern Veer Rays Security Force (India) Pvt. Ltd.
- Mondelēz India Foods Pvt. Ltd.
- Nyati Group
- P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Center
- Quinnox
- SBI GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
- Shyam Steel Industries Ltd
- Tech Mahindra
- TELUS International
- Tetra Pak
- The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
- TVS Motor Company
- UFlex Limited
- UNIMONI FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD
- VA Tech WABAG Ltd
- Varun Beverages Limited
- VFS Global
- Xebia
- Zuventus Healthcare Ltd
Sharing his take on the sidelines of the event, Rajesh Khubchandani, Co-founder and CEO of Team Marksmen Network, said, "For any organisation, its most valuable asset isn't its technology, products, or market share—it's people. Creating a preferred and inclusive workplace isn't just about attracting talent; it's about unleashing human potential. Most Preferred Workplace 2024-25 recognises those building a work environment where diversity is celebrated, where every voice is heard, and where personal growth is intertwined with company success.
This isn't just about feel-good policies; it's a strategic imperative. When people feel valued and see a path to realizing their aspirations, they innovate, collaborate, and drive our companies forward. By fostering a culture of belonging and continuous learning, they're not just building preferred workplaces—they're cultivating the ideas and leadership that will define our collective futures."
To know more about this unique initiative, write to us at contact@teammarksmen.com.
About Team Marksmen
Through an array of bespoke industry-centric knowledge platforms, using a variety of formats, such as Roundtables, Summits & Conferences, Workshops, and Recognition Ceremonies, Team Marksmen helps senior industry decision makers navigate through issues of critical importance and informs their worldview for better decision-making.
Team Marksmen has successfully executed more than 25 events with 400+ domestic and international B2B and B2C brands, helping businesses across industries create opportunities to engage audiences through on-ground and virtual experiences.
The organisation empowers industry leaders by providing them with insights, ideas, and opportunities that fits their unique industry and context. Through content shared via its flagship website, Marksmen Daily, and print magazine ‘in Focus’ focused on business, leadership, and lifestyle, they help advance the practice of management. Meanwhile, through strategic initiatives like Marksmen Media, it helps organisations achieve their objectives through a plethora of bespoke digital and content strategies.
(Articles under 'Fortune India Exchange' are either advertorials or advertisements. Fortune India's editorial team or journalists are not involved in writing or producing these pieces.)