Global software major Microsoft is the 'most attractive employer' in India, while IT, telecom and ITes are the most preferred sectors by the workforce, a survey by HR services firm Randstad said on Wednesday.

Microsoft emerged as the 'most attractive employer' in the survey for the fourth year in a row.

Sony India is next most attractive employer.

According to the surrey, Larsen & Toubro is the most attractive employer in the infrastructure industry, State Bank of India in the banking sector, Taj Group in the hospitality and Tata Power in the energy sector.

The survey, which covered more than 8,000 potential and employed workforce in India, found that competitive salary and employee benefits and long-term job security were the most important factors when choosing an employer.

Other criterion included financial health of the company, good work-life balance, pleasant working atmosphere and career progression opportunities.

The survey said men preferred companies, which offered competitive salary and job security, while women looked at better work atmosphere, accessibility and flexible working conditions.

The workforce aged above 35 years sought financially healthy companies for employment whereas those below 35 were attracted towards training and global career opportunities.
Meanwhile, more than 70 per cent respondent found IT, communication, telecom and ITeS industry to be the most attractive sector to work. This was followed by FMCG and retail (69 per cent), and auto & auto-components sector (67 per cent).

"The Indian economy is showing positive economic movement and shifting into a higher gear, which will have a significant bearing on the attraction and retention of talent across sectors," Randstad India MD & CEO Moorthy K Uppaluri said.

"With employee attrition on the rise, employer branding has become crucial, now more than ever, and companies are viewing this as a competitive differentiators tool' to build great brands that will help them attract, manage and retain best talent," he added.
Among the total respondents, 41 per cent desired a more relaxed work schedule as a motivation to serve longer in a company, while 40 per cent considered less working hours as a key motivator.