Monday, 18 July 2011
Google, Intel, Makemytrip among the 'Best Companies to Work'
Google India, Makemytrip, Marriott, Intel and American Express were adjudged as the 'Best Companies to Work' in India this year in a study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute.
As per the study, Google India, Intel Technology, Makemytrip, American Express India, Marriott Hotels are top five among the top 50 companies in India, Great Place To Work Institute India's CEO, Prasenjit Bhattacharya said here.
Great Place to Work Institute is a pioneer in studying and recognising best workplaces around the world. For over 25 years and in 45 countries, the Institute has been conducting studies to identify and understand the best workplaces.
Bhattacharya said that the overall expectation of employees remain the same as in 2010.
Companies are putting in place new initiatives to retain the talent like Makemytrip.com offering 70 per cent Esops to its workforce and American Express has special pregnancy care programme for female employees etc.
The top 50 best workplaces are concentrated in Mumbai, NCR and Bangalore, but also have representation from Chennai, Pune, Vizag, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana.
38 of the top 50 have more than 1000 employees, with 19 out of 50 having more than 5000 employees. Only 12 of the top 50 best workplaces saw increase in employees at more than 30 per cent in the previous year, and five actually reduced its workforce.
While 8 out of top 50 best workplaces have employee attrition of over 20 per cent, however, in all major industries, attrition for the top 50, on an average, is less by one-third to two-third of the industry average, Bhattacharya said.
Overall, one of the biggest improvements in workplace culture shown by the best workplaces over the years has been in the area of work- life balance, flexibility in being able to take time off when required, and creatively designing and implementing practices and policies which are perceived as special and unique benefits, by employees.
One of the most difficult areas where the best employers have fared much better than others is in fair pay and fair share of profits. Corporate India has loosened its purse strings in 2011 and in the Top 50 best workplaces this year, 4 per cent more respondents in our survey are agreeing with the statement that they receive a fair share of profits made by their company and 3 percent more agreeing that they are paid fairly for the work they do, Bhattacharya said.
Fair pay and fair share of profits had seen the biggest dip in our previous study at the beginning of 2010, he said.
Bhattacharya also pointed out that the company now plans to expand its operations in neighbouring SAARC countries and may have segment wise studies for corporate sector.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Jackson ’Thriller’ jacket sells for $1.8 million
Los Angeles: A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his "Thriller" video sold for $1.8 million at an auction on Sunday to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children's hospitals worldwide.
The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.
The one sold by Julien's auction house in Beverly Hills is in better shape and is signed on the sleeve by Jackson. It was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of "Thriller" director John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.
It sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, who showed up in person to triumph over about a dozen bidders from around the world.
"It is one of the most important pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia in history," Verret told Reuters. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.
Plans are underway to show the "Thriller" jacket at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, before sending it around the world to display during charity events. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit an animal reserve where Jackson's two Bengal tigers reside.
Jackson, who died two years ago on Saturday, filmed the video for the title track to his blockbuster album "Thriller" in 1983. The 14-minute clip, in which Jackson turns into a zombie and dances with other undead types, is considered one of the most influential music videos ever made.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Exclusive News: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on...
Exclusive News: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on...: "Thiruvananthapuram: Surfers logging on to a Kerala government's website will be able to see the functioning of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy..."
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office goes live on internet
Thiruvananthapuram: Surfers logging on to a Kerala government's website will be able to see the functioning of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's office now as it has gone live online Friday, thanks to live webstreaming.
The live webstreaming on the chief minister's new website was inaugurated Friday in the presence of cabinet ministers and other top officials.
The address of the site is www.keralacm.gov.in. The site can also be used for lodging complaints to the chief minister. The site will be renewed each year. The site is also a part of making the governance transparent.
The new webstreaming would include a host of new features as compared to what he did in 2004 when Chandy was the chief minister the first time a statement said.
This is the only chief minister's office in India that makes live streaming.
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