The Top 10: 1 - TCS: And Now, Employer #1

Common wisdom tells that increase in manpower and discontent
quotient are usually proportionate for most IT services companies. TCS,
however, seems to be defying that notiondespite scaling up to over 90,000
people, Indias largest company has retained its numero uno status in the BES
Top 20 survey for the second year running. The challenges of scaling up were
countered mostly through innovative and best HR practices.

Overseas opportunities continued to remain the top reason for
people wishing to join TCS. Add to that a rotation policy where employees are
given opportunities to work in different technologies and domains, thereby
enhancing their CVs. Result: a higher retention rate.

Historically, TCS has been sought after by most for its training
programs; the present breed however rates it low as a reason for joining. The
company accepts that rather than the quality of training it is the timing that
could be a problem. Unlike earlier, most employees are now directly placed in
project environments and subsequently they have to eke out training time.
Employees also have reservations about the appraisal system in general, and
particularly the nature of feedbacks given by their superiors. TCS has now taken
steps to provide quarterly feedbacks as well as to enhance the
appraisal-training program.

S Padmanabhan, executive VP, HR
High Ratings Industry rank Relevance of perks and benefits 4 Standards of corporate governance 4 Fairness of business 3 Low Ratings Regular and constructive feedback from managers 10 Fairness of appraisal system 9 Sense of accomplishment 8 Best Showing Overseas opportunity 1 Job security/stability 1 Company image 3

The challenge of scale is being tackled by TCS by creating
individual customer-related environments that act as virtual companies for
employees engaged with that particular customer. Another important aspect (not
touched by BES this year) was the impact of globalization on HR policies. With
almost 15% of the workforce not based in India, TCS was busy replicating not
just its programs but also its ethos across multiple geographies, to achieve
homogeneity in the workforce.

TCS showing infers that business success and employee
satisfaction are interwoven for companies doing business out of India.