Aparna, a 25-year-old management graduate, was looking for a job change and applied for a suitable position. She was interviewed by some of the companies where she applied and got final joining letters from two places.

The two companies that offered her jobs were similar in nature in every aspect like work culture and potential learning opportunities. However, a closer scrutiny by her revealed that one of them had a certification from “Great Places To Work” —a globally accepted recognition of good work atmosphere and human resource policies in a company.

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She took no time to decide that she would be joining that company. Employees are no longer working for just financial remuneration. They are looking at various factors that will make their professional life more meaningful.

The quest is not just financial goals any more by the new age workforce. They yearn to work in a place that promotes innovation, has an open work culture and to nurture their talents.

They are looking at ways that enable them to bond with the organisations better and value their contribution. In such a scenario, it is imperative for companies to give ample opportunities to employees to grow and express themselves in newer ways. It is also important to get internationally accepted certifications to foster confidence among the employees.

Gone are the days when there were limited options available to an eligible job seeker. Today companies are yearning for good employees as much as employees are looking out for job opportunities.

Companies are realising that finding and then retaining the right talent is getting increasingly difficult. Great Places to Work employs techniques to identify and classify the best workplaces in the world.

Companies wanting for the certification have to register and participate in a survey and an anonymous set of employees of such companies are asked extensive questions. About 6,000 organisations around the world participate in that survey every year. In India, there is a greater focus by corporates on such certifications.

Companies are achieving overall organisational goals by inspiring, speaking and listening. They create openness in office atmosphere where employees can perform freely.

The writer is vice- president, HR, Sun Life Financial Asia Service Center.