The best global companies to work for

The Best Global Companies to Work For
by Colleen Leahey
Monday, October 31, 2011

provided by

Want to work for a multinational corporation with great perks and opportunities
around the world? Here are the 10 best.

Every year, Fortune publishes its list of the 100 Best
Companies to Work For, which features the top U.S.
companies to work for based on things like benefits,
perks, diversity, and pay. Now Fortune's data partner
for that list, Great Place to Work, is launching its own
list of the best global companies to work for based on
many of the same metrics.

Read on to find out the top 10 companies in its inaugural list, "The World's Best
Multinational Workplaces," along with some highlights about what makes them so great.

Who qualifies? Companies must have appeared on at least five national Great Place to Work
lists, have at least 5,000 employees worldwide, and at least 40% of their global workforce
must work outside of the company's home country.

Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, WA, USA
2010 Revenue ($ millions): 69,900
Rank: 1

What makes it so great?

After Microsoft employees voiced their desire to
contribute more to their communities, the software
company gifted its workers with 40 paid hours a
year to dedicate to volunteer activities — ranging
from working in a soup kitchen once a week to
Photo: Floyd Yarmuth/CNN spending a week building an orphanage. Bill Gates'
brainchild also supports employees who are new
parents: In Norway, where maternity and paternity leaves are quite generous at the federal
level, Microsoft hosts a "Junior Lunch" every quarter, allowing new parents on leave to come
to the office for a lunch with their children, keeping the working parents in touch with their
colleagues and up-to-date with office happenings.

"Microsoft is a place where you can be yourself," says an employee. "It's expected that you
have an opinion, and there are multiple opportunities to really make a contribution to the

company and to society. Unless you work here, it is hard to believe the passion that people
display."

SAS

Headquarters: Cary, NC, USA
Rank: 2


SAS, a business analytics and business intelligence
software company, doesn't outsource its North
Carolina headquarters maintenance staff, preferring
that its crews of gardeners, food service employees,
and health care staff are SAS employees. Many
Photo: Courtesy of SAS SAS-ers also take pride in the company's
Curriculum Pathways program. Free of charge for
all educators in the U.S., the interactive program provides standards-based resources in
English, science, mathematics, social studies, and Spanish for over 50,000 American
teachers. With initiatives like this, the company stays true to its mission — to enhance
people's ability to use information and create knowledge — and sets a great example for its
staff. "It is, by far, the best place I have worked in more than 15 years of working within the
industry," raves an employee.

NetApp

Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Rank: 3


The 'Catch Somebody Doing Something Right'
initiative, started by Vice Chairman Tom Mendoza
17 years ago and informally kept alive since,
rewards NetApp employees of all levels for deeds
that positively reflect the computer storage and data
Photo: Courtesy of NetApp management company's culture. Mendoza makes
30 calls, 5 minutes each, a week and personally
thanks staffers for their impressive behavior. "NetApp makes you feel that you are part of a
bigger picture. Every effort you make to do [your] job really means something to the
organization as a whole," says an employee.

After NetApp was forced to reduce its global workforce by 5% in 2009, the company's execs
went on a global tour, stopping by their offices in 13 different countries to raise company
morale. The initiative worked: The next 12 months brought record numbers, including a 60%
increase in the company's stock price.

Google

Headquarters: Mountain View, CA, USA
Rank: 4


Though Google has grown tremendously since its
startup days — the company hired 31.9% more
employees this year than last — the behemoth
Internet company still operates like one in many
ways, says an employee. "The amount of direct
Photo: JP Mangalindan exposure we get to leadership and the fact that the
well-being of employees is held in such high regard
[are both] incredible."

With initiatives like 20% time (engineers are encouraged to spend 20% of their time
brainstorming and developing new Google-related content, even if it never materializes),
Googlers retain the innovative spirit that often gets lost as small companies grow into larger
ones.

The company also provides mentoring programs for its workers: In Google to Googler (g2g)
classes, employees train each other on technology, business, and personal interests and in
gWhiz, any Google employee globally can register to answer questions or provide
mentorship on an area of expertise.

FedEx Express

Headquarters: Memphis, TN, USA
Rank: 5


Next time a FedEx courier smiles as he/she hands
you a package (if you live in the Middle East or
Europe), be sure to go online and fill out a
customer service form — you could help that
employee win the Courier of the Year competition.
Photo: Courtesy of Fedex Couriers are rated by customers based on
politeness, presentation, and helpfulness. In 2010,
The company received 7,659 nominations — and the winners' faces beam on posters in
FedEx Express offices across the region.

The delivery service provider also has an online recruitment tool, Career Hub, which allows
employees to track new job opportunities within the company and plan their careers.

Cisco

Headquarters: San Jose, CA, USA
Rank: 6


Every other month, Cisco CEO John Chambers
invites employees whose birthdays fall within the
designated two-month period to an informal Q&A
with the head honcho himself. Those not located in
its sunny San Jose headquarters can join the chat
Photo: Courtesy of Cisco via Cisco TelePresence locations and TV
broadcasts.

The company also offers job sharing, onsite childcare and, in France, pre-first day training.
Through an interactive website, new employees learn all about Cisco's mission and its
culture, allowing for a smooth transition on the first day. This type of training is
representative of the management chops the company boasts.

Marriott

Headquarters: Bethesda, MD, USA
Rank: 7


The "In the Beginning" introductory course, required at all
Marriott hotels in Mexico, involves three days of interactive
sessions that expose new hires to the Marriott culture. (A
graduation ceremony and a one-night stay in the hotel are
some of the spoils included in completing the course.)

The hotel company also begins every shift — in every
department worldwide — with a "stand-up" meeting, where
Photo: Courtesy of Marriott
International
leaders highlight the goings-on in the company,
acknowledge excellent associate behavior and birthdays,
and discuss the company's numbers. "There are so many associates that have been with the
company for so long. [You gain] a wonderful second family, with friendships that last for
years," says an employee.

McDonald's

Headquarters: Oakbrook, IL, USA
Rank: 8


The fast-food giant cares about its employees'
talents in the kitchen — and on the stage.
McDonald's Peru encourages workers to participate
in the "Voice of McDonald's" program, which is
basically an American Idol with a Golden Arches
Photo: Courtesy of McDonald's twist. The top 16 singers (each gets a plus one)
receive an all-expenses paid trip to the McDonald's
Global Convention in Orlando, Florida, to compete against one another for the winning title
— and a prize of $25,000 and a possible recording contract.

Fun aside, the company ensures that all employees receive fair treatment. In the UK,
McDonald's has partnered with Job Centre Plus to provide jobs for long-term unemployed
applicants and with Remboy, which helps disabled and disadvantaged unemployed citizens.
"This company cares about people — developing them, training them and giving them the
tools to do their job confidently and effectively. There's a great training system, and also a
clear focus of where we are and where we are going," an employee says.

Kimberly-Clark

Headquarters: Irving, TX, USA
Rank: 9


There's no better place to have a conversation than
over a cup of coffee — and the management teams
at Kimberly-Clark offices in Central America get
that. At the "KC Café," employees can chat with
administrative and operational employees about
Photo: Courtesy of Kimberly-Clark worries, cares, and career advice. A different leader
hosts the initiative once every two months, hoping
to break down the walls between boss and employee.

The same offices host an annual Mother's Day celebration, rewarding its mom-employees
with a catered breakfast and, in 2010, a "spa" with food, drinks, and gifts. The company also
offers onsite child-care and job sharing, making parenting a bit easier for KC workers.
According to an employee, this healthy and happy environment is also common in the
offices: "People are transparent; problems are solved in the moment, which prevents
comments in the hallways — and resentment."

SC Johnson

Headquarters: Racine, WI, USA
Rank: 10


Ever wonder if you made the wrong decision with
your career, but you're too afraid to take a risk and
dip your toes in some other options? If you work at
SC Johnson Canada, that's not a problem. They
actually let you try out jobs in different areas of the
Photo: Courtesy of S.C. Johnson & Son company for three to six months through their
Internal Internship Program. Once your internship
is complete, you're free to return to your original position and, if a position opens up that
requires similar skills acquired during the internship, you are free to apply.

The "Family Company" also implemented a rule in their Italian bureau that stays true to the
work/life balance they promote: Directors and managers cannot call meetings before 9:30 in
the morning and cannot hold a meeting after 5:00 in the afternoon, so employees can drop-
off/pick-up their kids from school.

Diageo
12 of 26

Headquarters: London, UK
Rank: 11


It's 5 o'clock somewhere and, chances are, that 5 o'clock is happening at Diageo. With bars at
many of its locations, employees receive brand education while socializing with their
colleagues. In Australia, the pub is open three days a week and in Diageo's Canadian and
U.S. offices, there are weekly "pub nights" with complimentary food and drinks.Though the
excess of alcohol may keep workers giddy with delight, the open and opportunity-filled work
environment is really what keeps them happy in the office. "Diageo is a place where no

matter who you are, you have a voice at the table. A well-framed proposition or idea will get
air time, be fairly considered, and launched if it has legs," says an employee.

American Express
13 of 26

Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
Rank: 12


"I think [what] is unique is how many people really do take pride in working here. American
Express gives employees a lot of responsibility, and trusts each one," says an American
Express associate. That may sound like a run-of-the-mill response, but the high degree of
transparency at the company is lauded by many employees.

American Express India shares details of salary ranges and their histories. The company
holds Know Your Compensation (KYC) sessions, where employees learn where their
compensation is compared to their colleagues. Additionally, AmEx offers the RewardBlue
program, which allows employees to reward their colleagues with "eCards," "eButtons," and
"airThanks" that can contain quirky, personalized messages.

The company also boasts a healthy male to female ratio at the executive/senior management
level: 47% of the positions are filled by women.

Medtronic
14 of 26

Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Rank: 13


At Medtronic Canada, president Neil Fraser writes his employees a personal message during
the holiday season, acknowledging individual accomplishments and letting the staff know
that he appreciates each and every one of their contributions.

The medical technology company's Ireland division also has a take on inspiring innovation --
one that could rival Google's 20% time. The "myIdeas system" allows employees, no matter
their function, to propose ideas, suggestions, and options, which are then evaluated by a
cross-functional team for feasibility. More than 1500 ideas have been submitted since the
program's founding -- and 40% of them have been implemented

Intel
15 of 26

Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Rank: 14


"Management listens to employees and is very open and approachable," says an Intel
employee. And, looking at the company's "Skip-Level 1:1s" initiative, it seems he's right.
Senior managers meet with employees one or more levels down, learning about the middle
and front-line managers' performances.

In India, the company has the "Sparsh" program. ("Sparsh" is the Sanskrit word for "touch.")
Run by employees, the program's teams design and throw all Sparsh events, which focus on a
stress-free workplace and the work/life balance. "People care about each other [here]," the
employee says.

Sean Maloney, a senior Intel executive, suffered from a stroke two years ago. He received
extensive support from his colleagues. Not only has he recovered, but he's back in the
running to one day become CEO of the company.

Hilti
16 of 26

Headquarters: Tulsa, OK, USA
Rank: 15


The manufacturer of products for the construction industry encourages its employees to
volunteer -- and does so by example. Last year, the Canadian branch sponsored the building
of a Habitat for Humanity home in Mississaugua, Ontario. The project cost about $6,000 and
took 120 hours of labor.

On top of their good deeds, Hilti makes getting to the top a realistic goal. "Hilti `walks the
talk' in terms of opportunity for internal advancement," says an employee. "The current CEO
of Hilti North America started in a junior sales capacity." The company invests about $11.7
million and more than 32,000 working days per year in corporate culture workshops,
furthering the possibility of an internal rising star to one day make it big.

3M

17 of 26

Headquarters: Cottage Grove, MN, USA
Rank: 16


"There is a [constant] sense of positivity and fairness," at 3M, says an employee. And it
seems there's also a focus on healthy habits: Managers bring in fruit every week, and the
company sponsors an employee "pedometer challenge" -- 10,000 steps per day -- to raise
money for charity.

In Austria, the company keeps creativity alive with an Innovation Competition for
employees, which boasts €500 cash awards and trips to the United States, London, and
Berlin. "3M is the most ethical and transparent company that I've ever worked for," says the
employee.

Telefonica
18 of 26

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Rank: 17


Who says video games aren't educational? At Telefonica Mexico, employees go through a
three-hour interactive workshop -- "Living the Experience" -- to learn and practice the
company behaviors and values. They play learning games and watch videos of the values in
action, receiving a letter from the CEO and a trophy in front of the Board of Directors at the
end of the process.

In hopes of increasing the company's social outreach, Telefonica Europe created a
Volunteering Office in Germany. Teams and staff members are guided toward projects that
fit their cause, allowing them to better give back to the community. That commitment to
helping employees excel outside of their job description is what employees say is the norm at
the company. Telefonica also offers job-sharing and on-site child care for parent-employees.

National Instruments
19 of 26

Headquarters: Austin, TX, USA
2010 Revenue ($ millions): 873
Rank: 18


If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Or at least that's what the folks at National Instruments seem to
believe. Their "100-year plan" balances short-term business goals with the company's core
values.

Employee Appreciation Week, service award luncheons, and milestone celebrations further
the company's mission. "National Instruments is the most unique company I have ever seen,"
claims an employee. "[Its] culture exudes openness, honesty, and fairness. People work
extremely hard here, [but] the company also promotes being able to relax and enjoy your life
outside of work, to keep a healthy balance."

Mars
20 of 26

Headquarters: McLean, VA, USA
Rank: 19


Known by the masses for its color-coated chocolates, Mars employees know it more for its
special culture. "It is a very warm, welcoming culture where good work is recognized and
rewarded," says one. CEO Paul Michaels doesn't have a private office or a reserved parking
space; most office spaces have open plans, breaking down physical and psychological
barriers by making everyone approachable.

Globally, the company has run an associate engagement program since 2003. Some of these
communication initiatives include Q&A sessions, suggestion boxes in the offices, or "site
involvement teams," which allow associate representatives of various divisions to make
recommendations to management.

Accenture
21 of 26

Headquarters: New York, NY, USA

Rank: 20


Accenture employees are "encouraged to make things happen and are given the tools to
accomplish anything we set our minds to do," says an employee. Programs like "Vaahini" and
"People Developer" at Accenture India support that statement. Vaahini is a women's
networking group that supports mentoring, communication, and counseling events. People
Developer allows promoted employees to name colleagues who helped them along the way --
these individuals receive personal thank-you emails from company leaders. In Norway,
Accenture hosts an "Innovation Fair" once a year for a crowd of over 1500 composed of
employees, former employees, customers, and partners.

Roche
22 of 26

Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN, USA
Rank: 21


Feeling overwhelmed at work? If you're an employee of Roche Denmark, you have access to
healthy food and snacks, fitness facilities, massages, nutritionists, and alternative treatments
for stress. The healthcare company also provides access to oncology nurses for those at its
Peru facilities with breast cancer. Last year, 19,500 employees participated in the company's
annual Children's Walk, which helps raise money for young ones with HIV/AIDS and in
vulnerable living conditions.

Novo Nordisk

23 of 26

Headquarters: Denmark
2010 Revenue ($ millions): 11.100
Rank: 22


The healthcare company's Backup Care program allows those that rely on Novo Nordisk
employees as primary caregivers to have access to specialists, billing the employee only a
minor co-pay. It also created the "TakeAction!" program, which gives workers the
opportunity to donate and contribute to charitable and community-based projects. These
kinds of projects, along with job sharing and on-site child care, allow the staff to participate
in interests outside of their job description. "Leaders give you the autonomy to make your
own decisions and be who you truly are," says an employee.

The Coca-Cola Company
24 of 26

Headquarters: Atlanta, GA, USA
Rank: 23


Jetlag and post-vacation depression aren't problems for employees at the Coca-Cola branches
in Peru, Argentina, and Chile; after taking a break of ten-plus days, staffers are allowed to
take an additional two hours off on their first day back and one hour off on their second day
back.

"The company has the intimate feel of a small, local team combined with the resources and
strategic approach of a global business," says an employee. "It's the best of large and small --
a place where you can really unleash your potential." The company, which first appeared on a
Great Place to Work list 10 years ago, also has a Human Rights and Workplace Rights
Policy, providing independent audits to ensure compliance.

Atento
25 of 26

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Rank: 24


Pep rallies aren't just for high-schoolers. At Atento -- the customer relationship management
subsidiary of Telefónica Group (also on this list) -- managers host an "Atento Rally" once a
year, where teambuilding activities are divided into four themes: sports, artistic talent,
theatrical events, and general entertainment. The company also has the Atento Academy, a
training program that involves all levels of employees, from executives to "business
professionals." Programs like these keep the staff happy; an employee says, "The work
environment here is great. I have found people that have helped me to grow, both personally
and professionally."

Quintiles
26 of 26

Headquarters: Durham, NC, USA
Rank: 25


The clinical research and consulting firm allows employees to take a "QDay" once a year,
between October and December; QDays are used for employees to give back to their
communities, whether that be by planting trees to preparing care packages for troops
overseas. "Everything about Quintiles makes it a great place to work. The people,
atmosphere, and core goals are unparalleled," says an employee. "I work from home, which
helps me to balance work and life." With programs like "iQ" -- an internal communication
intranet that keeps staffers up-to-date with all information concerning the company and
industry -- and an almost even gender ratio at the executive/senior management level (50.1%
of these positions are occupied by women), Quintiles knows how to keep its people happy.

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