Microsoft Wins the Best Large Workplace in Europe 2010 Three Years in a Row

Microsoft has been deemed as the Best Large Workplace in Europe 2010 by the Great Place to Work Institute for the third year running. It is quite an honor for the Redmond company’s over the pond presence, especially considering the sheer size of the “competitors.” The Great Place to Work Institute conducted an evaluation survey of in excess of 1,300 companies in no less than 17 markets across Europe. The results of the 100 Best Workplaces in Europe report as well as the awards for companies were unveiled during a gala ceremony at the Great Place to Work European Conference 2010 in Madrid on May 20, 2010.

Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International, welcomed news of the award. “Investing in people and creating a work environment that utilizes the latest technology has enabled staff to transform the way they work and interact with colleagues, delivering a strong work-life balance and a highly motivated and empowered team. This past year has been challenging for businesses and employees in all industries, and Microsoft is no different. That said, we continue to be optimistic especially as our industry transitions toward what we believe is the next big era in technology – cloud computing," he stated.

It is because Microsoft’s extensive investments in people that the award was given. According to the Redmond company, the award is designed to celebrate exceptional working environments, but also practices, as well as the benefits and recognition that workers receive. Palle Ellemann Knudsen, managing director for Great Place to Work Institute Europe, underlined that one of the winning points with the software giant was the way it remained consistent in the values it offered as an employer.