The Great Place to Work Institute Names Microsoft World’s Best Workplace

Posted Oct 27 2011 9:14 PM by the JobsBloggers

By Zoe Goldring

The Great Place to Work® Institute just announced its first ever World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List. And guess who’s #1 on that list my friends? Microsoft.

What an honor to be named to such a prestigious list of companies! But what does all this mean and how were we chosen for this award? Though several criteria were used to create this list of 25 companies, I think the most interesting, and perhaps valuable measurement, is the employee impressions of their workplaces. As part of its evaluation, The Great Place to Work® Institute actually surveyed our employees all over the world to find out what they thought it was like to work at Microsoft. Which means this ranking is in part a reflection of what our employees think of our company. Not a third party evaluation, but the ‘Softies themselves. Pretty neat.

And what did they think? Not only did our employees say that our work environment engendered a culture of trust, but they told us that they had the opportunity to thrive in an innovative environment. That Microsoft provided a place where they could make individual contributions and that collectively our passion creates technology that changes the world.

I think Lisa Brummel, our Chief People Officer, said it best in her blog post in recognition of the award:

Perhaps the most unique aspect of our workplace is the emphasis we place on social responsibility and giving back to the community. Just in the last year, we have donated nearly $950 million to the global community.
 
Across the board and around the world, you will see this sort of selfless effort on behalf of the community for education, health and global welfare. Microsoft is a great combination of giving inward to a job and giving outward to the community. This blend is special, valuable, and demonstrates the holistic view we have of “doing business” in the world.

There’s more too! Aside from the amazing people that work here, our innovative businesses and worldwide locations, we also provide unparalleled opportunities for career development and truly world class benefits and perks. All this goes into making our company a mind-blowing work experience. But you don’t have to take my word for it. See what Ann, Wael and other ‘Softies have to say.

Final thought: When it comes to Microsoft we may create incredible software (and hardware!), but we couldn’t do that without the incredible people that work here. So here’s to you fellow Microsofties - thank you for all that you do to make Microsoft an truly extraordinary place and especially for your contributions to this award!

UPDATED with links:

Fortune Names 25 Best Global Companies to Work For

Great Place To Work Unveils World's Best Multinational Workplaces

And check out how some of the 'Softies in Ireland celebrated the announcement of our award!

 

35 Comments

  • Michael said:

    I have long wanted to work in companies like microsoft using my skills in programming and creative writing but there is but a few opportunities for Filipinos like me.

  • admin said:

    Michael - Microsoft is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants. You can find out more about our commitment to global diversity and inclusion here: http://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/en/us/default.aspx. Then visit our Careers site and apply: http://careers.microsoft.com/

  • Elijiah said:

    Hey Microsoft I was curious in halo 3 is there actually a recon skull? Also is there a way you guys can let me play as the covenant in halo 3 if so just email me a glitch or something my gamertag is XQSB SwAg KinGX


  • admin said:

    Hi Elijiah - this blog is for jobs at Microsoft. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about our processes and other topics related to applying for jobs at Microsoft. <Ashley>

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  • Josh said:

    Does Microsoft offer training or education internships? I'm not in college and do not have a degree but love the field and love using the software and hardware. I've always been interested in software programming and video game design.

  • admin said:

    Josh - You can learn about various Microsoft technology certifications and training options through the Microsoft Learning home page at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.aspx. <Ashley>

  • David said:

    Hey! i was wondering, im currently studing 4th year of System and Network Engineer in a university here in El Salvador, i plan to become a USA resident in a couple of years. At the time i get my title i also plan to revalidated my title in the USA(if need it), will i be able to apply for a graduated Job? Thanks.

  • Santosh said:

    What about the career guidance for a Nepali student ?

  • Adrian said:

    I have been interested in the field of technology for quite some time, software and engineering has been in my head at a younger age. I am a sophomore in San Antonio, Texas, but planning to go to college in Austin. That being said, I want to get a heads up now and be sure of my plans. Being prepared years ahead is really all I want now. I want to know exactly what I should major in, so I may begin studying. So my question is, what should I major in when in comes to engineering and software?

  • admin said:

    Hi Adrian! If you're interested in a technical job with Microsoft, we might recommend a degree in Computer Science (CS). Solid work experience in the CS field, a great GPA, and working on CS projects outside of regular course work are good things to have on a resume. Other degrees may also provide you with the knowledge and training we're looking for. Regardless, for any technical position, we look at the skills the individual has gained through education and/or experience in the field. A degree is not a required, but most often, it provides what we need.
    Details about full-time positions, internships and degree requirements: http://www.microsoft.com/university
    - Ashley

  • shamsheer cb said:

    I know Microsoft is the world biggest IT company in the world.working with this company is dream of everyone,if i got one job from Microsoft, my dream will become a success.

  • Patrick said:

    Hello,

    My name is Patrick, I live near Redmond WA, I am not a student at any university but would greatly appreciate any opportunity to be able to work for Microsoft. I have worked with VMC (Game Tester) for what will be 2 years in June. Is there any entry level game testing work or semi experienced tester positions available for some one like me? I can send a resume upon request. I appreciate you taking the time and consideration in reading this,
    Patrick

  • admin said:

    Hi Patrick - Gaming (as you can imagine) is one of the most popular product teams at Microsoft. These teams have a limited number of positions available, and the positions fill quickly. However, we often can match a candidate’s skills and interests to other positions outside the Gaming organization. You can visit the Microsoft U.S. Careers site at https://careers.microsoft.com/Search.aspx to search for openings to see if your background is suitable for any of the open positions.

    You can also volunteer to be added to our database of potential usability participants. If a participant fits the profile for a usability study, they come to Microsoft for two hours, and we give them one piece of Microsoft software (for example, Windows , Office, or an Xbox game). Anyone (employee or non- employee) can volunteer using this site (click the Enrollment link in the left column): http://www.microsoft.com/userresearch/default.mspx

  • Jamie kay said:

    Quick question, is there jobs for moderators on Xbox live? If so how do I apply? You can msg ne on my email, here or on my live account. Jamie0409 , thank you

  • Anitra said:

    Hello,
    Can you please let me know how can I apply for the MACH program? Also is having previous work experiance a plus? What are you looking for in the students under this program? I am graduating next year, just trying to be prepared :)

    Thanks!

  • admin said:

    Hi Anitra - you can find more information about our MACH program on our Careers website: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/gbl/mach.aspx
    - Ashley

  • Sergio said:

    Hi everybody!
    I'm finishing Computer Systems Engineering in Spain (mainly software developing) and I love the "Microsoft world" (for example, .NET is... o.O!). Here, where should I deliver my CV?
    BTW, sorry about my poor english :/
    See you :)

  • Teguh Halim Saputra said:

    Hi !!
    I was a freshman in college STIKI
    I really want to work at Microsoft
    But how??

  • Cydia said:

    Hey! microsoft! Can I wash floors in your company and become part of a team,plz?)

  • admin said:

    Hi all! If you want to be part of the Microsoft team, we encourage you to visit our Careers site and apply directly online. http://www.microsoft-careers.com/
    Teguh - we have sites specifically for university students as well: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/gbl/student.aspx

  • BJ said:

    Hello! I am interested in working as an Xbox live moderator or Xbox support. Does Microsoft have either of these type of positions in the California office? Also, if I was willing to take a position in WAshington, does Microsoft assist in relocation? Thank you for your time.

  • admin said:

    BJ – you can run a search for Xbox positions that interest you on the Interactive Entertainment Business (Xbox division) of our Careers site: http://www.microsoft-careers.com/content/interactive-entertainment-business/. As for relocation, it depends on the relocation budget of the team that has the open position. The best advice is to apply for jobs as you normally would, and when a recruiter contacts you about a role, let the recruiter know about your relocation requirements. If that particular position does not have a relocation budget available, the recruiter may also be able to assist you in finding similar roles that do.

  • Kellie said:

    Do recruiters really look at the resumes that people submit online? I have been working at Microsoft off and on for over 6 years and have all of the qualifications (and more!) for all of the jobs that I have applied through on the career site. I have not heard from anyone regarding my resume even though some of these positions have been open for months. Having been at Microsoft for so long, I know a lot of times you have a better chance if you know someone and they submit your resume for you. Can you tell me the best way to get a recruiter to actually look at my resume or if there is anyway to send it to them directly? Thank you!

  • admin said:

    Kellie and Juan – thank you for the comments! We recommend looking through other JobsBlog posts for tips directly from recruiters about resumes and the resume submission process. Here’s a great article/video to get you started: http://microsoftjobsblog.com/blog/resume-questions-video

  • Jennifer said:

    my husband is a recently retired soldier and is currently going back to school to get a degree in software engineering. We heard that Microsoft has a department dedicated to hiring veterans, is this true and if it is who can he call to talk to someone about getting an intership or hired on in a department? He was retired last June and has had no luck finding a job since.

  • admin said:

    Jennifer - First I would recommend checking out our article on Jobsblog that touches on this topic : http://jobsblog.com/blog/translating-military-experience-to-real-world-jobs. Next I would encourage him to get in contact with his school's recruiter. He can find out who this is on our website: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/findarecruiter.aspx. Best of luck!

  • Dominic said:

    I've always wanted to get into game design, computer programming, graphic design, etc. Is there anyway that microsoft would be willing to pay for that education?

  • admin said:

    Dominic - Microsoft has scholarships available for students who are currently enrolled in a four-year undergraduate degree program. You can learn more about the opportunities: www.microsoft.com/university/scholarships <Ashley>

  • admin said:

    David - In order to be eligible for a college position, you must have graduated within the past 12 months. If it has been longer than 12 months since you graduated, you should apply for what we call our “industry” positions. You can search at https://careers.microsoft.com/Search.aspx for positions that interest you, and apply to as many as you like.

    Santosh - We don’t have any students positions available in Nepal at this time but you can search our site for other positions around the world. Check out our Careers Web site at https://careers.microsoft.com/

    - Ashley

  • admin said:

    Jamie - we have a Customer Experience Program Manager job available for Xbox: https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=3&jid=70972&jlang=EN. We encourage you to run a search on our Careers site: http://www.microsoft-careers.com/.
    - Ashley

  • Louise said:

    Hi, Microsoft is obviously a great employer, and you talk alot about having a work life balance. But do a lot of the employees work from home and never see each other? I was wondering if you have team meetings or get togethers often. I'd love to work for a company that is big into team building. Can you tell me what I could expect?

  • Raul Gutierrez said:

    Hi! I would like to work for Microsoft Corp from earlier age and I am not college student and I don't have any college credit so I wonder for Microsoft certification will help me to get start where I want to work in technology field that I love so much in software and hardware technology. What path I should get start and will lead to better job position in the future? In what Microsoft certification will lead to computer science, network security and network engineering so that will help me lead growing career more than ever image?

  • admin said:

    BJ – you can run a search for Xbox positions that interest you on the Interactive Entertainment Business (Xbox division) of our Careers site: http://www.microsoft-careers.com/content/interactive-entertainment-business/. As for relocation, it depends on the relocation budget of the team that has the open position. The best advice is to apply for jobs as you normally would, and when a recruiter contacts you about a role, let the recruiter know about your relocation requirements. If that particular position does not have a relocation budget available, the recruiter may also be able to assist you in finding similar roles that do.

  • Juan Jose Pedrero said:

    Congrats!

    But what is it good for if, at least in Chile, people like me who is eager to work and be part of Microsoft's team and build a career are constantly rejected in every job submission for more than 2 years as an Computer Engineer... still trying thow, every day.

    I agree with Kellie, maybe it's the best place to work but not the best in recuiting...

    Thanks.

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