The Feedback Award for Employer of Choice (more than 1000 employees)

This award is in recognition of current and innovative employer of choice strategies to support the country’s top talent - those that support both operations and people’s wellbeing in ’s larger organisations.

Judges’ comments

Winner: Accenture

Accenture has a broad suite of strategies in place to create an attractive work environment. It was able to demonstrate a forward-looking approach to the environment they would be facing in the development of their people plans, that enabled them to proactively plan for that future. Its ability to plan ahead, coupled with the belief that this would pay dividends in the future, really did translate into positive results and enabled the firm to keep ahead of the pack. Its people strategy has a strong business focus, where people are clearly seen as “what sets us apart from our competitors”. This is supported by strong leadership from a leadership community that interestingly included both current and former executives.

Highly commended: Allens Arthur Robinson

The Allens Arthur Robinson submission was strong on all dimensions of the category of a large employer of choice. The firm showed a deep and growing understanding of the various segments within their workforce that translated into a broad and full suite of people strategies in place to meet the various needs of these segments. Its approach as such was holistic with clear linkages between the people strategy and the business strategy, with strong support from senior leadership. Allens also showed a clear and crisp employee value proposition with an innovative translation of how this could be pitched to potential employees.

Finalist: Inchape

Inchape was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of what it takes to build a business-focused people strategy. The range of initiatives it has put in place in recent times to harness the capabilities of their people has been impressive. It is no wonder that it is recognised as a leader in the automotive industry, with a focus on innovation and customer centricity. The strategies it has put in place together with strong leadership support are the cornerstones of an employer of choice.

Finalist: Mallesons Stephen Jaques

Mallesons Stephen Jaques is clearly a firm that understands the value of people to their success, and this is demonstrated in the recognition it has received in the marketplace for the range of people strategies it has implemented. Of particular note, is that the firm has actively pursued a broad development strategy, covering both partners and staff, focusing on both current roles and career path planning. This, together with a range of people friendly policies that have been actively supported by executive leadership, have strongly positioned Mallesons Stephen Jaques as an employer of choice.