We are living times of unparalleled worldwide uncertainty. And to match up to this uncertainty, a lot of companies and organizations have gone through massive changes, that have changed the course, design, processes, functions, work atmosphere, pay scale, innovations etc.… However, it is commendable how a few companies have handled themselves, and continue to provide a creative, systematic, employee-friendly work atmosphere and culture.
To celebrate them, Fast Company in collaboration with Accenture, recognized 100 such best organizations, companies and teams, the world over which have continued to find novel means to get together and undertake inventive processes in spite of the threats posed by the pandemic.
An overview of the list
With Moderna topping the list of best work place for Innovators, John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory was declared the number one innovation team of the year. Small, medium and large-sized companies along with a few NGO’s like National Multiple Sclerosis Society and American Red Cross, have made it to the list too.
The list has recognized the efforts of companies and organizations in different areas- manufacturing, technology, telecommunication, food & beverage, media, financial services, health & medical, Biotech, consulting, architecture, e-commerce, retail, fashion, education, marketing & advertising, consumer packaged goods, with one sports club and one pharmaceutical company making it in the top 100 too.
It’s interesting to see what companies have done in these times to foster creativity and keep employees motivated. For example, employees at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, work on a project which is completely different from their focus area, for one day a week. As a solution to reducing employee burnout, Chatbooks, a media company has introduced mandatory one week leave per quarter for its employees.
An intern’s idea at Alida gave them their new major product-Touchpoint. All employees at Masterclass are eligible to $1500 annual stipend for professional growth and development.
All of these initiatives have gone a long way in achieving employee motivation and resultant better results for their respective organizations.
Process of selection
Over a period of 2.5 months starting January, applications were invited and about 900 companies came forward with information regarding investment, innovation, programs and processes, culture and diversity of and in the organization as well as inclusion initiatives. An 8-member jury, comprising the likes of Edith Cooper, Saikat Chaudhuri and Stephanie Mehta, voted on the top 100 companies. The Innovative leader of the year along with top 10 innovation teams of the year were judged by Fast Company editors
