Abstract

The case examines the best practices in human resource management (HRM) at the US based Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft). The company was ranked 38th in the Fortune’s list of ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ published in January 2009. Microsoft had a strong organizational culture which supported work /life balance and helped boost employee morale. The company also had a well planned employee retention strategy which was considered among the best in the industry. It offered various benefits to its employees including health insurance, ESOPs, flexible working hours, discounts on several products and services etc. The company also promoted corporate diversity. The case ends with a discussion on the challenges before Microsoft to continue its employee friendly HR practices in recessionary times where its customers are cutting back on IT expenditure adversely affecting its revenues and profitability.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Study the organizational culture and HR practices at Microsoft
• Examine how a company’s culture can contribute in boosting employee morale
• Understand the retention strategies adopted by Microsoft
• and Analyze the challenges faced by Microsoft on the HR front in recessionary times.

Keywords

Microsoft Corporation, Employee Experience, Recruitment and Selection, Compensation, Employees Skill Building Programs, Corporate Culture, Work Environment, Employee Retention, Performance Reviews, Work/Life Balance Programs, Work Force Diversity, Attrition, Great Place to Work For