Enter The Hindu Best Places to Work 2027 Awards — and build a workplace where India’s talent thrives

The Hindu has announced the reopening of entries for The Hindu Best Places to Work 2027 Awards, a competition aimed at recognizing workplaces that excel in employee engagement and well-being in India. The competition, powered by WorkL, seeks to build a work environment where India's talent can thrive.

Business leaders are urged to enter their organizations promptly, as the entry process is quick and simple, requiring only 10 minutes to register the organization and less than 5 minutes for employees to complete an anonymous survey. This is the last chance for organizations to secure a spot in the awards, which close on February 26, 2027.

The data collected by WorkL's 2026 survey reveals a concerning trend in India's corporate landscape. Employee engagement has dropped to 78% (down three percentage points year-on-year), job satisfaction has decreased to 80%, while employee flight risk has risen to 14%. These statistics point to a growing dissatisfaction among Indian professionals, who are now voicing concerns about the balance between career ambition and personal wellbeing.

The rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace has also contributed to this shift. A majority of Indian employees (80%) use AI multiple times a week, with 41% using it daily. However, this rapid adoption of AI has led to a productivity paradox, where managers now expect more from employees without a corresponding increase in recognition or empowerment. This disconnect has led to a decline in reward and recognition (down to 75%), information sharing (down to 78%), and employee agency (down to 78%).

To address this situation, the awards aim to promote a shift from reactive management to continuous listening. By providing real-time data-driven insights into employee sentiment, the awards encourage leaders to prioritize wellbeing and create a more balanced work environment. This includes implementing digital boundaries, such as restrictions on work calls or messages after 8 pm, and streamlining leave approval processes.

Additionally, employees are seeking opportunities for structured upskilling, clear career progression, and access to technical certifications.

The Hindu Best Places to Work 2027 Awards offer a valuable platform for organizations to showcase their commitment to employee engagement and well-being, and help create a more sustainable and productive workforce in India.