BANGALORE, INDIA: In choosing where to work, employees across India have a strong preference for employers with a reputation for good ethical and environmental practices, according to the latest findings from an international workplace survey.

The survey, by global workforce solutions provider, Kelly Services, finds employees across all age generations gravitate to organizations considered ethically and environmentally responsible, with older workers including Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65) more discerning than their younger Gen Y (aged 18-29) colleagues.

Almost two-thirds of all workers are prepared to accept a pay cut or a demotion in order to work for an organization with a sound corporate reputation. In fact, concern about ethical behavior outweighs concern about the environment across all generations when deciding where to work.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including almost 5,000 in India, said a press release.

Kelly Services managing director, Kamal Karanth says, "Employees take pride not only in what they do while at work but in what their organization stands for and how it is perceived by the entire community. It provides a sense of fulfillment to be part of an enterprise that is focused not only on performance outcomes but also on larger social goals."

The key findings of the survey said, 90 per cent of respondents are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered ethically and socially responsible and 87 per cent are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered environmentally responsible.

The ethical conduct of an organization was a very important factor for 77 per cent of the respondents while choosing their place of work, and  64 per cent would be prepared to accept a lesser role or a lower salary to work for a firm with a strong environmental and community conscience.
 
A total of 64 per cent of both Gen Y and baby boomers would be prepared to take a pay cut or a demotion in order to work with a socially conscientious employer, followed by Gen X at 62 per cent.

"Firms that develop a culture of social responsibility send a powerful message about the type of talent they want to attract and the organizational norms they want to cultivate. They serve as a benchmark as to what is expected and are viewed favorably by prospective employees," concluded Kamal.