Best Firms Methodology
We evaluate organizations for Best Firms Certification using a research-backed, employee-first framework grounded in four pillars: Benefits, Identity, Purpose, and Value Quotient. Each pillar measures, how we score, data sources, eligibility, and the certification process.
How Certification Works & Why It’s Unique
Tech-first, People-first
To apply for Certification, you’ll run our employee survey, built for modern tech workplaces and combine it with a few light organizational inputs. The result is a balanced, research-backed view of your culture.
Grounded in research, built for today
Our methodology is based on years of workplace culture research and specifically adapted for data, AI, and technology-driven teams. It goes beyond perks to measure whether culture is real, repeatable, and creates value.
Driven by employee voice
Certification is earned through employee feedback, covering belonging, fairness, trust in leadership, and day-to-day experience. Their voices are at the center of your results, not policy handbooks.
A living reflection of your culture
By certifying year after year, you signal to employees and candidates that culture isn’t a campaign, it’s part of your long-term strategy for talent and growth.
Our Framework
Verify that culture is real, repeatable, and creates value for both people and the business.
Benefits
Rewards, flexibility, and work design people actually use.
Identity
Belonging, fairness, representation, and psychological safety.
Purpose
Trust in leadership, growth, and clarity of impact.
Value Quotient
Proof that culture converts into outcomes (hire, keep, grow, perform).
Overall score ≥ 70/100 with no pillar < 50.
Certification validity: 1 Year
Get Certified Today
Interested in achieving certification?
Share some details about your company, and a member of our team will contact you shortly.
What We Measure?
Benefits (20%)
Do people feel supported by compensation, benefits, and the way work is designed?
- Fair pay & transparency: clear bands, regular audits, perceived equity.
- Flexibility & wellbeing: hybrid/remote norms, time-off actually used, workload sustainability.
- Care & coverage: healthcare, mental health, caregiver support, life-stage benefits.
Identity (20%)
Do people feel seen, safe, and treated fairly across intersections of identity?
- Belonging & respect: day-to-day inclusion, voice without fear.
- Representation & access: diversity in leadership, equitable career pathways.
- Manager capability: bias-aware feedback, recognition, conflict resolution.
Purpose (30%)
Do people understand the mission and see how their work matters?
- Clarity & alignment: strategy → team goals → role clarity.
- Growth & autonomy: learning pathways, internal mobility, stretch work.
- Trust & ethics: confidence in leadership decisions and how results are achieved.
Value Quotient (30%)
A score blending employee signals with outcomes:
- Attract: offer-acceptance rates, hiring velocity
- Retain: regrettable attrition, early-stage retention
- Grow: internal mobility, promotion equity
- Perform: engagement, innovation, customer impact
Certification Process
- Kickoff: scope, cohorts, data request, comms toolkit.
- Survey Live: 10–14 days open; weekly participation pulse.
- Analysis & Review: scoring, benchmarks, validity checks.
- Decision & Debrief: certification status, strengths, and focus areas.
- Recognition: badge, certificate, media kit, and branding promotions.
What You Would Receive
- Certification & Badge: Digital Certification & Badges for your Employer Branding and Recruitment Campaigns.
- Overall Rating and Sectional Scores: Overall approval rating score and sectional score of each section.
- Survey Analysis: Pillar scores, VQ breakdown, Benchmark position.
- Industry Benchmarking Report: Benchmarking against your peers.
- Actionable Insights: Targeted plays tied to Benefits, Identity, Purpose, and VQ.
- Comms Toolkit: Badge usage guide, sample copy for careers page and JDs.
- Spotlight Features: Case story on AIM media channels.
Join the Best Firms
✦ Nalini George
Chief People officer at Rakuten
Receiving AIM’s ‘Best Firm for Women in Tech’ certification makes us extremely proud. We celebrate the diverse voices, a myriad of experiences, perspectives, and talents that make Rakuten great.
✦ Anindito De
Practice Head, AI Technology Services at Wipro
Wipro is not only a preferred workplace for data scientists and ML engineers but also offers ample opportunities for learning and career growth. This outstanding recognition from AIM, reinforces our confidence in the right path and inspires us to push further.
✦ Prasad Kothari
Head – Data Science & AI at Hansa Cequity
We are delighted to be chosen as the Best Firm For Data Scientists by AIM Media House. At Hansa Cequity, we are integrating the power of data and AI to solve strategic marketing problems in a holistic manner with extreme passion and customer-centricity.
✦ Lawrance Amburose
CFO and Managing Director at Diggibyte Technologies
We are delighted to share the exciting news that Diggibyte Technologies Pvt Ltd has been honoured as the Best Firm for Data Engineers. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of our exceptional team and the outstanding culture we’ve fostered.
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