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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-economic landscape. Often referred to as the backbone of civil society, NGOs contribute significantly across various sectors, from education and healthcare to skill development and environmental conservation. They work diligently to bridge social gaps, uplift marginalized communities, and create lasting change. This extensive engagement translates into a substantial economic impact as well: the NGO sector contributes INR 3.56 trillion annually to India’s GDP, representing approximately 2% of the nation’s economic output.
NGOs provide critical support to underserved communities, mobilizing resources and expertise to drive improvements in quality of life and public welfare. This work is made possible by a dedicated workforce that often finds purpose and pride in contributing to social progress. Our India’s Best NGOs to Work For report highlights how NGOs support societal wellbeing.
The Growing Commitment to Workplace Excellence
As NGOs expand their reach, they increasingly recognize the importance of cultivating workplaces that attract and retain talent. Participation in Great Place To Work® Certification reflects this shift, with over 115 NGOs involved in 2024, up from around 40 in 2022. This growth highlights a new focus on workplace culture as a crucial part of effectively serving communities.
This commitment has led to tangible outcomes in employee satisfaction and retention, with a 7% higher retention sentiment compared to others. This is crucial, given that 60% of NGO employees have a tenure of less than two years, which impacts organizational stability. Certified NGOs are building environments that emphasize purpose and pride—93% of employees feel positively about their societal contribution, and 91% feel proud to share their affiliation. This alignment between personal values and work enhances loyalty and builds a resilient workforce beyond monetary incentives.
Addressing Challenges in the NGO sector
Despite the positive culture and values-driven mission, the NGO sector faces challenges with retention and fair compensation. According to the report, approximately 60% of employees have a tenure of less than two years, indicating high turnover that can impact the consistency and continuity of NGO operations. Furthermore, nearly one in three employees feel that they are not compensated fairly, which can be a barrier to long-term retention. Addressing these challenges through initiatives like fair pay policies and improved career growth paths is essential for creating a sustainable workforce in the NGO sector.
The 5 Key Drivers of Employee Satisfaction (‘5 GEARS’)
To achieve workplace excellence, the top NGOs implement a unique framework known as the “5 GEARS.” This framework encapsulates the five core drivers that contribute to a thriving workplace culture within the sector –
Career Growth Opportunities
Best NGOs focus on structured growth paths, offering ample learning and development platforms. According to the report, 87% of employees in top NGOs feel their career growth needs are met, in comparison to 79% in other NGOs. This emphasis on growth ensures that employees feel valued and see a future within the organization.
Egalitarian Treatment
Fairness and equity are central tenets of high-trust high – performance cultures. Top NGOs reported that 90% of employees feel they are treated with equality and fairness, versus 81% in other NGOs. This approach not only improves morale but also strengthens a culture of inclusivity across diverse roles and functions.
Leadership Advancement
Recognizing and cultivating leadership talent internally is a hallmark of the best NGOs. The report highlights that 89% of employees in leading NGOs believe they have ample opportunities for leadership advancement, compared to 79% in others. Leadership development initiatives include mentorship programs, skills training, and leadership coaching, ensuring a robust pipeline of future leaders.
Respect and Care for Employees
Compassion and respect form the foundation of employee relationships in top NGOs. With 92% of employees feeling respected and cared for at their workplace (compared to 86% in other NGOs), this component is essential in building a trusting, loyal workforce.
Psychological and Emotional Safety
The best NGOs prioritize creating an environment where employees feel emotionally and psychologically secure. In top organizations, 89% of employees feel safe in expressing their concerns and ideas, while this figure is 79% in other NGOs. Such an environment fosters open communication and psychological well-being, both crucial for employee engagement and productivity
The Role of ‘Each One, Get One’ in Scaling Workplace Culture
The Each One, Get One initiative is a distinctive program that exemplifies how the Great Place To Work certification’s benefits can be extended across the NGO sector, promoting a healthier, more engaging workplace culture for organizations of all sizes and resources. This initiative operates on a simple yet powerful model: when a for-profit organization participates in the certification process, a portion of their fees is directed towards funding the certification for an NGO. This sponsorship enables non-profits, often constrained by limited budgets, to access the same insights, tools, and workplace transformation programs as their corporate counterparts.
The impact of Each One, Get One is transformative, fostering a ripple effect that enables more NGOs to implement high-trust, high-performance workplace practices. By giving NGOs the resources to prioritize their workplace culture, the initiative empowers these organizations to boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and strengthen mission delivery. In turn, each certified NGO becomes an ambassador of good workplace practices, setting an example within the sector and encouraging others to follow suit. This collective uplift not only enhances the work environment for NGO employees but also leads to more stable and effective organizations, ultimately amplifying their societal impact.
The ongoing efforts within the NGO sector to cultivate excellent workplace environments are not just milestones; they are setting new benchmarks that inspire change across industries. By focusing on values-driven work, purpose alignment, and employee satisfaction, NGOs are creating models of organizational culture that other sectors can emulate. As they continue to evolve, these organizations stand poised to drive positive change not only within the NGO sector but also across the broader socio-economic landscape, leaving an indelible impact on India’s development.
Get Certified to Showcase Your Commitment
Achieving Great Place To Work Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to employees’ overall wellbeing and experience. This Certification not only enhances your employer branding but also helps attract and retain top talent. It highlights to current and prospective employees that your organization values their health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
By implementing a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, you can create a workplace where employees feel strong, healthy, and connected. Certification also provides a benchmark for continuous improvement, helping you identify areas where you can further enhance employee well-being and overall workplace culture.
For All Summit 2025: Vision to Value – Building Workplaces That Matter
Join us on February 6, 2025, in Mumbai for an enlightening day filled with insights on creating sustainable, humane, and inclusive workplaces. Learn from industry leaders about purpose-driven cultures, innovative HR practices, and adaptive leadership strategies.
Get your passes today – https://www.greatplacetowork.in/for-all-summit
