IT and software major Microsoft has emerged as India's most attractive employer for the third straight year in 2013, according to a survey by HR service firm Randstad.

The company was followed by Hewlett Packard and Google India in the second and third positions, respectively.

Others in the top 10 most attractive employer list included – IBM (4th), ONGC (5th), Sony (6th), Larsen & Toubro (7th), Steel Authority of India (8th), SBI (9th) and Tata Consultancy Services (10th).

Special recognition awards were also given to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in the energy sector, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) in the manufacturing sector and Larsen & Toubro in the infrastructure sector.

The survey further noted that in a market like India, where there is high attrition levels, employer branding is very important as it provides an advantage to attract and retain top talent.

"In the current competitive business environment, attracting and retaining the right talent are vital to organisation success. We are extremely happy to see an increase in Indian companies focusing on Employer Branding," Randstad India Chairman Paul Van De Kerkhof said.

According to the survey that covered 7,000 respondents, Indian workforce prefer competitive salary and job security.

Compared to last year, there is a significant increase in the importance given to salary and employee benefits and this has become the most important factor for potential employees, followed by job security.

"The findings show a preference for competitive salary and high job security, and these are in line with current market sentiments," Randstad India MD & CEO E Balaji said.

Besides, competitive salary and job security, the other factors that featured in the top five are pleasant working atmosphere, work-life balance and career progression opportunities.

"Understanding the pulse of what the workforce wants is the best route to building a strong employer brand and remain an attractive employer," Balaji added. (PTI)