One of the aspects that enthuses me about the area of ‘Dynamic Work’ working at Microsoft is that it is an area where we not only have so much to offer in the way of empowering technology, but we have long strongly practiced what I am preaching here.

Microsoft Ltd. was the first UK company to provide free broadband to all of its employees as well as GPRS digital connectivity for both laptop and smartphone devices (I was involved with the setting up the trials of what was then prototype offerings by BT and Orange respectively). It subsidizes home office equipment and promotes the use of sophisticated unified communications tools.

As a result of these commitments and investments, Microsoft has been picking up a number of UK accolades for its family friendly policies and innovations: The Times Top 50 Where Women Want to Work, Great Place to Work Institute 100 Best Places to Work in Europe, The Times 100 Best Companies to Work For.

The latest one – of which I am particularly proud – is the Mother at Work 2008’s ‘Employer of the Future’ award. Particularly proud because the award was accepted by teammate Claire Smyth (see picture) who served as one of the case studies in the consideration.