The UK's Sunday Times newspaper published its ranking of "The 20 Best Big Companies to Work for 2006," its comprehensive guide to the best big workplaces in Britain. Morgan Stanley ranked fifth.

The survey profiles the best big companies in the UK, with firms employing 5,000 or more eligible for listing. The survey list is dominated by the financial services sector, and recognizes the different — and often more difficult — challenges faced by larger firms seeking to build dynamic, high-quality workplaces.

The Sunday Times highlighted Morgan Stanley's people policies, benefits, internal communications and 21st century technology as contributing factors to making the Firm a great workplace. Additionally, 82 percent of employees said they believe in Morgan Stanley's principles, 76 percent feel that the Firm is run on strong values and principles, 80 percent are proud to work for Morgan Stanley, and 77 percent feel their job is good for their own personal growth. The 81 percent score for recommending Morgan Stanley to others as a workplace is the best in the survey.

Richard Caseby, Managing Editor of The Sunday Times said, "It takes a brave boss to allow an outside organisation to freely survey their people, but the culture in all our winning companies embraces honesty and openness. Employees know they can speak freely and the result is a definitive piece of research."

Best Companies Ltd, who have been involved in producing the Top 100 list for The Sunday Times for the past six years, conducted "The 20 Best Big Companies 2006." The company canvassed employee opinion via 72 questions in eight specific areas, designed to build a picture of working life in the company. The eight areas were around leadership, well-being, immediate manager, team, fair deal, community involvement, the company itself and personal growth.