Most Aussies want Richard Branson as their boss

Melbourne, Mar 11 : A new survey shows that almost 50 percent of Australia's workforce believe Richard Branson would be the ideal boss to work for.

According to the national survey, conducted by human resources firm Talent2, 44 per cent want to work for Branson and his ever-expanding Virgin Empire.

John Banks, director of Talent2, said the survey, which included nearly 1500 respondents, confirmed that employees preferred the energetic environments Branson has pioneered.

"I think it's the impression he creates that in his businesses there is an element of fun, and employees are generally well trained, well looked after and the environment they are going to work is not going to be overly bureaucratic or boring,'' he said.

At number two was Microsoft boss Bill Gates while Steve Jobs of Apple was the third most desired employer with 12 per cent.

Gail Kelly of Westpac stood at number four, with nine per cent of the total votes and was the sole woman in the study's top 10.

Other desired employers were retail giant Gerry Harvey and the head of News Limited, publisher of NEWS.com.au, John Hartigan.

Outgoing Macquarie Bank boss Allan Moss, who raked in 34 million dollars last year, is also among the popular choices.

ANI