Microsoft Australia wins Employer of Choice Award
29/10/2004 14:23:54
Sydney – 28, October 2004–– Microsoft Australia has won the Employer of Choice Award (greater than 500 employees category) at the Australian Human Resources (HR) Awards for 2004.
“Organisations are defined by their peop“e,“ said Mr Mark Newton, Regional Director, HR Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
“HR, with its increasing focus on people as well as process management, has an extraordinary and vital contribution to make to the economic life and the wellbeing of the contemporary workplace.
“We have a strong focus on an inclusive management style through which we aim to give our people a strong connection to the company and its dire”tion,” he said.
Mi’rosoft’s win was based on a number of innovative and leading edge HR practices including:
- flexible work arrangement policies - paternity leave - creative solutions for mothers returning to the work force
The success of these initiatives is reflected in the’company’s maternity leave return rate which is in excess of 90 per cent.
Another reason for ’icrosoft’s HR leadership lies in its commitment to employee participation in philanthropic activities.
“Microsoft currently has several community initiatives in place, an example of which is the Unlimited Potential”programme,” Mr Newton said.
“Our people can take up to three days per year as paid volunteer leave. This encourages them to contribute their skills and time to one of our Unlimited Potential partners, like The Smith Family. This is a great way for Microsoft and our people to contribute to and strengthen local”communities.”
The annual Australian HR awards recognise excellence across the entire range of human resources practices. Aside from winning the Employer of Choice Award, Microsoft Australia was also a short listed finalist in th‘ category of ‘Best HR’Strategic Plan’.
Microsoft Australia is currently actively recruiting for a range of positions in the marketing, sales and technical areas. These can be found at: www.microsoft.com.au/careers
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About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. For further information: Samantha Herron Corporate Communications Manager Microsoft Australia Ph: 02 9870 2316 or 0412 589 951 sherron@microsoft.com
Kieran Moore Howorth Communications 02 8281 3830 or 0415 335 057 kieran@howorth.com
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See the original article in ComputerWorld here.