Student Scientific-Practical Work «Corporate social responsibility politics of Microsoft Company»
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Student Scientific-Practical Work «Corporate social responsibility politics of Microsoft Company» Irina Sharipova Belarusian State University Group №213 Business-Administration Solnyshkina.25@gmail.com
Learning about American companies and their social responsibilities, I found a lot of interesting things in how they care about their employees. As all we know, American business is the best example of successful business. And the reason of it, in my opinion, is that Americans think through all the details and, what is one of the most important, pay attention on how their employees do their job. Because a good head understand, that each member of their company is an important part of the team and only when each of them will be work the best he or she can and in team, only then the company will reach prosperity and great success. Happy employee is a good employee. And the efficiency of labor depends on it. During the years employers have been working on how to increase the motivation, involvement and enthusiasm of employees to the work. Many researches were made to find the decision. And then the attention was paid on that the quality and interest in work of employees is decreasing, when they have some difficulties with their health or kids. So the companies decided to support their members and improve some conditions. A lot of changes were made in social responsibilities of the companies. All these changes effected on each part of daily life of the employees: from the way how to get to the office to the help with children or oldster. Let’s consider it on the example of Microsoft Corporation. And at the beginning I would like to say some words about history of this company. [6]Everything for this company began in 1975. The name of it was Micro-soft. It started as a partnership between two high school friends, Bill Gates(now chairman) and Paul Allen(now CEO), to write software for what they regarded as the first practical computer for the consumer market, the MITS Altair 8800. When that market exploded with the introduction of the I.B.M. personal computer in 1981, the main beneficiary turned out to be the by then unhyphenated Microsoft, which had developed the software for the PC’s operating system and had held on to the rights to the program. And from this
event Microsoft began its great contribution in developing computer technologies around the world. That was first step on the way to success. Now Microsoft Corporation is engaged in developing, licensing and supporting a range of software products and services. The Company also designs and sells hardware, and delivers online advertising to the customers. It operates in five segments: Windows & Windows Live Division (Windows Division), Server and Tools, Online Services Division (OSD), Microsoft Business Division (MBD), and Entertainment and Devices Division (EDD). The Company' products include operating systems for personal computers (PCs), servers, phones, and other intelligent devices; server applications for distributed computing environments; productivity applications; business solution applications; desktop and server management tools. In July 2012, the Company purchased Edgewater Fullscope's Process Industries 2 (PI2) software and intellectual property. In July 2012, Comcast Corp. acquired the Company's 50% stake in MSNBC.com. In October 2012, it acquired Phone Factor Inc. On July 18, 2012, it acquired Yammer, Inc. (Yammer). And of course, Microsoft thinks not only about developing their company, but about their employees. The company’s motivation is: [2] «Examine what you expect from your employees and what you can offer to help them balance work and personal lives. Consider adopting policies and programs that promote the life side of the equation. A little sensitivity and effort on your part can significantly help with morale and company commitment». [3] Microsoft is widely recognized as a leading company for offering one of the strongest and most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the US. They start with competitive pay, bonuses, and stock awards to eligible employees based on individual performance. Then they add on unique offerings that might surprise you. Here’s a bird’s-eye view: [1]Leading health & wellness care: Medical & hospitalization: Industry-leading health coverage, more than many other companies offer. Vision care: One annual eye exam and reimbursement for one pair of glasses or contacts per calendar year. Dental care: Choose between a basic plan or a plan that covers more—including orthodontic services. Physician house calls: Yes, that’s right. In the Seattle area, doctors can come to you, 24 hours a day. 24-hour health line: Receive useful, easy-to-understand information 24x7 to help you make sound healthcare decisions. Free on campus health screenings and flu shots: Taking care of yourself is as easy as picking up lunch with their on-site Living Well Health Center. And so much more, including life insurance, disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group legal coverage, dependent and healthcare flexible spending accounts, weight management programs and office ergonomics support. Savings & investments: 401(k) Plan: They match 50 cents on every dollar you defer pre-tax up to a pre-tax contribution rate of 6 percent for a maximum matching contribution of 3 percent of your eligible compensation. You can also contribute up to 7 percent of your eligible compensation on an after-tax basis.
Employee stock purchase plan: Each quarter, they can purchase Microsoft stock at a 10% discount off the market price during a defined purchase period. Goal planner investment program: Save money from your after-tax (net) pay for anticipated future expenses. Benefit from your own personal discount brokerage account, direct investment deposits through payroll deduction and financial planning tools. Training & development: In addition to tuition and textbook reimbursement for approved work-related course, they offer amazing internal resources such as technical, management and professional development classes, a visiting speaker series, Tech Fest and even their own library. Time off: 15 paid vacation days, 10 paid sick-leave days and 8 paid US holidays, plus two personal days to call your own each year. Extras: Volunteer & gift matching: Donate cash, stock or products to your favorite nonprofit agency, and they’ll match dollar-for-dollar up to $12,000 per year. Volunteer your time in the community, and they will donate $17 per hour to the eligible organizations you serve. Gyms & fitness: They offer paid memberships to full-service gyms or extra dollars in your pocket to spend on your own fitness program. On campus retail shops and sports fields: Work and play at the campus social hub, The Commons, which offers a salon and mini-day spa, mail center, bank and 11 different restaurants. Spend your free time browsing their retail shops for the latest bike and ski gear. Drop off your dry cleaning. Join in a pickup soccer, basketball or cricket game on their sports fields. Play an impromptu round of Xbox with co-workers. Sports equipment check out: Need a break? Check out Frisbees, basketballs, soccer balls, bocce balls, footballs, volleyballs and even bicycles to enjoy the most their campus has to offer. On campus cafes and kitchens: On their Redmond campus alone, they have 33 cafes, 37 espresso stands and 500 kitchenettes stocked with 35 different types of free beverages. their employees eat 35,000 meals a day, and they’re the only “3 star green” corporate dining operation in the world! Microsoft Connector shuttle and bus fleet: 55 Wi-Fi and power enabled coaches and shuttles transport employees from their Seattle-area homes to work and back, saving 200,000 car rides per year. Once on campus, their shuttles make hopping from building to building quick and easy. During your interviews, you’ll get a preview of this service via their exclusive Recruit Shuttle. Discounts: Enjoy substantial savings on Microsoft products through their company store. Take advantage of tons of nationwide and local lifestyle discounts, like restaurants, travel, spa services, pet care and car repair. Their employees also get special offers and discounts for technology, arts, entertainment and sporting events. Flexibility: Whether you are an early bird or a late riser, flexible work hours allow you to work when you are at your best. Our dress code is simple: you have your own style; we expect you to bring it. Electric Car Charging Stations: Access the Charge Point Network, an open-platform network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout our Redmond campus and around the globe. Employee Events & Programs Here is a taste of the many Microsoft programs to help you learn, risk, achieve, and grow. Microsoft Garage: This community of over 1800 members empowers grassroots innovation at Microsoft. This is the place to incubate prototypes, websites, and tools. TechFest: Attend an annual employees-only gathering where you can hear innovators from worldwide Microsoft Research computing labs demonstrate and get feedback on their projects. Microsoft Ideas: Refine and present your ideas by participating in an online brainstorming community aimed at how to improve Microsoft’s products and businesses. Visiting Speaker Series: Come be inspired by some of the best thinkers and doers in business and technology. Breakfast Series: Start the day over a free breakfast by learning about new strategies, business plans, and products. Channel 9: Our most popular community blog full of engaging videos that help you see behind the scene of what’s going on with Microsoft developers, customers, and other employees. Microsoft Mentor Program: Partner with a seasoned employee who knows the ropes and can help you develop your skills, achieve your goals, and find your way within the company. [4]Also I would like to add that Microsoft Corporation was recognized as The Best Place to Work. Fortune magazine has presented the rating of global business employers, in which the first place out of 25 existing took Microsoft Corporation, which care about their employees, of course, can be a good example to follow. And I think they deserved to be first on the list because Microsoft does a great job.[5] The software giant in 2001 became one of the first companies in the nation to offer insurance coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis, an intensive therapy that helps draw autistic children out of their isolation. The average cost of an intervention program is $25,000 per year what is too expensive for many families but Microsoft is ready to help. The result of this program you can see have read the article of Business Journal where author tells the story of Gene Boes and his daughter Tory (May 12, 2002). In conclusion first of all I would like to tip my hat to Microsoft to they established a program to help in the fight against autism. I think it’s a really great and so useful and important support nowadays for people. Secondary I want to pay your attention on how this company organizes a work day for its employees. You can notice that company trying to create a good environment at the office, provide all the staff good conditions to work and develop themselves. Also we can see how actively the company promotes a healthy lifestyle what is pretty much important. Also the company helps to its staff to save money and provide more comfortable and better life. We can see that Microsoft even thought about its employees get to the office in a comfortable and easy way. The other important thing is that the company is developing teamwork and does it very good I think. The idea about seating together and learning about new strategies, business plans, and products is so unusual but so nice. I’d compare this corporation with car engine: if the engine works properly, the car will move forward and gain speed, but if even the smallest detail is broken, the vehicle will stop move and even move back, because the others will outperform it. So the same happens with company. And now I recall the word of Jack Welch: «… The recognition of the contribution of each employee, recognition for each employee the right to have a voice and a role in the success of the company - is the source of true performance. The source from which it can improves not
gradually but significantly». Microsoft is listening to the needs of their employees and offering benefits to address those needs.
Bibliography: 1.
Benefits & Perks//URL: http://goo.gl/KCGYZ.29.01.2013 2.
David Thompson. Help employees achieve a work/life balance//URL: http://goo.gl/4Fdh3.28.01.2013.
3.
Perks & Benefits. A culture of wellness and balance//URL: http://goo.gl/RD4D4.29.01.2013.
4. Mark Hirschfeld. Take Care of Employees and They’ll Take Care of Business//URL: http://goo.gl/f2NIx.30.01.2013.
5. Microsoft, employees collaborate to craft autism benefit//URL: http://goo.gl/QXwJm.29.01.2013.
6.
Microsoft Corporation//URL: http://goo.gl/CFQ5y.28.01.2013.
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