Communication on Progress

Participant
Published
  • 21-Aug-2012
Time period
  • August 2011  –  August 2012
Format
  • Stand alone document – Basic COP Template
Differentiation Level
  • This COP qualifies for the Global Compact Active level
Self-assessment
  • Includes a CEO statement of continued support for the UN Global Compact and its ten principles
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Human Rights
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Labour
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Environment
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Anti-Corruption
  • Includes a measurement of outcomes
 
  • Statement of continued support by the Chief Executive Officer
  • Statement of the company's chief executive (CEO or equivalent) expressing continued support for the Global Compact and renewing the company's ongoing commitment to the initiative and its principles.

  • Dear Sir/Madam

    I am pleased to confirm that Microsoft Slovakia reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

    In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations.

    Sincerely yours,

    Peter Ceresnik
    General Manager

Human Rights
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of human rights for the company (i.e. human rights risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on Human Rights.

  • Microsoft strongly believes that a diverse workforce brings greater perspective, knowledge, and experience to Microsoft making it the company of choice for talent from around the world. Being able to attract, develop, and retain this talent enables us to be more innovative in the products that we develop, in the way that we solve problems, and in the way that we serve the needs of an increasingly global and diverse customer base.
    At Microsoft, we recognize the impact that business, particularly multinational corporations, can have on the realization of fundamental human rights.
    Through our business operations, community affairs and our citizenship efforts, we seek to help more people and organizations realize their full human potential in Slovakia.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement Human Rights policies, address Human Rights risks and respond to Human Rights violations.

  • We recognize that realizing human rights also involves Microsoft Slovakia adopting and enforcing policies to ensure that rights are respected within our own company. Microsoft Slovakia is committed to the Microsoft Corporate Human Resource Policies that are published at the company intranet with free access to all Microsoft Slovakia employees. Every new employee during the onboarding training is encouraged and is committed to go through Microsoft policy training program and submit the confirmation about it.
    Examples of policies:
    • Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure
    • Equal Employment Opportunity
    Microsoft is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants. Harassing, discriminatory, retaliatory or intimidating conduct on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability or veteran status towards another employee or any other person (including an agency temporary, independent contractor, vendor, or supplier) is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
    • Standards of Business Conduct
    SBC is the general guide to the company’s standards of business practices and regulatory compliance.
    • Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct sets workplace and human rights standards for our suppliers

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.

  • Microsoft Slovakia reports regularly the progress of diversity and inclusion in the local subsidiary to the Microsoft Corporation and provides with performance regarding the outcomes and highlights in the Human resources area. Microsoft Slovakia occasionally reports on employee volunteering and community affairs activities and partnership with local nonprofits.
    • Employee training programs are mostly coordinated from Global and Regional Headquarter and our local branches participate in limited amount. EUR 58 800 was spent in FY12 in employee wellness programs (Flexi Passes+ Medical Care, Refreshment on work place), and EUR 20 000 in life and disability insurance programs
    • In FY2012, 100 percent of employees completed training on our Standards of Business Conduct
    • EUR 30 000 was invested in FY2012 in employee diversity program.

Labour
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of labour rights for the company (i.e. labour rights-related risks and opportunities). Description of written policies, public commitments and company goals on labour rights.

  • We believe in working proactively with the strongest, most responsible, and most productive suppliers that are available to deliver value to our customers, and we expect our suppliers to share our corporate values and operating philosophy. This means adhering to the same honesty, integrity, and commitment to service and quality that we demand from our employees; behaving responsibly toward the environment; ensuring workforce and supplier diversity in their own supply chains; and providing fair and safe working conditions for their employees.
    As a company that sells a wide range of hardware and devices, we take very seriously our corporate responsibility to ensure that the manufacturing facilities and supply chain operations that we use comply with all relevant labor and safety requirements and ensure fair treatment of workers.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions taken by the company to implement labour policies, address labour risks and respond to labour violations.

  • Our 69 employees drive our business, and we have a responsibility to create a respectful and rewarding work environment for them.
    We also view our supply chain - which includes few thousands partners, contractors, suppliers and vendors - as an extension of the Microsoft business, so their conduct, conditions, and welfare are important to the sustainability of our business.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.

  • To ensure that our suppliers understand the depth of our commitment to citizenship and social responsibility, we ask them to carefully review our Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct. The Vendor Code of Conduct is now part of the Microsoft Vendor Program Agreement, the contract that our leading vendors must sign to initiate or renew a business relationship with Microsoft.
    • Microsoft Slovakia is committed to attracting talented women to the company by providing generous work-life balance programs and opportunities for leadership-development and career-development. In FY12 were two Opening Windows event organized for the business women and DigiGirlz event focused on high school students. Microsoft Slovakia also obtained the 1st place in IT Sector in the Top Corporate Philanthropy of the year 2012.

Environment
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of environmental protection for the company (i.e. environmental risks and opportunities). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on environmental protection.

  • Microsoft is committed to software and technology innovation that helps people and organizations around the world improve the environment. Our goals are to reduce the impact of our operations and products and to drive responsible environmental leadership.
    Microsoft conducts its business with integrity in compliance with applicable laws protecting the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the public.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement environmental policies, address environmental risks and respond to environmental incidents.

  • All Microsoft employees are committed to follow Microsoft Corporate Policy about environment which includes:
    1. Conserve, reuse and recycle. Where feasible, we conserve natural resources through the use of recycled materials and supplies, through the efficient use of energy, and through participation in recycling programs for our products after they have served their useful life. We encourage and support the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
    2. Reduction and Disposal of Wastes. We reduce and where possible eliminate waste through source reduction and recycling at our facilities. All waste shall be handled and disposed of through safe and responsible methods.
    3. Safety First and Sustainable Products. Microsoft develops, manufactures and markets products that are safe for their intended use. Our environmental policies and practices aim to protect, conserve or sustain the world’s natural resources as well as protecting our customers and the communities in which we live and operate.
    4. Make Environmental Stewardship Part of our Business Relationships. At Microsoft, we strive to incorporate our Environmental Principles into our business relationships. We seek similar commitments to the environment from our major suppliers. We participate in industry groups to set industry standards on environmental practices. We strive to keep our customers informed of our efforts and welcome their feedback.
    5. Continually Improve Our Performance. We set objectives and targets to ensure continuous improvement in our environmental performance. We value employee contributions to our environmental initiatives. We regularly review aspects of our business activity and assess our environmental programs, practices, and goals to evaluate our progress and to identify areas where further improvements can be made.
    6. Demonstrate Responsibility to Our Stakeholders. We engage our stakeholders concerning our objectives and targets and periodically communicate our progress to our Board, shareholders, customers and members of the public.

    We support initiatives and programs to reduce waste materials such as water, energy and paper in Microsoft Slovakia.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates environmental performance.

  • Environmentally Responsible Products:
    Incomming launching Windows 8 is going to be our most energy efficient operating system, designed to use less energy when idle or active.
    Developed new power management tools that IT administrators can use to view, manage, and reduce energy consumption as part of Windows 8, Release Candidate of the newest Windows Server 2012, and the final release of Microsoft System Center 2012, as well as launched Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
    Launched the Microsoft Smart Energy Reference Architecture, a roadmap to help utility companies solve integration issues that are associated with smart grid development and energy ecosystem advancement.
    New car policy in Microsoft Slovakia implemented in 2011 considered ecological aspects as well, resulting in offer of company cars being narrowed to few ecofriendly types of vehicles.
    Making progress in the area of the environmental support relating project EcoMap, www.eko-mapa.sk

    Employee program and benefits regarding the project Green Bottles.
    In support of Microsoft’s commitment to conserve natural resources, Microsoft Slovakia purchases recycled paper and paper products.
    Microsoft Slovakia requires that all facilities maintenance and food service vendors use environmentally preferable products.

Anti-Corruption
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of anti-corruption for the company (i.e. anti-corruption risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on anti-corruption.

  • Microsoft Slovakia does not tolerate any kind of bribery or corruption. Every employee is expected to comply with the Microsoft Standards of Business Conduct and receives training on ethical conduct and environmental practices as part of new employee orientation.
    Microsoft Slovakia is also committed to competing responsibly. We continue to believe that customers should be able to select the best technology tool for their needs. We promote interoperability so that hardware and software from various vendors can work well together. We work with other developers—including the open source community—to develop interoperable solutions, share intellectual property to stimulate innovation, and participate in industry organizations and communities.
    Microsoft Slovakia prohibits corruption of government officials. Microsoft Slovakia also prohibits paying bribes or kickbacks in any commercial transactions worldwide. This Policy applies equally in the commercial context.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement anti-corruption policies, address anti-corruption risks and respond to incidents.

  • Microsoft Slovakia is committed to the Microsoft Corporate Anti-Corruption Policies such as:
    • Charitable donations policy
    • Gifts and hospitality for Government officials
    • Government officials´ influence in hiring decisions
    • Relationships with representatives
    • Travel and lodging for Government officials

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates anti-corruption performance.

  • Continued to implement our Vendor Code of Conduct in FY2012, which requires compliance with Microsoft standards, values, and practices and is available also in Slovak language.
    Trained 100 percent of Slovak employees on Microsoft Standards of Business Conduct in FY2012, a collective commitment to ethical business behavior and to legal and regulatory compliance.
    Microsoft Slovakia employee can deal with incidents of corruption through the specialized internal control and compliance web based tool or anonymously by submitting an announcement in a paper form in specialized “Black box” located on marked place in the office area.
    Microsoft Slovakia has an internal audits on regular basis covered an processed by external company.