Ubisoft 2007 Annual Report Download - page 39

THE GROUP’S BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008
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the majority of this training dealt with the technical
skills required for production work (42%), English and
French language training (24%), and management
training (14%).
1.4.3.2 Constant emulation
through exchanges between the teams
On the job training takes place through exchanges between
the teams. The Group is thus committed to creating an
environment that enables and encourages maximum sha-
ring of expertise:
Integration and sponsorship programs for new employees
are available in most subsidiaries.
Collaboration between sites is growing with shared pro-
duction requiring even more exchanges between studios;
for example, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced
Warfighter®2 was developed at two sites.
International domain specific meetings, cross-company
meetings or meetings dealing with a specific subject are
held on a regular basis.
The Academy of Experts, which meets several times a
year, is similar to a strategic think-tank comprised of
experts whose mission is to make recommendations on
technological production problems.
Collaborative areas and domain specific databases con-
tinue to be developed while being structured. Their goal
is to facilitate collaboration, organization and the sha-
ring of key information on the teams, projects, business
lines, sites, etc. The Group Portal is a gateway for the
exchange of information and best practices with peers.
The use of technologies or applications that facilitate
exchanges is promoted, such as instant messaging, web
conferencing and the use of video as a communication
medium.
There are multiple skills exchanges between sites: during
fiscal year 2007-2008 there were 130 employee trips for
short or long-term assignments.
Relationships with related industries (music, film, televi-
sion, etc.) are being developed:
Exchanges with experts from these industries also take
place. They are illustrated in particular by collaborations
on some of our games, such as on the development of
Avatar, where the Montreal studio met with James
Cameron’s team, director of the film of the same name.
Another example is the agreement between Ubisoft and
Korn, the metal music group that composed a piece
inspired by the video game Haze™. This partnership
embodies a new form of exchange with various players in
the music industry.
Moreover, Ubisoft continues its training in 3D images
production techniques through its production center
specialized in the creation of digital content for film.
Founded last year in Montreal, the main mission of this
production center is to produce short features inspired
by various games to which Ubisoft has the rights.
1.4.3.3 Opportunities for international
development
International mobility is one of the aspects that facilitates
inter-studio collaboration and exchanges between the
teams. Aside from mobility across the company and local
promotions, there are multiple international avenues.
There are currently 116 expatriates on assignment around
the world. The countries that have welcomed the most
expatriate employees are China, Canada and France.
With regard to Human Resources management, Ubisoft
continues to implement tools and programs with a strong
team development and motivation content.
According to the most recent internal survey, close to
90% of Group employees believe that Ubisoft is a good
company to work for.
Employment at Ubisoft
in France
Average headcount of 852 employees over the fiscal year.
71% men and 29% women.
70% on the production side and 30% on the business
side.
Average age: 32.5 years.
Average service with the company: 5 years.
1.4.4.1 Work environment
and working conditions
Working time:
Full-time work is 35 hours per week. The organization of
this working time varies between distribution over 5 days
and the awarding of time off, depending on the constraints
of the activity and the choices expressed by employees.
2.4% of employees work part-time.
Overtime worked during the fiscal year was in compliance
with applicable legal and contractual provisions.
Absenteeism in 2007-2008 was 1.43%(3) and broke down as
follows:
83.5% of absences were due to illness.
15.5% were due to special time off(4).
1% were due to work-related accidents.
Use of subcontractors(5):
From time to time, Ubisoft employs individuals under free-
lance contracts (particularly for artistic services) and via
intermittent and temporary contracts.
Peripheral activities at certain sites (security, cleaning, com-
puter maintenance) are outsourced to outside companies.
Heath and safety
In France(5), Ubisoft complies with legal rules on health and
safety.
(3) Absenteeism does not include maternity and paternity leave.
(4) In particular, this includes time off for a birth, marriage, moving, etc.
(5) This is the case in all its subsidiaries.
1.4.4