Vtech 2004 Annual Report Download - page 21

19
VTech Holdings Ltd Annual Report 2004
The quarterly “Chairman’s Letter”
continues to open lines of
communications directly between staff
and the Chairman. In the letter, the
Chairman discusses broad issues facing
the Group and solicits the views of those
affected. The responses from employees
have been encouraging.
The Suggestion Box, a simple post box
that provides another channel for
feedback and information, has also seen
wide usage.
E-Culture Building Programme
To help foster a strong and consistent
culture within the Group as well as to
enhance employee relationship with
better communications, in August 2003
VTech again launched its group-wide
e-Corporate Culture Building programme
to its offices around the world, with the
theme of ”Searching for Excellence.” More
than 400 employees participated by
logging on to the special web page.
There was a particularly strong response
to the segment on “future directions‘”
showing the keen interest of employees
on the Group’s future strategies.
Language Training
As a multinational organisation with a
world-wide market reach, multiple
language skills are increasingly important
in the workplace. During the financial
year 2004, approximately 200 employees
participated in English, Cantonese and
Putonghua training to address the needs
in both Hong Kong and China offices,
which were greatly welcomed by
employees seeking to upgrade their skills.
Fun at Work
The team spirit of employees
was further enhanced through
a variety of activities organised
by the Group. During the
financial year, several leisure
trips were organised for
employees in Hong Kong, such
as a four-day trip to Beijing and
Shanghai to let them relax and
enjoy outside work.
Employment Policy
The policy at VTech is to employ, retain,
promote, terminate and treat all
employees on the basis of merit,
qualifications and competence. The
Group creates a favourable work
environment in which all employees can
enjoy equal opportunities at work and
avoid discrimination on the grounds of
age, sex, status, disability or any other
non-job related factor.
VTECH AND THE
COMMUNITY
VTech aims to enhance people’s lives by
making them more enjoyable, fulfilling,
convenient and enlightening.
The Group creates prosperity through the
employment it provides to 19,700 people
from all walks of life in the United States,
Europe and Asia. VTech also seeks
effective ways of supporting community
initiatives in the markets where it
operates that help further ideals such as
improved access to education and
support for individuals in genuine need.
Internships in Hong Kong and Canada
VTech has provided internships for students at
universities and colleges in Hong Kong and Canada,
giving them the opportunity to gain real-life experience
of the world of work. During the financial year, over 30
students took advantage of the programme.
Donations in Mainland China
VTech’s pioneering work in electronic learning products
was expanded to China in July 2003, with the launch of a
new range of products adapted specifically for the
learning needs of the market. To help more children
experience the fun of learning, VTech donated electronic
learning products to over 15 kindergartens and schools
in Beijing, Guangdong, Chengdu and Kunming.
Corporate
Affairs