PDF version - Delhaize Group

Encouraging Associates to
Climb Higher
The success of our training and our
associates’ determination to learn and
develop is reflected in the fact that
on average 10% of our associates are
promoted annually.
Moreover, in 2008, 80% of our management
vacancies were filled through internal
appointments.
In 2009, our goal is to enable all associates
to take part in an annual performance review.
63% of our associates received reviews in
2008.
To attract, develop and retain the best leaders
in the industry, we agreed to use a “Talent
Management Review” process, as indicated
in our 2007 CR Report. This process will be
developed and deployed in 2009.
Major Survey to Probe
Associates’ views
What are our associates real aspirations
and concerns? And how can we help
them unlock their full potential, as well
as the Group’s? To answer these and
other questions, we’ve commissioned
an independent Group-wide associate
engagement survey, as promised in our
2007 CR Report.
Conducted by human resource specialists,
Towers Perrin, in May 2009, the global
survey questioned more than 5 000 associates
about empowerment, job satisfaction,
operating efficiency, remuneration, supervision
and training, among a variety of other
issues. The results of the survey, which will be
benchmarked against leading companies in
our sector and beyond, will be used to shape
future associate development.
Several of our operating companies already
conduct their own associate surveys. Alfa-
Beta, for instance, conducted a “climate survey”
of 57% of its associates in 2008.
Managing Labor Relations
Constructively
Delhaize Group has a long history of
working openly and constructively with its
associates.
This tradition stretches back more than 100
years to our original roots in Europe, where
we continue to work fruitfully with our associates
through an honest and productive dialogue.
We are committed to positive associate
relations where associates are treated
fairly and with dignity and respect. In line
with the Group’s decentralized strategy, we
are committed to complying with local legislation
and local customs in working with our
associates.
healthier people
80%
of our management
vacancies
were filled through internal
appointments.
Alfa-Beta organizes
youth orientation days
each year to present
career opportunities
within the company
and attract new
candidates.
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