Friday, September 09, 2005

VW of America, Inc. Recognizes as on of Michgan's "Cool Places to Work"

Text from Volkswagen of America.
Award honors Michigan’s innovative, employee-friendly company

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. has been named a 2005 “Cool Places to Work” award-winning employer by the American Society of Employers, the State of Michigan and Crain’s Detroit Business.

The “Cool Places” honor is part of an initiative designed to identify Michigan employers who have created a work environment that uniquely retains and attracts employees through innovative programs and practices. The winners are selected based on several qualities including employee development opportunities, health benefits, corporate citizenship and internal organizational communication efforts.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Mike Beamish, executive director of Human Resources, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Being a ‘Cool Place to Work’ is the result of the collective contributions and impact of our talented, dedicated employees–at all levels. Working together, we strive everyday to foster an organization we can all be proud of.”

Among the reasons cited by employees for the nomination: Volkswagen’s flexible work schedules and alternating shifts in many departments; comfortable, open, flexible workspace designed to meet individual, small and large group interactive dynamics and ergonomic requirements; and committees that sponsor both employee and company-funded team building, age-friendly and fun cultural, community, diversity, sports, recreation and holiday events, including charity walks and initiatives such as “Bring your child to work day.”

Whether in the office, or traveling the globe, Volkswagen also strives to provide its employees with the latest technological resources. Teleconferencing and mobile hand-held technology are frequently utilized to keep employees connected. The company also demonstrates a commitment to employee health by offering annual physicals, fitness fairs, health club reimbursement and on-site aerobics, yoga, weight watchers and smoke cessation classes.

Volkswagen’s reputation as a favorable workplace was also recently recognized by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as one of the “Best Employers for Workers Over 50.” AARP cited, in particular Volkswagen’s health benefits for employees and retirees; average age of the workforce; and alternative work arrangements.

The “Cool Places to Work” honor will be presented to Volkswagen and other awardees at a banquet at the International Banquet & Conference Center in Detroit on September 15.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.