A DYNAMIC workplace Strong, clear values guide the teamwork at H&M. These values comprise the H&M spirit, which is rooted in a fundamental respect for the individual and a firm belief in each person’s ability to show initiative. Other common values that are important in H&M’s culture include teamwork, being openminded, entrepreneurial spirit, cost consciousness, simplicity and constant improvement. The H&M spirit has existed since the beginning when the first store opened in 1947 and creates a workplace that is attractive to employees who want to develop and find encouragement to achieve their full potential. No career path is staked out in advance. Instead, for everyone at H&M, it’s possible to grow and choose new directions depending on each person’s individual strengths. Job rotation is used frequently. Of the employees in management positions the vast majority are internal recruits. At H&M, each employee takes on individual responsibility from day one. What’s most important is to have the right attitude and to 12
like fashion. The rest can be learned. Symbolic leadership is a part of teamwork. At H&M, leadership is about being able to inspire, delegate, give feedback and motivate others. In colleagues who challenge themselves, new employees see the possibilities for their own growth. Employees who are allowed to grow and develop become more committed and enjoy their work more, and contribute to a strong and stable organisation. To encourage and recognize long-term dedication and further strengthen H&M’s position as an attractive, global employer, in 2011 H&M established a reward and recognition programme – the H&M Incentive Program. All H&M employees, regardless of their position or salary level, are included in the programme according to the same basic principle.
and the customer offering, so in-store experience is highly valued – regardless of the role an employee wants to take on. No matter what career directions H&M employees want to take, everyone must acquire experience by regularly working in-store to meet and interact with customers. There are more than 2,800 stores in the best and most attractive business locations the world over. These stores are dynamic workplaces where many roles interact, such as sales advisors, visual merchandisers and controllers.
The stores are the heart of H&M, and it’s in the stores that customers find H&M’s business concept: fashion and quality at the best price. Everything H&M does begins with the customer 13