Annual Report 2010/11 - Sonova

38
The Code of Conduct is binding for all employees working
in the Sonova Group. Web-based training programs are
continuously held across the Group. Sonova also operates a
Compliance Hotline which gives all Sonova Group employees
the opportunity to voice their concerns anonymously. Calls
are answered by independent specialists and routed to the
relevant office within the company for further processing.
EMPLOYEES BY ACTIVITY 2010/11
Following the expansion of company activities, the Sonova
Group employed a total of 7,840 (previous year: 6,843) staff
as of March 31, 2011, which represents approximately 15%
more than the previous year. The increase in headcount can
mostly be attributed to organic growth in the distribution
companies and in production. The sales and marketing organization
has been further expanded to improve market
coverage and meet the increased demand for hearing solutions.
New jobs were created in operations to keep up with
the increase in the Group’s sales volume.
The consistently high importance of research and development
is reflected in an increase in headcount in this area
from 481 employees to 525.
EMPLOYEES BY ACTIVITY 2010/11
Research and Development
Operations
Sales and Marketing,
General and Administration
4,261
EMPLOYEES BY REGION 2010/11
Switzerland
EMEA (excl. Switzerland)
Americas
Asia/Pacific
1,812
2,962
525
3,054
1,141
1,925
CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS
Another critical success factor lies in the sustainability of
relationships with customers and suppliers. The highest
possible levels of reliability, quality, and transparency in
our business relationships form the basis for successful,
long-term collaboration.
For Sonova, creating sustainable added value means more
than just delivering top-quality, technologically advanced
products to its customers. Service, training, and the quality of
advice offered to end users also play a key role. Sonova thus
actively promotes continuing professional development for
hearing specialists and the company organizes or supports a
series of conferences and conventions with its different brands.
Today’s conferences and training take place both in person
and virtually. In November 2010, more than 500 people
attended the pediatric conference “A Sound Foundation
through Early Amplification” in Chicago. More than 20
sessions with renowned international speakers were offered
at the fourth virtual audiological conference organized by
Phonak in June 2010.
Also in its dealings with suppliers, Sonova values high
quality and sustainable business relationships. Sonova
has a Group-wide set of supplier guidelines; compliance
with these guidelines is monitored on a regular basis.
These guidelines clearly define the management principles
and working and environmental standards that are
binding for all Sonova suppliers. Through these guidelines,
the Group makes an active contribution to combating
illegal activities such as child labor, corruption, and labor
law violations as well as environmentally harmful business
activities. The Group expects its employees and suppliers
to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with
generally recognized ethical principles.
PRODUCTS
The production of hearing systems requires the highest
quality standards. To achieve this target, Sonova has
made a commitment to upholding specific international
sustainability and quality principles.
Sonova's quality management system focuses on customer
orientation, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement
of products and processes. This is assured through