Training and development
To ensure we have the right capabilities to drive the future performance of the business we run the O2 Executive Development Programme (EDP). This is designed to underpin the development of O2's six leadership capabilities.
All employees are requested to develop a personal development plan with their line managers to ensure continuous learning and improved business performance. Following an audit of our training systems and in direct response to it, the Company launched a new learning management system for employees. It is also aimed to track training patterns within O2.
Every employee must complete a programme of mandatory training and attend refresher training every two years. Every new employee can attend induction training. In the UK the average estimated time for induction training is close to two days. This figure does not include any other training undertaken, such as customer service agent training that can take up to five weeks.
We also put in place new training programmes in response to changing conditions. For instance, when employees in our UK stores were affected by violent customer behaviour, store managers were encouraged to take part in scenario-based training carried out in small groups. The programme was enhanced through team briefing materials and information posters, highlighting prevention of violent situations and the appropriate procedures for an O2 employee to follow.
We also encourage employees to take an active role in their communities. Some employees are given limited paid time off, up to 18 days in some cases, to fulfil out-of-work commitments, such as working as mentors, school governors, local government officers and special constables.
During the year:
- O2 UK won The Guardian Public Services award;
- O2 Ireland won Best Company to Work For, in the category for companies with 1,000 employees from the Great Places to Work Institute;
- O2 Ireland won a place in the top five IT and telecommunications companies to work for in Europe competition 2005;
- O2 Germany was listed 11th in the Great Place to Work ranking published by business magazine Capital.
