Embracing diversity

In France, as is true in anywhere for that matter, learning to fit in, understanding and working with a large number of people means respecting and valuing differences. This includes differences in social or ethnic background, equality between men and women in the workplace, disabilities and age differences.

The main actions undertaken by HSBC France in the area of diversity are:

• Diversity in ethnic and social backgrounds

In 2004, HSBC France became a signatory of the Diversity Chart developed by the Institut Montaigne.

HSBC France adapted its management training programme to include a module focusing on Corporate Sustainability policy and diversity.
HR personnel in charge of hiring also receive training on this subject.

Other actions are aimed at diversifying the Group’s hiring base, and HSBC France participates in a number of recruitment forums for this purpose:
     • Working closely with the Employment-Diversity division of the IMS (Institut du Mécénat de Solidarité) and the AFIP, job applicants (with a Bac+2 to Bac+5 degree) from immigrant families are pre-selected in the recruitment process.
     • Recruitment forums organised by the IMS bring the company into contact with young job seekers (Bac+4/5) from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

HSBC France carried this commitment one step further in October 2005, when it signed a sponsorship agreement with the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po Paris).
Under this five-year agreement, the Group will provide housing scholarships to pupils from high schools located in ZEPs (priority education zones) and will pay a subsidy to the French association that assists these youths, Le Relais.

In this programme, 18 corporate executives each sponsor a pupil in the process of completing his high school education by helping him define his professional goals and get started on the path to achieving them.
For more information on this programme, visit the website of the Fondation HSBC pour l’Education .

• Integration of disabled persons

The issue of the development and integration of employment opportunities for disabled persons was addressed in an agreement signed with the French employee representative bodies in 2004. One of the provisions of the agreement was a 9% increase in the number of disabled personnel by the end of 2006 (compared to 2002).

HSBC France has partnered with the Tremplin Association, CAPS emploi associations, grandes écoles and two temporary employment agencies to create an applicant pool for disabled persons.

HSBC France also develops partnerships with the civil service sector, companies employing predominantly disabled workers, and CATs (employment assistance centres for disabled persons). In January 2007, the Group signed a framework agreement with Les Fourneaux de Marthe et Matthieu to cater meals and buffets to the various HSBC entities in the Ile-de-France region.

Moreover, in accordance with the Law of February 11, 2005 on equal rights and opportunities, the Group created a committee for the improvement of disabled access to the Group’s branches. The Committee is responsible for ensuring that all of the bank’s branches, subsidiaries and services are accessible to disabled persons.

• Equality between men and women in the workplace

As a result of the agreement on professional equality signed in 2003 with the French employee representative bodies, an increasing percentage of women are being appointed to positions of responsibility within the organisation.

In 2006, 25% of the members of the General Management Committee, 32% of the Branch Managers and 43% of the Group’s executives were women (vs. 36% for the other banks – source: AFB).

The agreement also promotes:
     • better organisation of the return to work for women coming off of maternity leave
     • reconciliation of career and family life: flexible scheduling, contribution to child care expenses, development of the option to work part time.
     • pay equity: dedicated budget and minimum salary increase on return to work after maternity leave.

In October 2006, HSBC France participated in the Women’s Forum held in Deauville. This forum, drawing over 1,000 female executives from around the world, gave the Group the opportunity to take part in discussions and debates on the topic of giving more responsibility to women in our society.

• Diversity of age groups

HSBC France is currently evaluating how careers within the organisation are evolving in response to the aging of the population and the increase in the number of years people are working before retirement.

The goal is to encourage the different generations to work together effectively, without divides or discrimination, and to offer all employees the opportunity to advance in accordance with their expectations and the company’s requirements.