Paris, France (March 23, 2009)—Yesterday evening, W. L. Gore & Associés France, the French subsidiary of the American company that invented GORE-TEX® textiles, was elected "Best Place to Work in France" at an awards ceremony at Salle Gaveau. Frédéric Amariutei, who heads the French subsidiary, explains that this success is because of Gore's corporate culture, which is based primarily on principles of individual development and freedom.
This was the seventh year that French companies were rated by the Great Place to Work® Institute, which conducts annual surveys in 30 countries all over the world. The ratings are based on the results of a 40-question satisfaction survey conducted directly with company employees. Gore France emerged at the top of the 2009 ratings of 109 French companies taking part. In the U.S., where W. L. Gore & Associates' headquarters is located, the company was ranked 15th place among 100 American companies.
Ranked fourth in 2007 an in second place in 2008 after Google, Gore France explains that the reason behind its top ranking this year is its corporate culture. Established by Bill Gore when he founded the company in 1958, this culture is based on core beliefs and principles that remain the foundation of this company for its 8,000 associates in 45 countries. It is based on four core principles: fairness, freedom, commitment, and waterline.
The aim of these principles is to generate an environment for creative working and direct communication, thus stimulating personal initiative. The company's non-hierarchical structure relies on a system of internal personal coaching among the company's associates, which enables each associate to develop his or her skills and personal ambitions and adapt them to the company's needs.
Isabelle Frignet
Tel : 06 09 25 02 11
isabelle@gore-presse.com