Workplace
EthicsIn January 2006, we launched our Code of Ethics to our UK and US operations. It defines the standards of behaviour expected of our people and reinforces our commitment to integrity in our dealings with our external stakeholders – our advertisers, users, shareholders, suppliers and the communities in which we operate.
In 2007, we launched the Code in our Spanish and Latin American operations. The Code of Ethics has been endorsed by the Board and is reviewed annually. All senior managers across the Group are required to certify their understanding of and compliance with the Code.
Recruiting and retaining the best people
Yell offers a balanced and satisfying work environment, excellent career prospects and ongoing personal development opportunities. Our approach helps us to recruit and retain the very best.
As well as recruiting through traditional media, we encourage our people in the UK and US to recommend potential recruits through a referral scheme, in return for a financial reward.
In 2008, approximately 30% of new people came from the referral scheme.
Our annual Tell Yell opinion survey in the UK encourages everyone to express their opinions on reward, leadership, communication, diversity, ethics and job satisfaction. The survey is conducted independently by ISR and, at a consistent 94%, Yell has the highest response rate of any company.
In 2008, Yellowbook conducted its first opinion survey and achieved an excellent 85% response rate.
Yell Publicidad encourages open communication at all levels and uses collective bargaining agreements to communicate changes and regulate working conditions. In June 2007 we signed a four-year agreement with the most representative trade unions.
Developing our people
In 2008 we spent £1.17m on training and development in the UK and $2.8m in the US.
Training available in Yellowbook includes an extensive three week initial training course for all sales people, which focuses on developing sales skills, processing contract information and sales ethics. Our ‘Developing Potential Scheme’ in the UK grows the talent of our people outside the sales division.
Yell UK is one of only 36 companies ever to achieve Investors in People ‘Champion’ status.
We place particular emphasis on leadership. We run a leadership programme for managers in Yell UK and in the US we run a Leadership Core Competencies programme.
In 2008, Yellowbook was selected by Selling Power Magazine as one of the ‘50 Best Companies to Sell for’ for the sixth consecutive year.
Valuing diversity and equality
Yell supports equal opportunities and values diversity. On joining Yell UK, all our people undertake mandatory equal opportunities and diversity training. Currently, 5% of our UK people and 14% of our US people are from ethnic minorities.
Providing a healthy and safe working environment
We provide our people with a safe and healthy working environment. We have a team of professionals and a committee within Yell UK who work with line managers and local representatives to manage our health and safety responsibilities.
Our people and our contractors are required to report all health and safety incidents and accidents on our online system. In 2008, our accident rate for the UK, at 0.03, was extremely low.
