Engaging employees

We know that employees who are engaged in the work they do are more committed to the company’s success. They work harder to meet or exceed goals, and are more likely to make a longer-term contribution.

And we know that, like all other businesses, we must continually work to retain talent in an increasingly competitive industry.

That’s why we seek to connect with, and support, our employees in many ways — communicating more openly and honestly, showing appreciation for a job well done, providing comprehensive benefits programs, and helping during times of crisis.

Reducing voluntary turnover also continues to be a priority for us, and we’re pleased with our progress over the last two years. In 2009, we saw turnover among all headquarter employees decrease to below 10 percent, a result that stands out among retailers. In 2010, 76 percent of respondents to our Employee Opinion Survey agreed with the statement, “The work I do provides me with a sense of personal accomplishment.” In the area of leadership retention, our results show that 62 percent of Gap Inc. Vice Presidents and above strongly intend to stay with the company (compared with 28 percent of this group in the U.S. workforce in general). Also in 2009 and 2010, 78 percent of employees stated via the survey that they were satisfied with their jobs, compared to U.S. workforce reports of 45 percent job satisfaction.

Three times a year, we offer a friends and family shopping event called “Give & Get.” There is a discount at our stores and online, but also, as part of doing what’s right, up to five percent of sales are donated to selected nonprofit partners. Employees can choose which nonprofit will benefit from their invited guests’ purchases. Since its beginning in 2008, Give & Get has raised more than $15 million for our nonprofit partners.

To support Give & Get, we have expanded our Work in Stores program, in which headquarters employees volunteer in stores during the event. An average of about 1,000 headquarters employees volunteer, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into store operations.

In the fall of 2009, Old Navy had a big idea to inspire and engage employees. Called "One in a Million," the campaign allotted every Old Navy store $1,000 and challenged them to give back to their larger community in a way that was unique to their location.

The results were astounding. From giving free makeovers to women from a local homeless shelter to supporting children’s safety, local military groups, the Humane Society or families who were struggling, store teams came up with innovative ways to give back to their communities. The projects were captured on video and all Gap Inc. employees and their friends and family voted to select the winner.