Bali, Indonesia
Our production facility in Indonesia focuses intensely on the development of human capital. All managers are promoted from within the company. Staff with potential are identified at an early stage and offered opportunities to learn new skills and take on more responsibilities. For example, the current IT officer was initially hired in the maintenance department but was quickly transferred when he showed aptitude and enthusiasm in computer skills. Likewise, a talented young silversmith rose to become production planning manager for the whole company. The director of design development joined the company nine years ago as an intern straight out of school.
We have an absolute commitment to equal rights for women. Fifty percent of managers at our production facility are women, a figure that is even more impressive in Indonesia than it would be in America. There is zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the work place. (Harassment can be a particularly difficult problem for divorced and widowed women in Balinese culture).
On average, our silversmiths in Bali earn double the government minimum wage. All employees receive an extra months wage as an end of year bonus. In addition, workers receive a food allowance for lunches. The company provides health care, with a doctor on call for staff medical needs. Through Bumi Sehat, expectant mothers receive education about prenatal care and safe deliveries. Mothers receive three months paid maternity leave or six months on half pay. Their hospital fees are also covered.
Other benefits include life insurance and pension fund contributions. Employees have a total of 25 paid days off for vacation and religious holidays. (There are Hindu, Muslim and Christian employees, with each taking different holidays according to their traditions). Additional unpaid leave is granted if needed. The standard workweek is 40 hours.