The Prada Group is a universe of cultures, talents and nationalities that puts the human factor at the center of its work. This variety, which translates into intellectual vibrancy, is one of Prada’s most valuable tools for understanding changes in society and in the market.
Working in an ever-evolving global market, the company hires and manages personnel by respecting and making the most of diversity in its broadest social and cultural aspects. At December 31, 2018 the Group had a workforce of 13,556 individuals (headcount) from 107 different countries, with women making up 62%.
From the outset, Prada has encouraged and rewarded workplace skills, results orientation and teamwork. Employee enthusiasm and craftsmanship are the elements that underpin the innovation and quality of the products of the Group, which pursues excellence in all its endeavors and relationships. It cultivates a mindset that leads people to strive for perfection in their work.
Prada Academy is the physical and virtual place in which knowledge, skills, techniques, practices and innovative ideas are shared and developed to foster talent and ensure the Group’s future growth. The Prada Academy aims to develop human capital and convey professional expertise with projects, tools and training modalities diversified into three macro areas: Craftsmanship School, Retail Training and Corporate Training.
Educational paths related to industrial production take place at the Craftsmanship School through courses dedicated to acquisition of footwear, leather goods and clothing manufacturing know-how. The goal is the protection and conservation of the wealth of knowledge and expertise that characterize the Prada Group’s history of expertise.
In the area of Retail Training, in addition to the daily support of experienced personnel, the activities conceived for the retail staff include institutional training courses designed to consolidate professional skills, knowledge of the product and customer service.
The professional training for members of the Corporate team is centered on courses geared toward the enhancement of technical and behavioral skills aimed at achieving more effective management of operational complexities.
The extensive, merit-based compensation and benefits system ensures fair and equal treatment in terms of gender, title and seniority, and makes the Prada Group a true equal opportunity employer. The Group’s remuneration policy seeks to attract, reward and retain skilled personnel and expert managers, while bringing the interests of management into line with the primary objective of creating value for the medium/long-term future.
The Remuneration Committee oversees the compensation packages of top management, taking into consideration roles and responsibilities, as well as market standards for similar positions in a panel of companies comparable to Prada in terms of size and complexity.
Personal protection is of key significance to the Group: internal policies safeguard the health and safety of employees at all Company locations according to the highest standards and in full compliance with local and international regulations.
In most locations (offices, warehouses and stores), risks associated with the Group’s operations are limited. Manufacturing facilities present the greatest risk in terms of health and safety, but still to a small degree. Safety training and refresher courses, with an emphasis on industrial facilities, helped keep the number of accidents very low in 2018, as well as in previous years.
The Prada Group collaborates with trade unions to continuously improve the working conditions of its employees and to foster the medium/long-term well-being of its employees and respective communities. Over the years the Group has stipulated many supplementary agreements, especially in Italy, the United Kingdom and France, whereby it offers better benefits than those in the local collective bargaining agreements.
Thanks to the respect, dialogue and cooperation in place with Italian trade unions, no labor strikes occurred in the year, just as none occurred in 2017.
With regard to the working conditions of suppliers’ employees, the Company has identified the main risks related to its industrial supply chain. To mitigate those risks, the Prada Group has adopted a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) procedure, with which it defines the responsibilities and operational behaviors required in the assessment of ethical, technical and financial reliability. Specifically for ethical issues, the accreditation and maintenance of a supplier’s qualification are based on the collection of documents, statements and self-certifications that ensure compliance with the law on remuneration, social security, taxation, occupational health and safety, the environment, privacy and the governance model. Finally, the signing of the Code of Ethics is an essential prerequisite for working with Prada.