Human resources-benefits - Essay Example

Running head: Human resources-benefits 23rd April Microsoft Company profile Microsoft Company is an American based firm that is headquartered in Redmond. The company activities include developing, manufacturing and licensing of computer related services and products. Having being established in 1975, Microsoft rose to become a market leader in the production of the computer operating systems that were adopted by majority of the users in 1980s (Harvey et al, 2006). The key people who seen the significant growth of the company are Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates the CEO and Chairman respectively (Bick, 2005).

As at 2011, Microsoft revenue amounted to US$ 69.94 billion, while the total equity stood at US$ 57.08 billion. In addition, the company experienced a profit of US$ 23.15 billion and a total of US$ 27.16 billion operating income. In order to ensure that the company undertakes is operations in an effective way, Microsoft established five divisions in 2005. These include Online Services Division, Entertainment and Devices Division, Windows and Windows Live Division, Server and Tools Division as well as Microsoft Business Division.

To ensure customer loyalty, Microsoft provides free technical support through Usenet and CompuServe. In this way, clients are in a better position to use the company products that are available in the international market. Despite its success in the technology industry, Microsoft has been the victim of criticism. For example, most of its competitors have argued that the company has failed to follow the accepted international standard in its software products (Kurt, 2006). Additionally, various governments and multinational companies have launched various law suits against the company due to its monopolistic practices.

Microsoft benefits program Healthcare benefits One of the major benefits that Microsoft Company offers to its employees is the medical plan. Through a comprehensive medical plan, the company offers 100% coverage of all its employees. In addition, through the high deductible health plan, the company provides significant funds to cater for the employee’s health savings account. To ensure that it employees stay fit, Microsoft also has established a paid health club. Family programs Microsoft has a deep concern for its employee’s families and children.

For example, new mother working in the company, are given 20 weeks off duty after childbirth. Out of the 20 weeks, the employees are paid 100% of their salary for the first 12 weeks. Similarly, the company gives a 12 weeks parental leave for new fathers as well the employees who adopt a child. Out of the 12 weeks the employees receive 100% of their salaries in the first 4 weeks (Hobson, 2005). Extras To motivate its employees and enhance their productivity, Microsoft embarks on providing tuition assistance plan that caters for the tuition expenses incurred by the employees while undertaking business related courses.

In the same way, while employees are working at the Microsoft they can choose free soft drinks such as chocolate milk, juice and fresh-ground coffee among other products provided by Starbucks. In the same way, the company provides its employees with a prime discount program. This implies that employees have instant access to national and local shopping, personal services as well as dining. The company also allows its employees to purchase products worth 1,200 US dollars from its stores at a discounted price.

To assist its employees who are in need of legal assistance for instance during formulation of a will, child adoption or estate transactions, Microsoft offers a group legal plan. Other vital benefits offered by the company include ride the connector, paid vacation, employees giving and flexible working arrangements. References Bick, J. (2005). The Microsoft Millionaires Come of Age. New York: MacMillan Publishers Harvey M., Deitel, P and Choffnes, D. (2006). Operating Systems. New York: Prentice Hall.

Hobson, N. (2005). Microsofts Channel 9 And Cultural Rules". WebProNews (iEntry Inc). Retrieved April 23, 2012. Kurt, M.(2006). Microsoft Cites Success of Novell Linux Interop Deal. Available from http://redmondmag.com/articles/2010/06/21/microsoft-cites-success-of-novell-linux-interop-deal.aspx