Working at Mars

Introduction

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A Mars Associate enjoys the company of her dog at work
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More than 65,000 Mars Associates around the world make up our team. We are a privately owned company, guided by our Five Principles of Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Although we operate in 71 countries, speak different languages and have diverse perspectives and opinions, these Principles unite us in our approach to our work. While we are operationally decentralized, we remain aligned in our approach.

We aim to be Associates who work together collaboratively, rather than as "employer" and "employee." We believe in mutuality — the creation of shared benefits — which means that, in return for Associates' daily efforts, Mars provides rewarding careers within a principled company that believes in more than just the pursuit of profit.

We value equality, the sharing of ideas, and engagement and development. Mars education programs offer Associates opportunities to develop skills and pursue personal learning. We create a sense of community and workplaces where each Associate can thrive. This takes different shapes. It could mean that you can bring your dog to work. Or it could mean that you are given time to volunteer in a community project or pursue educational opportunities.

Our culture and our buildings facilitate collaboration. Nearly all our offices worldwide have open plans, a configuration that breaks down barriers, makes everyone approachable, speeds up communication and reinforces a sense of community. We do not have divisive privileges — our CEO doesn't have a private office, there are no executive dining rooms, and no reserved parking spaces. In our factories, Associates wear the same protective clothes regardless of seniority.

An open-plan office at the Mars site in Slough, UK

Collaboration is also based on mutual trust, constructive feedback and clear protocols to support decision-making. We build these management practices through our focus on 'high-performing teams'

We are global, but we act local. The majority of our policies are tailored to local cultures, laws, challenges and Associate needs. All these tailored policies are based on our Five Principles, our commitment to treating one another with respect, and local regulations.

In short we believe we have all of the ingredients to allow Associates to make their working lives more meaningful: the freedom to excel professionally in a safe, healthy and fun workplace with excellent rewards and benefits.

Key Targets

  • Continue our progress on gender diversity by building on the current level of 37 percent of Mars managers who are women and improving that percentage at more senior levels
  • Develop our local management teams to comprise at least 80 percent local management in every country where we operate; 61 percent of teams have achieved this goal already
  • Score in the top 80th percentile of companies that use the Gallup survey of engagement and be in the top 80th percentile for our efforts to implement the actions identified in the survey
  • Reduce injuries in the workplace

 

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