Human Resources and Benefits

Heinz offers a wide range of employee benefits that protect the health, wealth and talent of our Company. Comprehensive health care benefits, retirement programs, insurance, flextime, training programs, life coaching and tuition assistance are offered to Heinz employees. On January 1, 2009, Heinz enhanced its maternity/paternity benefits for U.S. salaried employees beyond the federal Family Medical Leave Act, which offers 12 weeks unpaid leave for employees. New mothers who are Heinz employees now receive up to six weeks of paid leave while fathers receive one week. Parents of newly adopted children receive benefits too – up to three full weeks of paid leave. In Australia, employees may purchase an additional four weeks annual leave.

Each Heinz facility around the world provides employee benefits unique to their location. In Australia, the UK and Ireland, more than 300 employees have taken advantage of Learning Bitez training seminars led by Senior Managers. The program was launched in January 2009 and in just five months, 34 sessions were held, covering topics such as Time Management, Can Manufacturing, Presentation Skills and more.

In China, Heinz employees may participate in weekly training programs that help familiarize them with other Company departments and functions. In the UK, a national discount program for Heinz employees was rolled out in response to the findings of an employee survey. A money-saving childcare voucher system also was unveiled to UK employees for those who enroll in the program.

In Venezuela, the Life Project focuses on preventing employee consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The program provides each employee with advice and tools to develop a preventive attitude about these unhealthy habits. In Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009, 327 Venezuelan employees participated in prevention seminars and self-esteem workshops.