Microsoft Cyprus also actively committed to supporting local communities in Cyprus
In recognition of its outstanding performance and strong track record in responsible corporate practices across the United States, Microsoft has topped Corporate Responsibility magazine’s 15th list annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens, rising from its fourth place achievement last year.
The overall ranking was based on an assessment of over 300 data points of disclosure and performance measures in seven categories: environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance, and philanthropy & community support. Microsoft tops the list for a number of reasons, including its transparent and accountable corporate policies. In the realm of employee relations in particular, the company has invested heavily and ranks well ahead of its peers in the industry. The company was one of the first to offer flexitime and job sharing, family benefits, and bereavement leave.
With a strong record on the environment and philanthropy, Microsoft also has ongoing commitment to Cyprus, with activities contributing actively to local communities with the aim of creating a better future. Microsoft Cyprus’ social responsibility is deeply embedded within the culture of the organisation, aiming to offer solutions to important socio-economic issues – such as youth unemployment – as well as providing financial support and educational and social opportunities for individuals and organisations to fulfil their potential.
Major initiatives in Cyprus have targeted a variety of sectors and beneficiaries. In the field of safety and security, Microsoft Cyprus has established a collaboration with NetClean Analyze to help Cypriot police combat child pornography. The initiative has provided the force with PhotoDNA technology, while simultaneously educating the staff of the Electronic Crime Department of the Police Headquarters on how best to utilise it.
In support of local community initiatives, Microsoft organises an “NGO Connection Day”, donating free software, such as Office 365, to local non-profit organisations. In April, the company called on people to “Make Your Cans Count” in support of Cans for Kids, a local NGO which recycles aluminium cans to provide financial support to the children’s ward at Makarios Hospital. Moreover, Microsoft is also a proud supporter of the Cyprus Paralympic team, as well as the Dancing Queen Foundation, is a campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol.
As part of its commitment to education and entrepreneurship through technology, Microsoft organised the “5th Microsoft in Education Conference”, assisting educators in improving their teaching methods through technology. The “Hour of Code” – run in December last year – is a student training programme that strengthens young people’s understanding of coding, while the “Windows Hackathon” – organised in collaboration with the University of Cyprus – was a competition aiming to promote technology and coding. Finally, Microsoft Cyprus also continued its support for the participation of Cypriot teams in the “Imagine Cup”, an annual youth technology competition that challenges students to develop solutions for social impact.
Moreover Microsoft has also supported Global Money Week, which, under the slogan "Save Today – Safe Tomorrow”, children and young people from all over Cyprus attended training programmes in order to understand how to be responsible citizens of the future. Microsoft staff gave lectures to students aged 15-17 imparting knowledge and important information about issues related to their professional career, the choices they will face and the how their decisions will affect their future.
“Recognition from important publications such as Corporate Responsibility is a positive reflection on the ethos of our company as a whole, and the responsible business practices we try to implement around the world”, said Laura Anne Ker-Lindsay, Citizenship Lead of Microsoft Cyprus. “From our perspective here at Microsoft Cyprus, we will continue to contribute to the betterment of local communities here, building on the achievements and activities of our Citizenship programme in the years to come”, added Ker-Lindsay.
