Focusing on employee development helps us attract, engage, and retain the talented people we need to build our brands. Brown-Forman for many years has placed a priority on employee development, and in 2008 we saw global expansion of many of our talent-management programs.
Our Approach
We take a comprehensive approach to managing and developing talent. In addition to formal training through our award winning corporate university, Brand Building University (BBU), and informal performance management, we offer employee development through job enrichment, project assignments, mentoring, skill and behavioral assessment, and career counseling.
Actions
In 2008, BBU increased the level of curriculum devoted to Corporate Responsibility. First, we integrated Diversity and Inclusion into all relevant management training, and we developed mandatory online Diversity training to be launched in 2009. This is in addition to the mandatory online harassment prevention training required of all employees.
Second, we began development of a customized training course on the responsible consumption and service of beverage alcohol. (See Responsible Drinking).
In early 2009, we tested a career management program with a small group of cross-functional employees in the U.S. and Europe. This program includes career management best practices for individuals, as well as training for managers to help them guide discussions on career development with the people they manage. It also focuses on ways to add value to both the company’s performance and the individual’s experience, through targeted career planning.
Also, in October 2008, we launched a global web-based mentoring program available to all employees. Mentoring provides employee development through the sharing of experiences, expertise, skills, values, perspectives, attitudes and proficiencies. Specifically, the mentoring program:
- Exposes the employee to the company's practices, people, and culture
- Broadens the employee's perspective and understanding of the business
- Develops and enhances the employee’s skills needed for success
- Provides the employee advice and guidance on career and related issues
- Increases the employee's self-awareness and self-confidence.
Performance
BBU
Despite unfavorable economic conditions and restrictions on travel, BBU continued to provide high-quality learning experiences across the organization, adding several classes in Europe. This continued focus on training underscores the importance Brown-Forman places on employee development.
In fiscal 2009, BBU provided a total of 40,309 hours of training to employees, an average of over 19 hours of training per person. This equates to 20 employees in training 8 hours each workday.
Mentoring
Active mentors: 295
Active mentees: 259
Active mentoring relationships: 130
Awards
Winner of the 2008 Corporate University Xchange Award for Excellence and Innovation in Corporate Learning – Exemplary Practice in Strategic Alignment