Question

What reason(s) can you give for why Patagonia's turnover rate being 4%?

How is the interview process used by Patagonia similar to others in the industry? How does it differ?

Answer 1

Patagonia has created a work culture where employees have enough time to balance their working life, family responsibility, sporting hobbies and commitment to environmental concerns. For example, the company offers on-site child care, the employees can take two hours a day to walk off to ski, surf or fish or any other sporting hobby during office hours, workers are also allowed to take time off and take up any environmental concerns by still being part of the company. The company allows you to use and test their sporting equipment during working hours. Further, the hiring process ensures that people with similar thought and passion for the environment are recruited. The company creates a conducive working environment and finds ways to ensure the employees have a flexible working schedule. The employees are empowered and feel supported and understood. The employees are allowed to define ways to achieve their deadlines. The working style is collaborative and collective without being stressful. The employees feel they are contributing to the environment and feel proud of their achievements. All these factors result in a low turnover rate of 4%.

To conclude the Employees are bound by the nontangible factors like deriving true meaning from work, possessing good health, raising family and flexibility in doing his job.

           

The company gets 900 resumes for each post. The resume are matched based on the persons dedication, and passion for the job and the environment. The company measures the psychological successes like their definition of work, the persons health and person’s ability to be flexible. They ensure the person-hired shares the same passion and vision for the environmental concerns as Patagonia. The interviewers question you on various environmental concerns and ensure you share their passion for the environment. The candidate should feel the environment is in crisis and we need to save it. The candidate is matched in terms of perspective and attitude towards the systems and working style. Most people are hired on a six months contract and given a permanent position after 5 months into the job and if they match the organization's culture. The interview can be one or one or with a panel of 10 people. The company has a flat structure.

It is similar to other industries that you will be interviewed and matched with the job requirement and the organizations culture and values. It is different as you are expected to have a deep passion for environment, sports, and outdoor activities. There is a strong need to be flexible and adapt to the organization style of working. You must be a self performer. The organization is looking for people who are self-driven and want a work-life balance. They are not looking for work alcoholics.

1. What reason(s) can you give for why Patagonia's turnover rate is 4%?
   2. How is the interview process used by Patagonia similar to others in the industry? How does it differ?