SFS considers continuous training and development of its staff necessary for the success of the Group. Through various training methods, both locally and abroad, people are trained to fulfil their duties to the highest level as well as to develop new skills.
In keeping with the desire to encourage individual responsibility, SFS offers employees the opportunity to pursue further studies or attending training seminars with company subsidies. The objectives are not only to develop people in technical, human relations and management skills in order to respond effectively to customers' needs, but also to keep them abreast with latest developments in the profession and related fields.
n addition, the Human Resource Department delivers internal training programs, aiming to create a common culture and apply uniform customer service standards within the company. In the past, two-day programs on Customer Care, Service Excellence, and Building a Service Culture were conducted with success for all employees. The programs are repeated internally from time to time for newcomers. Also, there is an induction course running for the newcomers, which aims to inform them about the SFS's structure, environment, principles, philosophy, services, etc. The induction course assists new employees to adjust in the new work environment and reach the expected level of performance in a fairly short period of time.
Information Technology Training
As an IT oriented organization and as part of the office automation effort, SFS requires all employees to be able to use the available technology effectively. Since SFS offers technologies that allow for less paperwork and better and quicker ways of getting the job done, it is important for all the members of staff to be IT literate and capable to exploit these facilities to the maximum effect.
For this purpose, special IT training programs will soon be offered to employees who need to learn or improve their knowledge on specific programs. Members of staff will have the opportunity to choose whether to attend an introductory or an advanced IT course, according to their job requirements and their current level of knowledge. The training programs include Windows NT/XP and Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
The HR Department intends to design and deliver IT training programs on an ongoing basis in order to facilitate the staff to keep up with the rapid developments in technology.
Remuneration Structure
The capabilities of SFS as an organization are greatly dependent on its ability to attract, motivate, develop and retain competent people. For this purpose, SFS has developed and commenced the implementation of strategies and plans to ensure that human resources policies and practices are aligned with its needs and strategic objectives.The remuneration issue received particular attention and now there is a policy, which addresses the inherent conflicts in an organization such as SFS, through wanting to reward exceptional performance with exceptional compensation - without encouraging irresponsible risk taking. The result is a performance based reward system, which also enables the distribution of a substantial part of the Group's annual profits to employees, according to their individual contribution towards the success of their business unit and the Group.
Benefits
SFS provides employees with a competitive benefits package appropriate to satisfy their diverse needs for welfare.
Medical Insurance Scheme (Private Patients Plan)
After six months employment with SFS, a new member of staff is eligible to apply and become a member of the Medical Insurance Scheme, operated through Universal Life Insurance Company. SFS holds corporate membership under Comprehensive Group Scheme and provides staff with the opportunity to receive Category "C" comprehensive cover. The insurance premiums are paid entirely by SFS. The scheme, subject to certain limits, covers most of the medical expenses of the staff members and their dependants with the exception of dental treatment and spectacles. It also provides cover for medical expenses worldwide, except in USA and Canada .
Provident Fund
SFS operates a Retirement Provident Fund. All permanent employees over the age of 16 are eligible to join the Fund. Employees are automatically enrolled as members of the Fund after six months of continuous service with SFS unless they choose not to enrol. Employees who leave SFS before completing five years of service shall be entitled to their own contributions, while those who leave after five years of service will also be entitled to the company's (employers) contributions.
Time off
The Group considers 15 standard days per year as public holidays. In addition, each employee is entitled to a specific number of days as annual leave, while there are specific internal policies for other kinds of leave: medical, study, maternity, unpaid and military service. The number of days that members of staff are allowed to take as annual leave is specified in the individual contract of employment of each employee.
Executive & Staff Bonus Scheme
Following each financial year, bonuses will be paid to the Executive Directors, Heads, Managers, Professional and Clerical staff based on Individual, Business Unit and Group performance targets. Bonuses can only be paid if minimum Hurdle rates are achieved. Higher bonuses will be paid if all Business Units exceed their minimum Hurdle rates and/or exceed individually or jointly their Target rates.
Any bonuses declared will be equally shared between the Executives, the Management Team and all the other Staff. Bonuses declared in any financial year cannot exceed dividend payments to shareholders in that particular financial year. Any bonuses declared will be paid one third in cash in April after the year end provided still in employment, one third in cash in April after the next year end provided still in employment and one third in SFS shares, 24 months after the year end provided still in employment.
Thirteenth Salary
SFS provides thirteenth salary, which is paid to all permanent staff in December of each year. In the case of an employee joining or leaving the company within the year, the thirteenth salary is calculated proportionately from the date of commencing or until the date of ceasing employment, accordingly.
Career Days
SFS Group participates in several annual career days organized by the University of Cyprus and the major private colleges. During these events you will get a chance to meet with SFS employees and find out about any employment opportunities available throughout the Group. You also have the opportunity to apply on the spot for any currently available positions. Even if no available positions are open, you are encouraged to submit your resume and ask any questions regarding the Group.
Contact Us
For any queries concerning human resources issues, you may contact the Group Human Resources Officer at:
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SFS Group Public Company Ltd,
6 Theotokis street,
P.O.Box 22379 ,
Nicosia 1521,
Cyprus
OUR GROUP
Training And Development