Since 2006, PUMA has been participating in the Multi-brand Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) Project, which aims at improving HR structures and processes at an operational level in the suppliers’ factories to enhance manpower participation and productivity—which will ultimately lead to an increased capability of the suppliers to comply with the brands’ Codes of Conduct.

Deciding to implement HRMS projects in a number of their factories came from PUMA’s and other multi-national companies’ realization that a lack of proper management systems at the production facilities of many contracted manufacturers has traditionally been the reason for many issues of non-compliance and inefficiency. Ineffective management of human resources, inconsistent compliance with the companies’ labor, health and safety, as well as their environmental standards, and limited implementation of high performance work systems and production processes were all traced back to an absence of efficient management systems.

Through classroom-based consultant and peer learning, project assignments and inter-department committees within the factories, these various learning methodologies help participating factories improve their HR practices through instituting systemic improvements in internal management systems. Participating factories undergo one year of training on various HR topics such as recruitment, HR planning, compensation design, etc. Currently being conducted in China and Vietnam, PUMA is committed to systematically introducing HRMS requirements with all key suppliers, partnering with other brands and organizing country projects together.