Case Study: Patagonia

Case Study: Patagonia

1. What core values are important at Patagonia? How do these core values play an important role in recruiting and retaining top employees?

Patagonia is a clothing company, focusing on outdoor clothing. Their goal is to produce the best products which cause least damage to the environment. Patagonia is a major contributor to environmental groups. The quality of their products and its environmental friendliness is very important for them, profit is only second. From the 60’s until now they have been loyal to their principles, to save the planet. Because of that they also have very loyal customers; these customers set a high value on quality and environmental friendliness. They only use organic cotton for their products and recycle wherever possible. Also their distribution center is friendly to the environment by using solar-electric systems. Many employees have a similar career and personal values like the company. So they can further the social responsibility effort. The employees are satisfied because of flexible work hours, a childcare center at company headquarters, an annual bonus based on profits, and full medical benefits.

2. Why is Patagonia ranked annually as one of the best companies for which to work?

The employees maintain the same attitude and passion for its environmental programs. Patagonia is not just work for them, they know that they work for a good cause. As already mentioned they have flexible work hours, annual bonus based on profits and full medical benefits for all employees which is not always the case. There is also the time for them to get out of the office and play outdoor and test their own products. “Those who have been with Patagonia for a year may apply to take up to two months’ paid sabbatical as full-time volunteers for nonprofit environmental groups.” This is also very interesting