Siemens 2008 Annual Report Download - page 111

Siemens Answers – Tackling the toughest questions of our time
Siemens Answers is the name of the Company-wide communications campaign we launched in scal
2008 – and the name says it all. We’re leveraging our comprehensive, innovative range of products and
solutions to deliver answers to the toughest questions of our time. And we’re mobilizing our strengths –
responsible company management, excellent and highly motivated employees and the power of innova-
tion – to address challenges in the areas of energy, the environment, industry and healthcare. A rst in
the history of our Company, the Siemens Answers campaign is implementing an integrated global com-
munications platform spanning all media in order to heighten awareness of our brand and core messages
among our target groups while promoting and supporting our business activities – all over the world.
Corporate citizenship activities – Now bundled in a single organization
Ever since Siemens was founded in 1847, a commitment to the welfare of society has been a key compo-
nent of our Company culture. Building on this longstanding tradition, we’ve now established the Siemens
Stiftung, a foundation under German civil law. The aim of the new nonprot organization is to highlight
the sustainability of our commitment to corporate citizenship while enhancing the visibility of our activi-
ties in the areas of technology, education, charitable giving, culture and the arts. Headquartered in
Munich, the Siemens Stiftung will begin operation in January 2009.
Revised remuneration system – Profiting from success and taking responsibility
In our drive to promote personal responsibility, we’ve expanded the stock-based compensation compo-
nents of our remuneration system. We now require that our 500 top managers hold Siemens shares
worth between 50 and 300 percent of their annual base salary. This requirement will sharpen these man-
agers’ perception of their extraordinary individual responsibility in the Company. In addition, all 5,000 of
our top and senior managers will continue to receive a portion of their remuneration in the form of stock
awards. We’re currently introducing a new share matching plan for all employees – from factory workers
to Managing Board members – encouraging them to participate in their Company’s success and invest in
Siemens stock on a long-term basis. For every three Siemens shares acquired under the plan and held for
three consecutive years, participants will receive one additional share free of charge.
Letter to our Shareholders 15