GEO AWARD WINNERS

Google’s Global Equity Management (GEM) team successfully implemented Project Nutella, a large-scale process automation project that automated 26 core GEM operations using tools such as SQL and PLX. This initiative eliminated the manual touchpoints in key processes such as Grant Audit, International Equity Filings, and China SAFE processing, saving approximately 1,500 hours per year. The program also provided data dashboards to display and analyze equity plan data, enabling better planning and strategic decision-making on the equity plan.

The biggest impact of Project Nutella is the time saved from various automations, which can now be devoted to other equity improvement initiatives that are more valuable to plan participants, stakeholders, and Google. Nutella vastly increases accuracy and reduces the likelihood of errors by having processes run without manual intervention and with numerous validations and quality control checks. The transformation from a worn-out team to an energized GEM focused on delivering the best possible value to plan participants is Nutella's most significant impact.

The judges were impressed by the scale of this project and its ability to transform the team's productivity and well-being. The automation of 26 core GEM operations and the creation of data dashboards with validations and metrics to ensure accuracy and provide real-time data to relevant stakeholders was highly commendable. The time saved through automation and the positive impact on the GEM members' well-being and skill development were also notable. Overall, Project Nutella demonstrated significant innovation, operational excellence, and a clear commitment to enhancing stakeholder value, making it a deserving recipient of this award.

Rio Tinto's myShare program, a global all-employee share plan launched in 2013, has received an award for its innovative and personalized approach to employee engagement. The program enables employees to invest in the company, with bespoke data and personalized animations to explain the value of their investment in real-time. The animations are sent quarterly via email, ensuring all employees are engaged, regardless of their location or whether they are office-based.

Communications specialists were engaged to create the advanced animations, while Rio Tinto’s employee share plan provider was responsible for rolling out the videos worldwide via mail-merged links accessible via PC or mobile.

The solution marries creative techniques with share plan data, providing a cutting-edge approach to educating employees about their investments. Over 35,000 personalized videos are delivered to Rio Tinto's employees globally every quarter. The program has received exceptionally positive feedback, with employees finding it an appealing and exciting way to be regularly educated about their share plan.

The judges were impressed with the program's success in achieving its objectives, which included supporting employee learning styles, improving understanding of investments, and reaching a global workforce. The panel considered the personalized animations to be outstanding and thought they made the experience very special.