The clothing retail chain professes “fundamental respect for the individual and belief in people’s ability to use their own initiative.” And employees say H&M lives up to its word. “Every employee can be himself,” says an Austrian employee. A Danish staffer says: “If you have ideas or dreams about advancing in the company it is possible if you show what you can do and are willing to learn something new.” Adds a Finnish employee: “Both the supervisors and other colleagues form a positive atmosphere. I can be myself and I feel that my work is appreciated.” The appreciation translates into profit-sharing. An incentive program allows employees who have worked within the H&M group for at least five years to share in any increase in company profits.