The rewards and compensations we offer our employees are based on what we call the total reward principle. Fundamental to this principle is our commitment to providing tangible and intangible rewards that attract and motivate the right people.

In StatoilHydro, our rewards package includes compensations such as beneficial health and travel insurances for employees and their families, pension plans, flexible arrangements for maternity and paternity leave, study opportunities, holiday cabins, flexible work and five weeks of paid annual holidays. This reflects our role as a responsible employer when it comes to promoting a well balanced relationship between the individual's work, family and leisure activities.

In 2008, the share saving programme was expanded to cover 14 of the countries where we operate. This means that employees in countries such as Azerbaijan, Nigeria and the USA have equal opportunities to join this programme. StatoilHydro will provide one free share for every share the individual buys after a two-year delay during which time the employee must retain shares bought.