Demand in the semiconductor industry strongly fluctuates according to global economic cycles. ASML’s HR policy is geared towards this market characteristic. Our flex model allows a maximum of 25% of employees to work on a flexible contract, which provides sufficient flexibility to respond to economic downturns while safeguarding the continuity of the company in the long term and its knowledge. Since the introduction of the flex model in 2002, we have only had to refrain from extending flexible contracts in 2008, as a result of the financial crisis. Of these highly skilled flex workers, at least 60% have since been re-hired.

At year-end 2011, our workforce totaled 9,890 employees (in full time equivalents, or FTEs), a 7% increase compared to 2010, as a result of strong customer demand.

Of our total workforce, 7,955 FTEs worked on a fixed contract and 1,935 FTEs were employed on a flex contract.