At Bata, we believe in the transformative power of unity—our diverse employees, scattered across the globe, come together with a shared goal: to make a positive impact in the world. This collective drive and sense of purpose have become defining attributes of Bata’s company ethos. As we celebrate Founder's Day on 21 September each year, we take a moment to honour our rich heritage, the values that have shaped us into a renowned brand, and the achievements we've made as a global family.

Celebrating Bata's Heritage and Shared Values

Founder's Day marks the anniversary of our company's foundation. The Bata Shoe Company was founded by Tomáš Baťa in 1894 in Zlín, Czechoslovakia. A truly original thinker, Tomáš Baťa revolutionised the local shoe industry by using canvas instead of leather to make quality shoes more accessible and improved working conditions through innovative production—such as introducing steam-driven machine manufacturing, inspired by American assembly line systems.

Tomáš Baťa's innovative approach to industrialization led to the creation of factory towns in the late 1920s, designed to decentralize production from Zlín and penetrate foreign markets. These towns, inspired by American, British, French, German, and Soviet models, integrated self-sufficiency with comprehensive infrastructure, including retail, canteens, and childcare facilities. Strategically located in agricultural regions with ample resources, Baťa's towns aimed to ensure material security and happiness for employees. By 1945, Baťa had established sixteen such towns across Europe, with further expansions in India, Canada, the USA, and Brazil, cementing his legacy in industrial urban planning.

During World War I, Bata became a major military supplier and expanded rapidly. In the post-war economic crisis, Tomáš Baťa cared for his Zlín workers by providing food and clothing in exchange for a temporary pay cut and implemented profit-sharing and performance-based incentives. By the early 1920s, Bata was known worldwide for its innovations in production, global supply chains, and pricing. Today, Bata continues to embrace its heritage of pioneering achievements and remains dedicated to innovation and making a positive impact in the footwear industry.

So, on this meaningful occasion, we gather to remember the journey and the hard work of so many that have led us to where we are today. It has also become an opportunity to take pride in our diverse workforce, with its array of talents, backgrounds, and experiences. And on this day, we remember that through it all, we have remained united by our common desire to make a difference and contribute to a brighter future.

Celebrating Employees for Driving Positive Change

Since its inception in 2010, the Bata Children's Program (BCP) has unified diverse community initiatives under one impactful umbrella, driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to unlock their full potential and build a future filled with possibilities. Over the past decade, BCP has expanded its reach to 23 countries, supporting over 400,000 children through programs focused on education, health and well-being, mentorship, and environmental sustainability, all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2023 alone, BCP volunteers dedicated over 50,000 hours to various causes.

As such, Founder's Day is not just a day of celebration; it is a chance for our employees to roll up their sleeves and actively engage in volunteer activities that address crucial social needs. From upgrading classroom infrastructure to promoting digital skills, renovating school facilities, fostering sports activities, and improving sanitation, our employees dedicate their time and skills to impact the world positively.

Celebrations of global BCP events and enhanced employee volunteering have amplified these efforts, with the 2023 Founder’s Day involving over 5,000 volunteers and benefiting more than 20,000 children. Through these comprehensive efforts, BCP continues to foster a brighter future for children worldwide.

As September unfolds, Bata's global workforce comes together in a collective mission—to make a meaningful difference in the communities where we operate. As a company with a far-reaching influence, we recognise our responsibility to give back and contribute to society. From organising community events to participating in local initiatives, our employees dedicate their time and skills to impact the world positively.