An Ethics Charter for greater self-respect
The Veolia Environnement Company pays special attention to respecting the values and principles associated with basic human rights. Veolia Environmental Services Cleaning and Multiservices has enshrined its commitment to these values in the form of an Ethics Charter.
Who took this initiative?
Consistent with the "Ethics, Conviction and Responsibility" program that sets out the broad guidelines of the company's social and human values, Veolia Environmental Services Cleaning and Multiservices has produced and distributed an ethics charter for all its employees.
Why
A number of complaints had been received by the Ethics Committee concerning inappropriate comments made by certain employees.
For whom
Veolia Environmental Services Cleaning and Multiservices plans to gain the commitment of all its employees to the values contained in this Charter, and to ensure that they are fully understood, adopted and applied by everyone.
Implementation
Drawing its inspiration from the central ethical issues addressed by Veolia Environnement, the Veolia Environmental Services Cleaning and Multiservices Charter focuses on mental and physical risks, harassment, verbal insults and a number of other situations that threaten the integrity of victims.
A complaint analysis and handling system has been introduced alongside the charter, together with a commitment from employees to prevent abuse.
How
Managerial staff receive a printed commitment, with managers and supervisors being required to return a signed receipt to the HRD as a formal commitment to apply its content. Other employees receive a copy of the Charter, but are not required to give their commitment in writing.
Outcome
Distribution of the Charter is contributing to increased respect for individuals, regardless of lifestyle and position in the company. Greater professionalism is apparent at all levels of thecompany.
The Charter also allows some employees to put forward their ideas and feelings about practices that could impede them in their normal work.
Problems & solutions
The written commitment is not always that easy to obtain, whilst some people doubt the real value of such a document and await practical solutions.
Nevertheless, the introduction of the Charter meets and responds to a widespread need.
Extending the initiative
A harassment notification resolution document has been designed and could be introduced generally.
