Internal Communications ( 5/18/2016 4:19 PM )
A working climate of mutual respect: GfK Social Charter interview
The GfK Social Charter is in place to foster a climate of enhanced mutual respect throughout GfK.
We spoke with Matthias Hartmann, CEO of GfK SE, and Sandra Hofstetter, Chairperson of the GfK SE Works Council, about the background, goals and consequences of the GfK Social Charter they jointly signed on April 20, 2016.
You can read more about the GfK Social Charter here and below you will find the interview.
Social_Charter_Matthias.jpgMatthias, after the GfK values and the Code of Conduct, we now have a GfK Social Charter – why does our company also need this?
First of all, I want to thank the SE Works Council for its engagement in this project. This is an initiative that the Management Board full supports and the GfK Social Charter is much more than just a nice-to-have document.
Our company has grown from a German organization to an international one. Our subsidiaries around the globe have different business practices and belong to different cultures. But they all belong to GfK – we are One GfK. Our GfK values as well as the Code of Conduct comprise standards for the behavior of employees. The GfK Social Charter goes beyond this. It sets standards for the employer and how each GfK company has to treat its people. And personally, I consider this my responsibility as CEO.
Sandra, why was it important for the SE Works Council to develop a Social Charter for GfK?
It is our role to ensure that the rights of all employees at GfK are protected. A Social Charter is Social_Charter_Sandra.jpgimperative to preserve a homogeneous company culture in which all employees are treated in a respectful and fair way. It’s important to set common standards in creating a safe environment for our employees.
In addition, it has been very important for the SE Works Council that GfK commits to progress in labor relations and the professional development of our employees. So we really welcome the support of the Management Board and Human Resources in this project.
Matthias, how do you think employees will benefit from the GfK Social Charter?
People want to know about the relationship between the company they work for and themselves. Digitization is important, no doubt, but we continue to be a people company – our employees are at the core of our business. So it is important that all employees are equally treated and that everyone can work in a climate of mutual respect. Every GfK company must adhere to the principles outlined in the GfK Social Charter and act accordingly. So, our employees now have a set of defined principles to live by and refer to in the case of compliance issues. And of course, we also want to show externally that future employees can be sure they are joining a fair company.
Sandra, what will be the role of SE Works Council regarding the international rollout and the ongoing implementation?
First of all, the national SE Works Council delegates will discuss the GfK Social Charter with local workforces, management and Human Resources, thus, making sure that the document and its significance is known in the countries. We will also keep a wary eye on the implementation. If principles are not respected, employees can address this to us. Once the GfK Social Charter is signed by local companies, employees working there will have a legal base to refer to in case they observe a potential breach of the declaration. Needless to say that if they need help or advice we will be on hand anytime.
Thank you!
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