Workplace practices

Human rights and equal opportunities

Our human rights and equality of opportunity policies were adopted in 2004. All operations are required to create and sustain an open and inclusive workplace, to ensure that employees are developed, challenged, respected and rewarded within a positive and inclusive work environment.

Code of Business Conduct

Our Code of Business Conduct details our corporate philosophy and our commitment to employees. It includes the responsibilities of employees and the company in terms of compliance with the letter and spirit of laws, regulations and business ethics.

Employee and industrial relations

We respect our employees' right to freedom of association. We consult employees about major business developments and issues of shared concern, whether they choose to join trade unions or not. Where unions do not exist, we recommend establishing employee bodies for consultation.

Almost half of employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and 27% belong to independent trade unions. There are 49 independent trade unions in 15 of our countries of operation, with works councils in a further seven countries.

Employee engagement

We aim to achieve a two-way dialogue with employees by listening to employee opinions and concerns while communicating our business strategy.

Our regularly conducted employee engagement survey has been conducted since 2002. It is open to all employees on a voluntary basis and is confidential and anonymous.

This key communication tool gives employees the opportunity to voice their opinions on how the company is living its values. The survey explores the understanding and views of the company, the management and employees' own roles.

In the 2010 employee survey, 87% of employees participated , up from 78% in 2007. our engagement score rose 13 points to 56%.

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