Background
Novozymes believes that a basic part of a company's social responsibility is adherence to basic human rights principles. Therefore, Novozymes have a long-established commitment to support the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UNDHR) and the company is signatory to the UN Global Compact.
Position on human rights
Novozymes strongly recognize the responsibility to uphold these basic Human Rights standards in a variety of different setting. However, not all human rights issues affect companies, and any company must assess the issues most relevant to its current geographical locations, sector and business activities. As a global company with significant production activities all over the world, Novozymes have implemented an internal set of Minimum Standards based on international conventions, to which every employee and every business unit must adhere.
The principles of Novozymes' Minimum Standards are:
Freedom of Association
The right to form and join associations, and to bargain collectively
Non-discrimination
Prohibit discrimination in all employment related processes
Working hours
The right to leisure, and to avoid excessive overtime
Wages and benefits
Guarantee of a wage that – at a minimum – meets national legal standards
Disciplinary measures
Prohibit harassment or abuse by co-workers or managers
Child Labour
Prohibit employment of under 15-year olds and under 18-year olds working at night or under hazardous conditions
Forced Labour
Prohibit any type of forced or bonded labour
In addition, Novozymes evaluate suppliers on basic human rights criteria, and the company strives to promote standards to other business partners as well. Although human rights are universal, there are differences as to the relevance of the various issues. Therefore, all human rights initiatives are anchored at site level, and local management is responsible for implementation.
Activities to support Novozymes' human rights position
- Annual self-assessment in all personnel areas against Minimum Standards and 2-3 annual social audits to follow-up on the performance at selected sites
- Core labour and human rights issues as a part of supplier assessment programmes and due diligence efforts in association with new acquisitions
- Incorporation of the Minimum Standards into our quality management systems
- Inclusion of the Minimum Standards in global training programmes, incl. introduction of new employees and introduction of new leaders.
- Supportive training/communication to managers at all major sites on selected themes of local relevance conducted by locally appointed employees responsible for compliance with Novozymes’ Minimum Standards
- Ongoing internal communication on human rights via our Intraweb, employee magazine and reporting + local channels
Inquiry on Novozymes and Human Rights
You are welcome to contact Novozymes´ Human Rights specialists here