Code of Conduct

The guiding principle behind our decisions and our actions

The Code of Conduct, as a guiding principle behind our decisions and actions, specifies binding minimum standards for responsible conduct towards business partners and the public, and it also applies to our conduct within the company. Raising awareness of legal risks helps to avoid legal violations. All of us—employees and management—are obliged to comply with the principles set out here.

Compliance with internationally recognized human and labor rights

The personal dignity, privacy, and personal rights of each individual must be respected. Employees shall not be subject to corporal punishment or physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal harassment or abuse. All employees, regardless of color, race, national origin, social origin, possible disability, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, as well as sex or age, shall be treated strictly according to their abilities and qualifications in all employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, layoffs, and termination.

Outlawing child labor and forced labor

Child labor of any kind is forbidden. Unless local law prescribes a higher age limit, no children of school age or persons under 15 years of age may be employed (except as provided in ILO Convention No. 138). Workers under the age of 18 may not carry out any hazardous work and, taking into account educational needs, may be excluded from working at night. Forced labor of any kind is prohibited. This includes forced labor, debt bondage, and other kinds of compulsory work.

Compliance with legal standards and environmental guidelines as well as preventive environmental protection

We are committed to complying with the environmental regulations and standards applicable to our business and to acting in an environmentally responsible manner at all sites where we operate. The environmental impact is to be minimized and environmental protection is to be continuously improved.

Compliance with and promotion of ethical business conduct

We are committed to complying with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which we do business. In all our business activities and relationships, we expect the highest level of integrity. Any form of corruption, bribery, extortion, and embezzlement is strictly prohibited. This applies to both active and passive bribery.

Compliance with occupational health and safety

We strive to implement occupational health and safety at a high level. We comply with applicable occupational health and safety regulations and provide a safe and health-promoting work environment to maintain the health of our employees and to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses.

Work-life balance, compensation, and benefits

The personal well-being of our employees is our top priority. We pay handsome, industry-standard salaries. From our employees, we encourage and demand personal responsibility. What is particularly important to us is to offer our employees attractive jobs and opportunities for development and advancement over the long term. This includes promoting the willingness to perform and ensuring a balance between career, family, and personality (work-life balance). We ensure a fair performance and social community, which means naturally that we pay the statutory social benefits.