Human rights
Respect for People is part of the business principles outlined in the DSM Code of Business Conduct. As such, we support and respect human values as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our employees represent about 50 different nationalities, and we firmly support equal treatment for everybody who works for us, irrespective of race, nationality, ethnic background, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Respect for human rights is also integral to DSM’s sourcing policy and Supplier Code of Conduct.
We reject and condemn any form of forced labor or child labor – either at our own premises or within our supply chain. This is clearly stated in our DSM Code of Business Conduct. We exercise due diligence when making investment decisions with the aim of excluding relationships or practices that contravene human rights.
We also adhere to the sustainability principles laid down in the United Nations Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. We support the International Labor Standards defined by the International Labor Organization, and we promote employee empowerment. Our activities include dialogue with employees and their representatives, including Works Councils and Labor Unions, where those are in place.
If we ever need to cut back a significant number of positions – due to organizational restructuring, for example – DSM develops and implements either a Social Program or a Severance Program. The Social Program aims to help employees either retain a job inside the company or find one outside the company.
