Whether we are talking about our customers, employees or partners, we put people first.
Akomex Group places great emphasis on continuous development and equal opportunities for our employees, ensuring their safety and comfort in the workplace. In addition, we are actively involved in social projects to support the local community. We have also long supported sporting initiatives, recognising the value of social integration and a healthy lifestyle.
Labour Policy and human rights
At Akomex Group, we make it a priority to ensure fair working conditions and respect for human rights at every stage of our operations. Our Labour Policy is based on national legislation, international standards, including the FSC® Principles on Fundamental Labour Rights, and our own Ethical Codex. We take all possible measures to protect the dignity and rights of our employees. This is the foundation of our business.
AKOMEX GROUP’S MAIN LABOUR POLICY PRINCIPLES
Prohibition of child labour. We respect the rights of children and act in accordance with national laws and international standards prohibiting child labour.
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Prohibition of employment of children
Our Group complies with national laws on the employment of persons under the age of 18 and the provisions of the Labour Code on the employment of juveniles.
We comply with the provisions of the International Labour Organisation on the health, safety and morals of adolescents.
We do not accept child labour and therefore we do not employ workers under the age of 16 for any work.
We ensure that our suppliers and contractors comply with the same requirements. As a Group, it is important to us that our suppliers respect human rights standards, prohibit child and forced labour, and apply rules on fair competition, anti-corruption and environmental protection.
Prohibition of forced labour. We do not tolerate any form of forced labour or slavery. We ensure that our employees have freedom of choice and control over their employment and working conditions.
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Prohibition of forced labour
We do not tolerate any form of forced labour or slavery. We ensure that our employees have freedom of choice and control over their employment and working conditions.
We guarantee the right to personal security, respect for private life and the right to start a family, freedom of thought and freedom of expression.
Human rights and discrimination.
We do not accept attitudes that violate the dignity of employees, including behaviour that is mocking, discriminatory, offensive or violates their personal rights.
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Human rights and discrimination
We oppose any act of harassment or intimidation designed to undermine an employee’s self-esteem, isolate them or exclude them from the team. We respect the dignity of others and the principles of personal culture. We treat all employees with equal respect, regardless of their employment status.
We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, origin, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, health, disability or trade union membership.
We reject bullying attitudes that violate the dignity of employees, including any behaviour that ridicules, discriminates, insults or violates their personal rights.
Compliance with the Labour Code.We comply with all the provisions of the Labour Code and Labour Regulations that define the rights and obligations of employees and employers. We provide our employees with fair wages, safe working conditions and opportunities for professional development.
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Summary
Through our Labour Policy and Ethical Codex, we not only provide decent working conditions for our employees, but also have a positive impact on the community and economic development. We are committed to building relationships based on trust and respect and to creating a working environment where everyone can develop and achieve their career goals. Our commitment to human rights is an integral part of our commitment to social and economic sustainability.
Health and safety at workHealth and safety at work is a priority for Akomex Group. Our efforts in this area are aimed at providing employees with safe working conditions and minimising the risk of accidents.
Implementation of the Safety Bulletin
As part of our prevention efforts, we have introduced a safety bulletin that regularly informs employees of potentially hazardous incidents and current safety procedures. This ensures that our employees are aware of the risks and know how to respond in emergency situations.
Goal: Zero accidents at work
One of our key strategic goals is to achieve zero accidents at work by 2024. We are committed to ensuring that every employee goes home healthy and safe at the end of the working day. This is a fundamental aspect of our health and safety policy and an integral part of our sustainability strategy.
To achieve our goal, we are constantly improving our safety procedures. We regularly review and update our protocols to incorporate the latest industry standards and practices. We actively monitor working conditions at our manufacturing, office and logistics sites. Regular inspections and risk assessments allow us to identify potential hazards and take appropriate remedial action.
A key element of our strategy is to educate employees about safety and risk awareness. We organise regular training courses, first aid courses and educational campaigns to raise employees’ awareness of safe working practices and how to prevent accidents. Akomex Group also has its own phantom for employee first aid training.
The facilities are equipped with professionally stocked medical bags and automatic defibrillators (AEDs), which are key to providing immediate assistance in an emergency. Our employees are also trained in pre-medical assistance.
There is also a fully equipped pre-medical aid room on the premises of the Starogard Gdański plant.
In addition, we regularly organise evacuation drills in cooperation with the fire brigade to ensure adequate preparation and rapid response in the event of a fire hazard.
In 2023, we recorded six accidents at work. Although this is a challenging figure, it is an additional motivation for us to intensify our safety measures.
We analyse each incident to understand its causes and take appropriate steps to prevent similar situations from recurring in the future. Striving for zero accidents in the workplace is an ambitious goal…
…however, we are convinced that this can be achieved through the cooperation, commitment and consistent action of all our Group’s employees. Safety is a value that we constantly nurture and protect, looking after the wellbeing of our employees and supporting them in their daily professional challenges.
Regular HSE training
We regularly organise health and safety training for all Akomex Group employees, covering topics such as hazard identification, use of personal protective equipment and accident handling.
“BOB – Będę Osobą Bezpieczną” (“BOB – I will be a safe person”) initiative
As part of our educational activities, we have launched an initiative called “BOB – Będę Osobą Bezpieczną”. This programme is an integral part of our health and safety strategy. Through this initiative, we aim to promote safe practices in the workplace and to raise employees’ awareness of the risks associated with the tasks they perform.
The “BOB” programme aims to raise awareness among employees of potential hazards and risks in the workplace. Through education, we want every employee to be aware of their role in maintaining a safe working environment.
The “BOB” initiative promotes adopting a proactive approach to safety by encouraging safe practices and procedures in the workplace. Employees are encouraged to identify potential hazards and report them to the relevant services. The programme also aims to bring about positive changes in employee behaviour by developing appropriate safe habits in the workplace. Through regular reminders, training and management support, we aim to embed positive safety practices.
Summary
Through our Labour Policy and Ethical Codex, we not only provide decent working conditions for our employees, but also have a positive impact on the community and economic development. We are committed to building relationships based on trust and respect and to creating a working environment where everyone can develop and achieve their career goals. Our commitment to human rights is an integral part of our commitment to social and economic sustainability.
As a Group with deep local roots, we play a significant role in the communities by engaging in various initiatives that support the cultural, sporting and social development of the regions in which we operate. Our efforts are aimed at building social bonds and integrating the local community.
Cultural events sponsorship
By sponsoring cultural events such as the Days of Starogard Gdański, we support cultural organisations and institutions that play a key role in the cultural development of the region. Our support for children’s initiatives, such as the Little Spectator Theatre in Starogard Gdański, provides young residents with access to educational and cultural attractions that contribute to their all-round development.
Akomex Group expresses its commitment to the development of culture and local communities by supporting events, such as the Days of Starogard Gdański, which promote the cultural heritage of the region. They also provide a platform that integrates the community and supports local artists and creators.
In cooperation with the Starogard Cultural Centre, we actively support the Little Spectator Theatre initiative, which plays a very important role in the life of our community. This unique theatre not only provides entertainment for children, but also serves as an invaluable source of quality education, helping to develop their creativity and imagination. Through our financial support, we want to ensure that children have access to diverse educational and cultural attractions that have a significant impact on their personal and social development.
We take pride in supporting local cultural organisations and institutions, helping to enrich the cultural life of our region. We intend to continue our efforts in this regard to further strengthen social bonds and support the development of our community.
Sports sponsorship
At Akomex Group, we believe that sport is not just about competition and winning medals. It’s primarily about learning perseverance, teamwork and healthy rivalry. That is why we proudly support sporting passions.
As a sponsor, we are affiliated with the Kociewskie Diabły sports club, which serves not only as a symbol of local identity, but also promotes a healthy lifestyle, sporting competition and social integration. Thanks to our financial support, the club is thriving and achieving success in the premier league, providing young talents with opportunities to develop their skills and promoting sportsmanship values within the local community.
Employee initiatives sponsorship
As well as supporting the local community, we are committed to nurturing the passions and talents of our employees. As part of our community initiatives, we sponsor various events organised by our staff.
We are proud of our amateur football team made up of Akomex Group employees. This dynamic group actively participates in local and industry-specific sporting tournaments, representing both the Group and the values of fair play. Through financial support, we not only provide the necessary sports equipment and outfits, but also make it possible for them to participate in various sporting events that integrate our employees and promote a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, we financially support the musical initiatives of our employees, encouraging them to develop their passions and talents. For several years, we have been providing financial support for the initiatives of the local Sicut Avis choir. Akomex Group does not forget about techno music lovers either. Sponsoring techno music concerts organised by our employee and providing free tickets to Akomex Group staff is our response to the needs and interests of the employee community.
Charity activities
At Akomex Group, we believe that our responsibility does not end at the boundaries of our company, which is why we are involved in charitable activities, supporting organisations and initiatives that serve to improve the living conditions of those in need. Our support for the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, the Noble Parcel and other charitable causes, such as humanitarian aid for Ukraine, demonstrates our commitment to building a better and more supportive community. Through these activities, we not only help those in need of support, but also raise public awareness and inspire others to act for the common good.
We also take initiatives to support animal shelters in Aleksandrów Kujawski and Starogard Gdański. We will strive to continue our efforts to improve the living conditions of animals and build a more empathetic community that respects and cares for all forms of life.
At Akomex Group, we want to support our employees in their continuous professional development. That is why we offer them full funding for training, courses, postgraduate studies and other forms of education. Our objective is to enable employees to develop their skills, acquire new knowledge and excel in their areas of expertise.
Promoting Lifelong Learning
As part of our commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of Lifelong Learning, we offer our employees financial support for their studies and courses. We are convinced that learning is an ongoing process that lasts a lifetime, so we try to encourage our employees to continually develop both professionally and personally. This approach enables our employees to adapt to changes in the labour market and to improve their skills, which promotes their development and growth in competence.
Funding studies and courses is not only an investment in the development of our employees, but also a way of supporting them in achieving career success and their individual educational goals. Through this action, we aim to create a working environment that is conducive to the continuous improvement and development of our staff, in line with our sustainable development strategy, and to build a strong and engaged employee community.
Library
Akomex Group staff have access to a corporate library, which is an important tool in supporting the development of our employees. The library contains a variety of books and materials related to the development of not only professional skills, but also soft skills, which are essential for effective work and personal development. The library is available to all Akomex Group employees.
Summary
Funding education benefits both the employees and Akomex Group. Our staff can broaden their horizons, develop their skills and increase their value in the labour market. For our Group, investing in employee development means having qualified staff, which translates into increased competitiveness in the market and building an organisational culture based on values such as development and continuous improvement.
Concerned with the wellbeing of our employees and enhancing the quality of their lives both professionally and personally, we are constantly developing and improving a range of benefits programmes. Our initiatives are not only aimed at increasing job satisfaction, but also at promoting healthy lifestyles and providing support for health issues.
MultiSport
cards
With MultiSport cards, our employees have access to a wide range of sports activities in their free time. These include access to gyms, swimming pools, fitness rooms and tennis courts, as well as group fitness classes such as aerobics, yoga or Pilates. This variety allows each employee to find the type of activity that best suits their interests and preferences.
The MultiSport card programme not only allows employees to spend their free time actively, but also helps them to take care of their physical and mental health. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, we create a working atmosphere that is conducive to good condition and increased productivity.
23% of Akomex Group employees participated in the MultiSport card programme in 2023.
Co-funded private healthcare package
By implementing a co-funded private healthcare package as part of our ESG strategy, we are underlining our concern for the wellbeing of our employees and the promotion of social and ethical values.
This package covers a wide range of medical services, from specialist consultations to diagnostic tests and rehabilitation treatments. Importantly, this package is co-funded by Akomex Group, which means that employees do not have to worry about additional healthcare costs. As a result, all employees have equal access to high-quality medical care, regardless of their financial situation.
By implementing a package of co-funded private medical care, we are not only looking after the health of our employees, but also building positive relationships with our staff, increasing employee engagement and enhancing the company’s image as a socially responsible employer. It also fits in with our commitment to sustainable development, which emphasises caring for people and their health needs as an integral part of our business.
In 2023, 24% of Akomex Group employees were already benefiting from the co-funded healthcare package.
Meals for employees
Akomex Group is committed to providing decent working conditions for all our employees, especially in difficult environmental conditions such as low temperatures during winter time. Therefore, as one of our activities, we have introduced a programme to provide hot meals to employees working in areas exposed to low temperatures.
The hot meal programme is designed to provide support and comfort to employees during harsh weather conditions that can adversely affect their health and wellbeing. By providing hot meals, we not only ensure an appropriate intake of calories and nutrients, but also the mental comfort of employees working in difficult winter conditions. Seasonally, we also run campaigns related to the availability of fresh fruits and a variety of teas.
Our programme includes not only providing hot meals, but also diversifying and adapting them to the nutritional needs of employees. These measures allow us to not only take care of the health and comfort of our employees, but also build strong relationships based
on care and trust.
By introducing a hot meal programme for employees working in areas exposed to cold temperatures, we are fulfilling our objectives of social responsibility and concern for the wellbeing of employees, which is an integral part of our sustainability strategy.
We also provide vending machines for employees at our manufacturing sites. This gives employees quick and easy access to a range of food and drink without having to leave the social area of the plant. The vending machines offer a variety of options from which employees can choose according to their individual needs
and preferences.
Non-wage financial benefits
Non-wage rewards to employees for their commitment, effort and achievements at work are an important element of building motivation and increasing job satisfaction in Akomex Group. Through the implementation of our programme, we have sought to express our gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of our employees, which in turn contributes to increased commitment, loyalty and efficiency in the workplace.
Festive season shopping vouchers or additional financial support help employees to cover extra expenses associated with the holiday season, such as gifts for their families or holiday preparations. This helps to improve their quality of life and strengthens their bond with the company by showing care at important moments.
Summary
The increase in participation in our benefit programmes, such as the sports programme and the healthcare package, is an important indicator of the acceptance of these initiatives by our employees. The fact that 23% of employees participate in the sports programme and 24% in the medical care package confirms that the programmes are relevant and meet their needs. As a result, we are creating a working atmosphere that is conducive to the development and achievement of the organisation’s goals, while increasing employee engagement and motivation.
Equality and diversity play a crucial role for us, underpinning our values and shaping our organisational culture. At Akomex Group we not only value diversity, we actively promote and support it. Our approach is based on the principle of equal opportunities for all employees, eliminating all forms of discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.
Representation
of women
In 2023, 45% of management positions in Akomex Group were held by women. This reflects our long-term commitment to creating a working environment that promotes diversity and equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender.
Our goal is not only to ensure that women are appropriately represented at different levels of the organisational hierarchy, but also to ensure gender balance in areas where women have traditionally been less represented. Within Akomex Group, 40% of the total number of employees are women, demonstrating our commitment to building a balanced and diverse workforce.
By promoting gender equality and providing support for women to advance in their careers, we not only create a fairer and more inclusive working environment, but also harness the full potential of our employees. We strive to ensure that every employee has equal opportunities for development and success, regardless of gender, and we continue our efforts to build an equitable and fair organisation.
Bullying
and harassment
We are particularly sensitive to issues of employee relations and the creation of a working environment free from bullying and harassment. We did not record any incidents of bullying or sexual harassment in 2023, which is evidence of effective prevention measures and an open organisational culture in which any such incidents are relentlessly stigmatised.
Any kind of attitude, behaviour with sexual overtones, suggestions of sexual activity, display of lewd or pornographic content, ambiguous gestures, derogatory comments related to sex, offensive questions and manifestations of sexual harassment will be eliminated immediately.
Trade
unions
In 2023, Akomex Group continued its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with trade unions and employee representatives who represent staff at different levels of the organisation. The two trade unions operating in our Group play an important role in supporting employees’ rights and representing their interests. There are no trade unions at the Starogard Gdański plant, but their role is fulfilled by employee representatives elected by the staff.
We engage in regular dialogue with trade union and employee representatives to better understand their needs, expectations and challenges. Our Group respects freedom of expression and the right to collective bargaining while ensuring the protection due to employee representatives in accordance with applicable labour laws.
Working with trade unions and employee representatives is an important part of our approach to personnel management and creating a working environment based on cooperation, respect and trust. Through dialogue and cooperation with employee representatives, we aim to build positive relationships and take action to meet the needs of our employees to create a supportive working environment for all.
Summary
Our commitment to equality and diversity not only creates a fairer and more inclusive working environment, but also builds a stronger team where different perspectives contribute to better ideas, innovation and organisational development.
All employees of Akomex Group are treated equally in terms of employment conditions, which include, among others, salary. An employee is entitled to remuneration for work specified in the contract in accordance with the work and remuneration regulations. Wages within the Group are paid in accordance with the deadlines set by the internal regulations of the Labour Code.
We ensure that our employees receive fair compensation for their work. The average level of remuneration across the entire Akomex Group in 2023 was higher than the national minimum wage.
We motivate employees to perform. We develop their talents and skills. We want them to identify with Akomex Group and understand the role they play in it. We establish remuneration and bonus systems based on objective criteria. Supervisors evaluate employees’ work performance carefully and fairly, using only substantive criteria.
We value professionalism, commitment and results. An employee’s career path depends on the needs of the organisation as well as their performance and dedication to work. In 2023, 28 employees were promoted to senior positions, confirming our strong belief in promoting career development and rewarding the achievements of our staff. Through promotions, we aim not only to recognise the efforts and commitment of our employees, but also to encourage them to continue to develop and achieve new successes. We value teamwork based on knowledge and diverse skills.
Summary
We would like to emphasise our commitment to ensuring decent employment conditions for all employees of Akomex Group. Our remuneration policy is based on fairness and transparency in accordance with the regulations of the Labour Code. We are committed to providing decent remuneration for work, as evidenced by the higher level of average salary compared to the national minimum wage.
At Akomex Group, providing employees with easy access to drinking water is a priority as it is an important part of maintaining their health and comfort. We do this by providing bottled mineral water and installing water dispensers at strategic locations in production and office facilities. At the Aleksandrów Kujawski plant, employees also have access to locally produced “Krystynka” spa mineral water. Whether they are working on the production line, in the office or in the warehouse, we take great care to ensure that they have access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
Summary
We believe that providing access to drinking water is not only a matter of comfort, but also a matter of the health and wellbeing of our employees, which translates into their efficiency and commitment to their duties.
