Social

Social

For VARTA, respect for human rights is an essential part of corporate responsibility. VARTA's corporate culture is characterised by strong values that determine the way the company operates. VARTA has therefore set itself the goal of further improving working conditions - in particular health and safety in the workplace - and supporting employees in their development. Outside the factory gates, VARTA supports social projects in various areas in order to make a positive contribution to society.

Acting responsibly

At VARTA, people are valued and their rights are protected. The topic of due diligence and responsible procurement is becoming increasingly important not only in society, but also at VARTA. VARTA works closely with its business partners to support them in their sustainable development. A human rights due diligence management system has been developed fulfilling both internal and external requirements in VARTA's own business area and the value chain. The company applies the precautionary principle and takes preventive measures with regard to environmental and social issues.

  • Human Rights Policy Statement
    The > Human Rights Policy Statement describes VARTA's strategic approach to due diligence and its organisational implementation, e.g. in the form of guidelines and procedures. The document is therefore a central component of the due diligence management system and an important part of the fulfilment of legal and customer-related requirements.
     
  • Modern Slavery Statement
    VARTA acts in accordance with the international framework conditions, in particular the relevant conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and has incorporated their requirements into its processes and guidelines. > Statement
     
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
    Business partners and suppliers undertake to comply with the > VARTA Supplier Code of Conduct, which combines the highest industry standards with the company's core values. In addition, they trickle down the requirements of the Code to their own suppliers in the value chain.
     
  • Due Diligence Reporting
    VARTA has introduced a complete management system for the fulfilment of due diligence obligations for minerals in accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRA). The management system and current developments are presented in the annual > Due Diligence Reporting.
  • Responsible Sourcing Policy
    The establishment of a management system for VARTA's mineral and metal supply chains is an integral part of the company's due diligence and sustainability objectives. The system aims to mitigate the existing and potential risks of these supply chains and to support the respect and promotion of human rights, including the fight against child and forced labour, as well as strengthenin the rights of indigenous peoples. As part of the development of the due diligence management system, the > Responsible Sourcing Policy was issued which is based on the current OECD guidelines and communicates VARTA's values and requirements to suppliers of conflict and high-risk minerals.
     
  • Supplier Sustainability Awards 2023
    VARTA invites its suppliers from all industries to share their initiatives to promote sustainability. This is an opportunity to highlight commitment to the environment, social responsibility and ethical behaviour. With the > Supplier Sustainability Awards, VARTA recognises suppliers who are actively contributing to a more sustainable future. VARTA looks forward to engaging in dialogue with its suppliers to learn from each other and move forward together.

People at VARTA

VARTA's vision to shape a future that builds on the values of the traditional company. VARTA works in a culture with flat hierarchies based on trust and a strong team spirit. VARTA is committed to social engagement, family friendliness, and health & safety in the workplace.

Corporate Health Award

The Corporate Health Award by EUPD Research and Handelsblatt is an acknowledgment of verifi able aboveaverage commitment to the health of the company’s employees as well as a forward-looking and sustainable HR strategy. VARTA, in 2022 continues its successful track-record of being among the awarded employers with an audited corporate health system. This success motivates the company to further expand its efforts in this area over the coming years.

Workplace Conditions Assessment (WCA)

In 2022, all five production sites were audited according to the WCA Standard. All audited locations achieved a Workplace Performance Index of over 85% and therefore finished with a very good overall result. Aspects audited include labour (e.g. child/forced labour, discrimination, discipline, harassment/abuse, freedom of association, employment contracts), wages and hours, health and safety, management systems (documentation and records, employee feedback and participation, audits and corrective actions) and environment (legal compliance, environmental management systems, waste and air emissions).

Corporate Health Award

The Corporate Health Award by EUPD Research and Handelsblatt is an acknowledgment of verifi able aboveaverage commitment to the health of the company’s employees as well as a forward-looking and sustainable HR strategy. VARTA, in 2022 continues its successful track-record of being among the awarded employers with an audited corporate health system. This success motivates the company to further expand its efforts in this area over the coming years.

Workplace Conditions Assessment (WCA)

In 2022, all five production sites were audited according to the WCA Standard. All audited locations achieved a Workplace Performance Index of over 85% and therefore finished with a very good overall result. Aspects audited include labour (e.g. child/forced labour, discrimination, discipline, harassment/abuse, freedom of association, employment contracts), wages and hours, health and safety, management systems (documentation and records, employee feedback and participation, audits and corrective actions) and environment (legal compliance, environmental management systems, waste and air emissions).

VARTA career
VARTA is not waiting for the future but actively shapping it. VARTA is a company with tradition. As a technology-leading global brand we offer secure jobs in a culture with flat hierarchies, based on trust and a strong team spirit. VARTA encourages creativity in stimulating tasks and projects in the future market of innovative energy solutions. VARTA's > Career-website informs about employee benefits and > open job vacancies.

of employees are either directly covered by collective agreements or the employment is based on such agreements.

VARTA promotes talent and has invested more than € 1 million in the continuous professional development of employees of all functions, levels and age groups.

employees were trained on sustainability-related topics with the aim of raising awareness of sustainability and capacity building.

„Within every forward-looking and ambitious business plan as well as in our complex supply chain processes, we emphasise on fostering human rights as a central element of our sustainability agenda.“

Dr. Markus Hackstein, Speaker of the Board

 

Document library

Learn more here!
Sustainability
Environment
Governance