From the outset, this policy has been based on the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, integrating human rights and respect for fundamental rights, aligned with the rules of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. In several countries, the Groupe has signed specific commitments, such as the Modern Slavery Act in the United Kingdom and Australia, or has certifications such as the BBBEE– level 1 (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) in South Africa, which covers certain human rights issues, such as the fight against human trafficking, or related to labor law, such as the fight against all forms of discrimination. [S2-1-19]
Initially designed in 2014 as a charter, these guidelines have evolved into a policy, still based on the Ten Key Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. This CSR for Business Guidelines policy is included as an appendix to all calls for tender and is part of the contractual clauses signed between Publicis Groupe and its strategic suppliers. This document is publicly available in the CSR section’s library on the Groupe’s website and is communicated to suppliers when contracts are renewed. Non-compliance with any one of these 17 points is a non-selection criterion.
The annual review takes into account feedback shared by buyers, suppliers or partners. In 2023, the issue of accessibility/e-accessibility was redefined and other points were strengthened around the human rights and working conditions of supplier employees. In 2024, the review focused on alignment with the requirements of the European CSRD Directive. [S2-1-AR 12]
In all countries, the Groupe ensures that all suppliers are treated fairly and paid promptly. Under the CSRD, a detailed review shows that 96% of suppliers are paid at 60 days and 4% at 90 days, in line with the rules of European Directive 2011/7. The table relating to payment terms mentioned in Article D. 441-6 of the French Commercial Code is shown in Section 5.5.
In view of the ongoing work on standardization of payment terms, a more detailed report will be produced in 2025.
Finally, some countries have set up 30-day payment rules for small businesses (VSE/SME); work to standardize the criteria for this rule will be carried out in 2025.
[G1-2-14, G1-6]
There is regular dialogue with these workers in the value chain, with whom trusting and sometimes long-term relationships have been established. The quality and fluency of discussions are assets that ensure the success of business cooperation. A transparent attitude is required so that the supplier informs the Groupe or its subsidiaries in the event of difficulties encountered, whether technical, logistical or other.
As part of its Duty of Care plan, Publicis Groupe launched a series of external social audits of its suppliers at the end of 2024. The General Services supplier category (reception, security, cleaning, catering) was chosen on the basis of proximity, because employees of these suppliers are seconded to the offices and have daily interactions with employees of the Groupe and its subsidiaries.
SGS was commissioned to conduct these on-site audits, which will take place in 65 entities, with the employees of suppliers present on our premises. Upstream of this process, the relevant employees received a document from their employer setting out 16 key principles related to human rights and fundamental freedoms. This document is based on the SA8000 standard. These employees will be questioned by the external auditors during qualitative interviews. These same employees will be able to answer a very simple survey, available on their mobile phone or by email, in order to collect their opinions. This questionnaire is an additional opportunity to inform them of the external and independent whistleblowing channels available to them in the event of a problem. These mechanisms guarantee confidentiality, protection of personal data and protection against retaliation. The Publicis Groupe whistleblowing system can be accessed by supplier employees via the external platform Ethics Concerns: https://publicis.whispli.com/lp/ethicsconcerns. This address can be accessed from the Groupe’s website, in the Whistleblowing System Policy. Under this approach, supplier employees have three options to report their concerns anonymously: the external audit, the questionnaire survey and the whistleblowing system.
The management of these reports is explained in Section 4.4.2.1. [SBM-3-12, S2-2-22 (a) à (d), S2-3-AR 25, S2-3-26, S2-3-27 (a) à (d), S2-3-28]
The findings of this audit phase will enable a wider roll-out from 2026. [S2-2-24]
The monitoring of this action plan is part of the monitoring of the Duty of Care Plan (see Section 4.6).
In 2024, the Company received a report from one of its suppliers (see Section 4.4.2.1). [S2-4-36]
