4.6.3 Risks monitored regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms
Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be protected and respected whether in relation to employees, clients and partners, or suppliers:
- on the abolition of child labor: Publicis Groupe only hires adult employees. Short-term job shadowing (lasting a maximum of one to three weeks) may, however, be offered to minors as part of their school career or professional apprenticeship, subject to obtaining authorization from parents and in agreement with the educational institution;
- on the elimination of all forms of forced labor or modern slavery and the fight against discrimination: the Groupe applies a Zero Tolerance policy with regard to forced labor or modern slavery, and discrimination in all its forms, against all persons. The Groupe’s employees may receive legal support in the performance of their duties in countries with low levels of legal protection;
- on freedom of expression and freedom of association: freedom of movement, association and expression are some of the key principles recognized and protected by the Groupe;
- on combating physical or sexual harassment and bullying: the Groupe has a Zero Tolerance policy with regard to all forms of harassment and regularly trains its employees on these topics;
- on women’s rights: in 2018, Publicis Groupe signed the Women Empowerment Principles (WEP), seven fundamental principles listed by the United Nations to act tangibly to promote women’s rights (and equality of rights) worldwide and at all levels. Publicis Groupe is the owner of the Women’s Forum, an international platform that defends human rights, as well as the essential contribution of women to the economy and society;
- on the protection of personal data: as these data are specific to each individual, they must be protected over time and be protected from any risk of theft, intrusion or falsification in accordance with the regulations in force. The guidelines of the Global Data Protection Office (GDPO) in terms of data protection were applied by the operational teams, and the Global Security Office (GSO) has strengthened its controls at all levels, also monitored by the Internal Audit Department (see Chapter 2).
On these six points, the Groupe asks its suppliers to comply with these standards, which are part of the CSR for Business Guidelines and are appended to the contracts signed between the Groupe and its suppliers.
Pro bono campaigns, like volunteering in support of organizations or general interest causes promoting human rights (of men, women and children) and opposing all forms of exclusion and discrimination, demonstrate the long-term commitment of the Groupe, as well as its agencies and employees, to defending human rights.
4.6.4 Risks monitored regarding personal health and safety
Publicis Groupe is a “people business”: the Company’s women and men are our main asset. Several topics receive special attention:
- stress prevention and mental health: the agencies are responsible for taking measures to prevent psychosocial risks, whether relating to work organization or team management. The agencies have set up ad hoc support systems for employees in difficulty, which, in addition to telemedicine, offers physical and psychological support with dedicated applications, psychological help lines and access to health professionals and sports sessions. The Groupe has set up a global partnership with Thrive, an application accessible to all employees to offer them solutions adapted to mental health issues;
- in 2023, Publicis Groupe launched the WorkingWithCancer advocacy, led by the Chairman of the Management Board, in order to fight against the stigma of cancer in the workplace. This advocacy is aimed at all companies wishing to take concrete action on this issue, both with regard to their employees and within their sphere of influence (see Section 4.3.6.3);
- prevention of MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders): employees are encouraged to make known their needs in terms of work equipment in order to have the tools adapted to their job. The agencies have put activities in place to combat sedentary behavior and encourage good posture;
- safety at work: all employees are trained in office evacuation via simulations on an annual basis and are informed of what to do in the event of extraordinary events (i.e. earthquakes in at-risk locations). Volunteer employees are trained in first aid.
The instability of the global geopolitical context and the increase in natural disasters have led to a slight increase in the risks related to working in sensitive areas. Specific measures put in place by the Groupe have made it possible to control these risks and their evolution.
The Groupe has introduced a very strict travel policy, under which countries are classified into three risk categories. Some high-risk countries are simply banned while other countries are only permitted after assessment and verification of travel conditions and, when appropriate, the implementation of additional security measures. All travelers are provided with advance information and advice on the situation in the country to which they are traveling.
