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Sustainability Report 2017 Key processes

Managing sustainability risks and trends

A comprehensive analysis of non-financial risks requires cross-functional insights from Group management, business areas and local facilities.

We focus on the future to prepare for the changing business landscape and mitigate potential risks. The global trends described in the External influences – 2018 and beyond section will impact Electrolux in the coming years. Understanding and managing the non-financial risks and opportunities associated with these megatrends is an integral part of managing our business.

A number of Group functions are involved in identifying and managing non-financial risks in their area of responsibility. These risks are regularly reported to Group management and fed into our materiality process. Read more about how Electrolux manages risk in the Annual Report, Sustainability Reporting. 

Management Assurance and Special Assignments

Evaluates and improves governance, internal control and risk management processes 

Group Risk Management

Benchmarks and monitors key risks in operations and key suppliers

Sustainability Risk Management Processes

Manages the following risk assessment processes:
Materiality
Responsible Sourcing
Ethics 
Human rights
ISO Coordination 

Other Group Staffs & Functions

Conducts risk assessments related to:
Global Industrial Operations Product Lines
Purchasing
Legal
Finance
Communication
HR Exec Team

Group External Affairs Committee

Monitors regulatory development in all regions and develops common Group positions 

Human Rights risks

As we better understand how our business impacts human rights, we implement actions and procedures to mitigate them. This ongoing process has made important progress in recent years – through engagement and dialogue with internal and external stakeholders.

Progress in 2017

We developed a human rights impact assessment methodology in 2016, aligned with the UNGP Reporting Framework, which helped us identify our salient human rights risks at Group level. In 2017, the methodology was used to conduct local human rights assessments in two of our prioritized high-risk countries – Thailand and Egypt.

Salient human rights issues

The human rights assessment involved a review of Electrolux’s most salient human rights issues and their likelihood and potential severity to harm people. These include six specific issues and three business processes, as listed below and in more detail in the related sections. 

Issue

  • Industrial relations
  • Working hours & wages
  • Diversity & non-discrimination
  • Privacy & Integrity
  • Purchase of sexual services during business travel/representation
  • Corruption and bribery

Business processes 

  • Supply chain management
  • Acquisitions
  • Market entry & partners