We have a long tradition of encouraging our employees to participate in the business through consultation and dialogue. We believe that good relations among colleagues rely on effective communication channels.
We respect our employees' right to join legally recognised trades unions and most employees are members. Around 70% of our employees worldwide have formal representation - mainly through a combination of trade unions, works councils or collective bargaining.
We have locally tailored ways for employees to contribute their energy and views. For example, line managers deliver regular team briefings, to communicate information about the business and provide opportunities for our people to review departmental, local, regional and corporate strategies. Newsletters, the Group website and about 250 local websites also help employees to know what is going on within the business at local, regional and Group levels.
In some business units, two-way communication also takes place through locally tailored employment climate surveys. During April 2008 we undertook a global climate survey of our managers and we are currently in the process of analysing the results.
We encourage our people to report any concerns they may have about any activity which might be inconsistent with our business principles. We have a confidential hotline called "Speaking Up" which colleagues can use to raise any concerns.