To truly understand, you have to truly attentively. That’s why companies are so keen to engage in dialogue with their stakeholders. An open approach to sharing opinions and exchanging insights is the key to understanding the expectations of different interest groups as they evolve over time. Whether through focus groups, surveys or participation in discussion platforms: Businesses gather insights into the concerns and priorities of their stakeholders – and reflect these insights in their day-to-day activities.
INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Expectations for social and environmental responsibility are changing again and again. That’s why companies rely on open dialogue with communities, suppliers, customers and many other stakeholders to make sure they provide solutions to the challenges that matter most.
Discuss, engage, involve
At Henkel, our approach to sustainability is shaped by our interactions with our stakeholders. We’re convinced that open, ongoing dialogue with all groups that have an interest in our business is the key to making sure we’re working on the challenges that matter most. Through direct conversation, participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives and support for dialog platforms, we aim to share our unique knowledge and gather insights – and then integrate what we’ve learned into our products, services and business activities. We want to understand our stakeholders. That’s why we truly listen.
Stakeholder Dialogue
Exchanges with our stakeholders and social groups are a key element of Henkel’s sustainability approach. That is the reason why we are active in a number of dialogue platforms and initiatives on selected topics related to sustainability.
This open exchange offers a basis for mutual understanding and an opportunity to attain social acceptance of our entrepreneurial decisions. At the same time, the dialogue is a source of new ideas and makes an important contribution to our innovation management, risk management and forms the basis for the further development of our sustainability strategy and reporting.
Therefore, we are engaged in a continuous dialogue with customers, consumers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, local communities, rating agencies and analysts, government authorities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), politicians, academia and scientists.
Everybody can make a difference
For many consumer products, the majority of the related environmental footprint is generated during the use of the product. That’s why promoting responsible-minded behavior is so important. As a result, manufacturers, retailers and distributors are joining forces to develop platforms that inform consumers about sustainable products and encourage them to use products responsibly.
Involving the next generation
More and more initiatives are being launched to encourage today’s consumers to change their habits now. However, it’s also important to think about future generations. That’s why educational activities that promote sustainable behavior and raise awareness about the challenges facing our planet are also gaining popularity. Henkel’s Forscherwelt (“researchers’ world”), for example, encourages children to explore the world of science by making research fun. The international program includes teaching units and materials for elementary schools. The contents of the program reflect the focal points of Henkel's research areas, while also exploring sustainability.
