Our approach

OUR APPROACH

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

We are deeply committed to the transformation to a more resilient and just international community. Our target is to lead our industry by example, always aiming to positively influence the market wherever we operate. With our focus on how we can take an ethical approach to people, planet and profit, we invest particular effort in supporting these UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 5

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

ISS is a multicultural company and embraces and encourages diversity. With almost 50% women in the workforce, we have contributed significantly to empowering women. Female representation in management, leadership development and graduate programs has high priority and is progressing. Our Diversity Policy continues to bring results, with more initiatives to identify female candidates and promote women to more senior roles. Training programs educate, enforce and embed policies against harassment and discrimination.

SDG 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustain- able economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Minimum wages, the right to organize and a safe working environment are basic standards at ISS. As a dedicated people company, we invest significantly in developing employees at all levels of our organization. We take continuous action at all levels to eradicate injuries and fatalities. We have zero tolerance of forced labor, child labor, modern slavery and human trafficking

in our operations and this is strictly enforced through governance controls, including audits.

SDG 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries

As one of the world’s largest private employers, ISS provides the economic foundation for many individuals and families around the world. There is an increasing number of refugees in our workforce, as well as people with mental and physical disabilities, social challenges or little academic education. We offer employees the chance to develop their skills through education programs, increasing their job and career opportunities.

SDG 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

We aim to reduce the consumption of chemicals through our Cleaning Excellence program, working with strategic suppliers to develop and test new tools and processes that will reduce the environmental impact. We focus on green innovation projects, such as the comprehensive Diversey SURE range of cleaning products. These are plant based and 100% biodegradable, designed to deliver superior results while being safe for people and kind to the environment.

SDG 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

ISS is committed to continuously reducing any negative impact on the environment due to our operations, and we also work with customers

to help them reduce their own environmental footprint. We work at our customers’ premises, meaning we gain insight into their performance and use this knowledge to help them manage and reduce their impact and reach their targets. We have set a Net Zero emission target for 2040 covering all scopes.

SDG 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

We aim to eradicate all forms of discrimination and unethical behavior through the ISS Code of Conduct and the Global People Standards. These policies are the basis of our learning tools and programs, including an extensive onboarding course in which all new employees are trained in our way of working and our values. Corruption and bribery are illegal and against our values, and we promote the Speak Up system to allow employees to raise concerns on these matters, anonymously and without fear of reprisal.

INSIGHTS

Stories about people, places and planet

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Five ways to use workplace experiences to attract your employees back to the office

With many people now use to working from home, companies need to find new ways to encourage employees to come into the office. Our Workplace Experience Team is helping companies, large and small, overcome this challenge. Here, they share their top tips.

five ways to use workplace experiences to attract your employees back to the office

PEOPLE

Paying attention to people and their development

Over the past 15 years, Jillian Fergeau has seized development opportunities at ISS, transitioning from a cargo handler to the Head of Facility Management for the Grand Est region in France.

Jillian Fergeau

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A learning culture that supports diversity

With a highly diverse workforce, we adapt learning and development to the needs of our people – ensuring they gain the skills they need to succeed and stay safe.

iss austria digital learning