"Corporate social responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large."
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Internally at Polyflor
Good corporate social responsibility is promoted within Polyflor - globally - from our CSR policy, health & safety policy, our compliance with EU Regulations regarding employees’ rights and our audits for SA8000 accreditation. We provide family friendly flexibility and we have a dignity at work policy, preventing bullying at all levels. Polyflor staff are also encouraged and supported regarding personal development and training through MBAs, AAT and NVQs for example. Socially, we have our 25 and 40 year clubs for employees who have been with Polyflor for the respective number of years and there is a social club for all employees to join and partake in various activities and events, from sporting events to theatre trips.
We encourage environmental awareness, issuing a ‘Green Guide’ for employees - offering advice on reducing their carbon footprint at home and work. Responding to employee feedback, bike sheds were improved and showers were installed to encourage the local workforce to cycle to work.
Supporting the wider community
Neighbours - Polyflor is a socially aware company with its manufacturing site being in the heart of a residential area. Duty of care to our neighbours is critical to ensure a happy living environment is provided to our neighbours. Reducing noise pollution and emissions was pivotal, so emissions checks are constantly monitored on site and £500,000 has been invested on minimising noise, through acoustic engineering within the factory.
Charity & Donations - Polyflor contributes to charitable donations and worthy causes. This may be financial or supportive with a donation of flooring. In the last 12 months Polyflor has been involved with a number of fantastic programmes.
Flooring Industry - Polyflor's involvement with the Recofloor scheme of which it is a founding and funding member, also has a social aspect. It operates an education programme for the sector, engaging with flooring contractors about the scheme, the importance of it and why they should get involved.
Education - We are involved at all levels of education with local schools and colleges. Polyflor supports schools by participating in work placements and the Young Enterprise Scheme and we actively support training colleges throughout the country as well as sponsoring FITA, the industry training body.
Internationally - Polyflor have supported schemes worldwide in Uganda, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.