Training resulting from integrated audits If deviations are ascertained during regular environmental audits, employeesreceive immediate, appropriate trainingfollowing error analysis, or processes are changed with corresponding amend-ments to procedure instructions. Ecology library A well-stocked library with information on building design and ecology is available to allemployees. Ecology video library Employees can also borrow videos on environmental protection. Criteria for stocking videos do not focus merely on highlighting environmental disasters, buton giving concrete hints as to how theindividual can make a contribution to the protection of the environment In-house environmental prize In connection with the company sug- gestion system, suggestions for improve-ments with a clear ecological focus areawarded prizes at the end of the year:the first prize is a weekend for two onthe traffic-free North Sea island of Spie-keroog, the second prize is a solar watch and the third prize is a yearly subscrip- tion to either Öko-Test, Natur or Geo (German magazines). Environmental Oscar To promote teambuilding in the field ofenvironmental responsibility, there is an additional award, the “EnvironmentalOscar”, which is presented annually inthe form of a challenge cup to individualdepartments or working groups for special achievements in company envi-ronmental protection. Database for the environment, industrial safety and quality All employees have access to the com- pany database that contains all relevant documents, including the Environmental and Quality Manual, the ecological life-cycle approach, procedure, work, plant and safety instructions, and safety datasheets. Enhancement of skills and personnel development One of Wilkhahn’s key points of focus is the enhancement of employees’ skills and personnel development. A furthertraining programme for employees isprepared annually in collaboration with Human Resources and Management. This provides job-specific training meas- ures, as well as cross-functional semi-nars, for example, on the developmentof personality and how to deal with conflicts. Personnel development discus- sions are an integral part of manage-ment tasks at Wilkhahn. “Wilkhahn aktuell” and Works Council News The staff magazine “Wilkhahn aktuell” and the Works Council News focus on ecological issues. The Environ- mental Representative publishes regular reports on ecological change processesin this magazine.

Internal communication and training

Eco-hotline Any member of staff can contact ourexpert in Environmental Managementon the hotline number to obtain infor-mation on ecological issues at the work-place (e.g. waste separation, etc.) or also in the private sphere (ecological build-ing, etc.). There are occasionally paradoxes be-tween, on the one hand, the realizationthat the environment, health and quality are vital for running a business success-fully in the long term and, on the other hand, behavioural patterns in daily life. Appropriate information and motivation measures to promote a holistic approach to responsibility are aimed at encour- aging an awareness of responsibility and corresponding behaviour on the part of employees, which go beyond their commitments within the company. Training Eco-day Apprentices spend one month in theEcology Department working on con- crete issues to obtain practical insight into daily and ecological project work. On this day, the Environmental Repre- sentative takes apprentices to visit an environmentally relevant institution (e.g. main waste site in Hanover, Solar Insti-tute in Hamelin, Nuclear Power Stationin Grohnde, etc.). The visit is followed by processing of information with the aim of transferring the results to corporate life at Wilkhahn. Introductory seminars All new members of staff are familia- rized with corporate culture during an introductory week. The issues of ecolo- gy, quality and health protection are an integral part of this introductory week.
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