CSR POLICY

Harington is a committed company that aims to have a positive impact on society and, more broadly, on its entire ecosystem.

The company has implemented a rigorous CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policy with a set of practices aimed at respecting the principles of sustainable development at social, environmental, ethical, and economic levels. All Harington employees are aware of and involved in this continuous improvement process of professional practices, whether it is towards customers, suppliers, or all the company’s partners. Respect for employees, respect for the environment, responsible purchasing, and business ethics are the foundations of our approach and underpin our daily actions.

 

ECOVADIS

Harington has also been recognized for its CSR policy and obtained the EcoVadis Silver label in 2020, Gold in 2021, and Platinum since then. Harington is in the top 1% of companies with the highest quality CSR management system.

EcoVadis evaluates the performance of more than 50,000 companies in 150 countries on no fewer than 21 criteria based on international Sustainable Development standards, grouped into four themes: Environment, Social & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. These criteria are derived from international CSR standards, such as the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the ISO 26000 standard, the CERES principles, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, also known as the “Ruggie Framework.”

This recognition is important for Harington because we strive for excellence in environmental, social, ethical, and responsible procurement practices. I would like to thank all our employees who are committed daily to continuously improving the quality of our professional practices towards our clients, suppliers, and all our partners.

Wadi Essafi, President of Harington

SEE THE 2022 CSR CHARTER

Harington’s commitments for responsible governance and controlled impact of our activities.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITMENTS

 

Protecting the health and physical integrity of our employees is a duty

Not only do we make every effort to reduce risks, but we also strive, where possible, to improve the comfort of our employees when, for example, family situations or personal constraints require it (such as flexible working hours, telecommuting, etc.).

Several actions have been implemented, such as soundproof partitions to isolate different open-space areas, adaptive LED lighting based on brightness levels, state-of-the-art screens and computers, ergonomic chairs that are adjustable and comfortable for all employees at headquarters.

 

Harington opposes all forms of discrimination in accordance with Article L1132-1 of the Labor Code at all stages of an employee’s career within the company: origin, sex, morals, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family situation or pregnancy, genetic characteristics, economic situation, membership or non-membership, real or presumed, of an ethnic group, nation or alleged race, political opinions, union or mutual activities, religious beliefs, physical appearance, surname, place of residence or bank domiciliation, health status, loss of autonomy or disability situation, ability to express oneself in a language other than French.

 

Harington has committed to a Quality of Work Life (QWL) policy to respect the balance between private and professional life. Promotion of the right to disconnect, respect for work hours and break times are regularly communicated by managers. Harington is a small-sized company that maintains close relationships with all employees. The organization has a flat hierarchy, which promotes simplicity in communication and work relationships. During the Operational Committee (ComOp) meetings held at least once per quarter, directors are invited to assess and comment on the quality of the social climate within its workforce community and to take corrective measures if necessary.

 

Harington is an inclusive company, open to everyone. While our industry naturally attracts individuals with higher qualifications or advanced education, beyond initial training, we place great importance on professional skills and behaviors. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities to prospective employees who may not have completed a formal education but have self-taught themselves. We are committed to equality and success, which is why Harington places particular emphasis on the employment and retention of people with disabilities, launching its Disability Mission in 2019. We also promote internal mobility, whether between entities or through changes in roles or careers within the company.

 

In a commitment to continuous improvement and workforce planning, we conduct an Annual Review with each employee every year. This review allows us to discuss their daily work, ambitions, training needs, and career aspirations. It’s also an opportunity to identify any challenges and work together to find solutions. Our managers are trained and provided with a guide to assist them in this process. Additionally, an annual workforce review is conducted for key positions within the company to establish necessary succession plans for the company’s sustainability.

 

Harington’s training policy is also crucial because technological innovation is at the heart of our value proposition. The desire to share knowledge and expertise has always been central. This explains why Harington’s commitment to training primarily occurs internally, closely tied to operational needs. Additionally, we have implemented several resources and tools such as:

  • Subscription to the OpenClassroom e-learning platform to enable employees to access the entire catalog offered by the platform.
  • Harington covers the costs of certification to validate the training.
  • In cases where employees identify training outside the OpenClassroom platform, Harington covers at least 50% of the training costs.
  • For each of our technical roles, we have designated a Practice Manager whose role is to transmit best practices, share experiences, and provide coaching.

The main principles of managerial ethics at Harington include loyalty towards all stakeholders, fairness towards employees, reliability towards suppliers, investors, and clients, quality of service to customers, responsibility towards the community, and authenticity in human relations.

Wadi Essafi
President Harington

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Under the Sustainable Development Strategy (SNDD 2008-2013) and in continuation of the Grenelle environmental agreements, Harington has integrated sustainable practices into its internal operations. Harington practices resource-efficient management and waste recycling to promote the circular economy. Actions such as shared printers, limited duplex printing to essential needs, machine standby modes, cartridge collection, sorting, and recycling have become standard practices within teams. To reduce paper consumption, document storage has been extensively digitalized through personal work environments and server-based platforms, including CRM, HR ERP, and cloud exchange platforms.

Harington has also implemented various initiatives to reduce fuel consumption, such as promoting the use of public transportation and establishing a fleet of shared vehicles. Additionally, Harington has adopted video conferencing and collaborative tools (Skype, Hangouts, Zoom) to facilitate remote teamwork, reducing the need for in-person meetings.

We prioritize European suppliers, particularly French or even regional ones, for our purchases to limit transportation and utilize local supply chains. Harington is committed to practicing responsible procurement with its suppliers.

Finally, Harington hosts all its digital data in an environmentally friendly data center that has shown tangible results. Our consultants provide technological advisory services to our clients, encouraging them to make responsible choices in data, systems, and application hosting.

ÉCONOMIC INTEGRITY

Harington is committed to a responsible procurement approach. Our company doesn’t just buy products and services from suppliers. Deeply respectful of their business, culture, growth, and the individuals within them, our company exercises a special responsibility towards them, encompassing economic, ethical, and environmental considerations.

 

BUSINESS ETHICS

Business ethics is one of the fundamental values of our company and is embodied in everyone’s respect for good business practices within our organization. We have developed a charter outlining the ethical principles we expect all our employees to apply in their interactions with clients and suppliers.

These principles are as follows:

  • Conducting responsible policies
  • Respecting clients
  • Adhering to rules of fair competition
  • Demanding the best from our partners
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Respecting working conditions: health and safety
  • Protecting internal, confidential information and intellectual property
  • Recording and maintaining financial and non-financial information
  • Accountability

The dissemination of business ethics principles at Harington is part of a continuous effort to uphold respect for our clients, suppliers, and business partners.

 

POLICY OF RESPONSIBLE PROCUREMENT

Harington aims to make respect for its social and environmental requirements a strong focus of its procurement policy, alongside quality, deadlines, and costs. The quality of relationships Harington maintains with its suppliers contributes to its long-term success. We foster a conducive environment for mutual progress, enhancing our competitiveness, and providing timely responses to clients. Therefore, our procurement policy naturally leans towards long-term partnerships through constructive dialogue and joint efforts. As a responsible actor, particular attention is given to complying with the rules of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The dissemination of Harington’s business ethics principles reflects our ongoing commitment to respecting our clients, suppliers, and business partners. Business ethics is a core value of our company, demonstrated through each of us adhering to good business practices within our organization.

PRINCIPLE 1 – CONDUCT A RESPONSIBLE POLICY

As a socially responsible company, Harington aims to conduct all its activities in accordance with the strictest ethical standards, applicable laws and regulations, and principles of corporate governance. This policy applies especially to all employees who have direct contact with clients, suppliers, and service providers of the company.

  • Harington and its partners recognize and respect the rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, committing to non-discrimination in employment and ensuring fair and honest treatment of employees.
  • Harington and its partners uphold the rule of law and comply with legal and regulatory requirements in the states where they operate.
  • Harington actively pursues a policy of employing and integrating individuals facing difficulties, and encourages its partners to share this commitment.

PRINCIPLE 2 – RESPECTING CUSTOMERS (TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION)

Harington is committed to preserving the trust and respect of its customers. Harington conducts its activities fairly, adhering to competition rules, and providing high-quality products and services to its customers. Harington and its partners commit to being accountable for their activities and decisions that impact society and the environment. This duty of transparency involves providing clear and objective information.

Harington does not authorize, tolerate, or encourage, either directly or through third parties, illegal or unethical behavior such as corruption, bribery, kickbacks, promises of monetary or non-monetary gifts, or any other activity that could be perceived as corrupt, illegal, or unethical. Harington prohibits all biased, misleading, illegal, or fraudulent business practices. Descriptions of its services are accurate and honest. Harington refrains from presenting a false image of its services or capabilities, even if it may affect sales.

PRINCIPLE 3 – RESPECTING RULES OF FAIR COMPETITION

Harington is a dynamic and fair competitor that complies with competition regulations to ensure its products and services are sold based on their own merits. Only lawful means are used to gather information about our competitors.

PRINCIPLE 4 – DEMANDING THE BEST FROM OUR PARTNERS

Harington only works with business partners, consultants, or suppliers who meet Harington’s rigorous criteria and have entered into written agreements strictly aligned with Harington’s guidelines and procedures. Harington selects its business partners, including suppliers and subcontractors, based on their merit, reputation, and ability to assist Harington in achieving its business objectives, as well as their commitment to minimizing environmental impacts of their organization and products.

To this end, Harington considers factors such as price, quality, delivery capability, service reputation, integrity, and social and environmental responsibility. Harington expects its suppliers to adhere to professional behavior and ethical values.

PRINCIPLE 5 – AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Employees of Harington must avoid making decisions, behaving, or engaging in external activities that could pose an actual or potential conflict of interest with their obligations and duties towards Harington. This includes either refusing to engage in such conflict situations or seeking guidance from Harington’s management. Assets of Harington, including computer systems or devices, may not be used for personal gain.

PRINCIPLE 6 – WORKING CONDITIONS (HEALTH AND SAFETY)

Harington and its partners are committed to implementing a policy aimed at ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for every employee, focusing on the following areas:

  1. Respecting regulations regarding hygiene, health, and workplace safety
  2. Prioritizing a preventive approach to accidents and health risks
  3. Rejecting all forms of harassment and facilitating its detection when necessary
  4. Identifying behaviors or situations that compromise health or workplace safety and defining appropriate and sustainable responses
  5. Maintaining a work environment where the dignity of individuals is respected

PRINCIPLE 7 – PROTECTING INTERNAL, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Employees of Harington are prohibited from exploiting financial and non-financial information, as well as non-public and confidential information, for personal gain. Harington safeguards the confidentiality and ownership of its information and that received confidentially from third parties. The personal or confidential nature of information entrusted to Harington must always be preserved, including information pertaining to individuals.

PRINCIPLE 8 – ACCOUNTABILITY

Each signatory of Harington’s ethical principles must report any observed or suspected violation of the law or company directives by contacting us via email at administratif@harington.fr. No reprisals will be taken against anyone who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of these 8 ethical principles to Harington.

All employees in direct contact with clients, suppliers, and partners of the company must be aware of and adhere to the Ethics Principles.

The company regularly raises awareness among its employees about adhering to the ethical principles to ensure they always understand the content.