Social responsibility

The GGE Code of Ethics is intended to protect the company, its reputation and brand. It applies to all employees, partners as well as the company management. It is everyone’s duty to comply with this Code, to behave in accordance with its provisions and to promote its application.

Employees

As to employee relations, we prefer mutual respect and trust at the workplace. The views of each employee as well as their personal development are a priority for the company. Employees are remunerated fairly according to their performance.

GGE, a.s. strongly opposes any form of discrimination, and its manifestations are not tolerated whether at or outside the workplace. We believe that every employee is our mirror even outside their workplace. So we invest in the development of our people to help them achieve their goals and fully utilise their skills.

We also pay attention to the health of our employees – both mental and physical – and, therefore, we are creating a safe and comfortable working environment. In addition to abiding by safety guidelines, we are building a stable environment in our companies where we are growing together with our employees.

We believe that fair treatment, mutual respect and long-term investment in the development of our people, together with the offer of stable jobs and fair remuneration, bring us qualified, loyal and motivated people in the long term.

Business partners and clients

Trust is the cornerstone of our business. But for confidence in the stability and reliability of our operations or energy supplies, we could not do business. Therefore, deep and stable mutual trust among all stakeholders involved in our business has the highest value for us. Our business partners and clients have absolute confidence in us and, therefore, we treat as strictly confidential all information obtained or exchanged within our business relations. Our reputation is irreplaceable, so we are committed to complying with all terms set forth in agreements, as well as ethical and accommodating behaviour towards other entities.

Responsible entrepreneurship and community support

The GGE Group is fully aware of – and takes pride in – its social responsibility. Like the whole company, each of our employees contributes to supporting the local communities in the vicinity of our business establishments, as well as to improving the environment. We help our surroundings through various activities aimed mainly at sport, arts, ecology and education.

The GGE Group Code of Conduct is a set of ethical principles, standards, and rules that are binding on all employees without distinction.

At the same time, we expect all our business partners, as well as other persons who enter into any cooperation with the GGE Group, to behave in accordance with the general ethical principles, to comply with applicable laws and to act in accordance with this Code of Conduct.

GGE does not engage in corruption, respects competition rules, and promotes a fair business environment.

OUR ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

1. WE COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS

In addition to adhering to moral and ethical standards, compliance with the legislation is a fundamental rule. This refers not only to the legal regulations applicable in the Slovak Republic but also to the internal regulations of the GGE Group.

2. WE TAKE CARE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

Employee health and safety is one of the key priorities of GGE, which recognises that performance and efficiency are made up of happy and healthy employees working in a safe environment.

3. WE RESPECT EACH OTHER

In regard to employee relations, we prefer a workplace of mutual respect and trust. The views of each employee as well as their personal development are the company’s priority. We treat customers, suppliers and others with whom GGE has business relationships responsibly, fairly, and respectfully, regardless of gender, religion or belief, race, nationality or ethnic group, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital or family status, skin colour, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, gender, or other status.

4. WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE

We do not accept or tolerate any form or manifestation of discrimination. Bullying does not belong in personal life or the workplace. This also applies to any form of mobbing and bossing.

5. WE REJECT CHILD AND FORCED LABOUR

We strictly reject all forms of child, forced, and involuntary labour. We expect the same approach from our business partners. At the same time, we do not restrict the free movement of employees in any way nor withhold any employee identity documents.

6. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

We avoid any direct or indirect affiliation (e.g. with family members or close friends) that would or could interfere, or appear to interfere, with the independent exercise of judgement, while acting in accordance with the best interests of GGE. At the same time, we avoid situations where we might be personally or financially involved in the affairs of customers, competitors, or suppliers who do business with GGE.

7. BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

We do not engage, directly or indirectly, in any activity that could be considered as bribe acceptance, bribery, procurement machinations, damage to the financial interests of the European Community or any other activity in which we would abuse our position or title. At the same time, we do not grant undue advantages, directly or indirectly, or provide gifts or other benefits to politicians, political parties, representatives of public institutions, etc., which could affect their independence.

8. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

We comply with all personal data protection regulations, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We protect the personal data of our colleagues, customers, and business partners.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

We maintain confidentiality about GGE matters and about information obtained in the course of our activities.

10. ENVIRONMENT

We adhere to the concept of sustainable development in the environmental field and assist in environmental protection programmes. In all our activities, we respect and comply with applicable legislative and environmental standards and promote the adoption of more demanding standards to reduce adverse environmental impacts and avoid risks of environmental damage. We raise awareness among employees and stakeholders by proactively communicating our environmental policies. The role of our employees is to anticipate these risks and to share any information that will contribute to their prevention.

11. ADHERENCE TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT PRINCIPLES

We expect our employees to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles of the Code. Violations of these rules, laws, internal provisions, or regulations can have serious consequences not only for the individual but also for GGE. In the event of a violation of the principles of the Code, we will draw consequences to the extent possible under the law and regardless of the employee’s position and standing in the company.