Chapter 1: About our Code
Speaking up
Holding Nestlé accountable to the high standards of integrity we demand of ourselves is our collective responsibility. Nestlé actively promotes a culture in which employees feel comfortable to speak openly about any matter.
If ever we observe or are subject to conduct that contradicts our Code, or if we are asked to do something inconsistent with our values, our Code or Corporate Business Principles, company policies or the law, we must speak up.
There are several ways to speak up at Nestlé:
- Discuss any matter with your people manager, Human Resources or the Legal and Compliance team.
- Report your concern through Nestlé’s confidential Speak Up system. It is operated by an independent third party and is available 24 hours a day, every day, from any location. Reports may be submitted anonymously where permitted by law.
If you make a report, you may be contacted for more information. A fair and impartial investigation will follow, and you will be kept informed within the limits of confidentiality and privacy. Employees must cooperate in internal investigations regarding potential misconduct.
Our Speak Up system is open to Nestlé employees as well as external stakeholders.
Confidentiality and no retaliation
If you report potential wrongdoing in good faith, we will do all we can to protect your confidentiality, consistent with conducting a thorough investigation. You will not be penalized if your report turns out to be wrong. We will also protect the rights of any implicated person.
Retaliation against anyone who makes a report in good faith is strictly prohibited. Knowingly reporting false or misleading information is unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action. It may also lead to civil or criminal action.
What is retaliation?
Retaliation is any adverse behavior or less favorable treatment toward an individual in response to them raising a concern or participating in an investigation. This could take the form of threats, refusal to give a pay rise or promotion, demotion or being isolated from a team. If you believe you or someone else has been retaliated against for raising a concern, speak up. Nestlé has zero tolerance for any form of retaliation against someone who raises a concern in good faith.
Talk to your people manager, Human Resources or Legal and Compliance, or report your concerns through our Speak Up plat form.
