In Brief
Progress in sustainability, the Culture Movement continues to spread, gaining momentum even, and an award for outstanding design – select news in brief from the colorful world of GF.
The Culture Movement is picking up pace
GF launched the Culture Movement with 75 Change Agents from all divisions in November 2021. More than 100 team experiments have been performed around the world so far – all aiming at better anchoring our values in our everyday lives. GF locations in the Asia Pacific region also kicked off the Culture Movement in March with 47 additional Change Agents and the first set of hackathons.
A Corporation-wide survey was held in May. It showed that most GF employees had already come into contact with the Culture Movement and our values and felt that they were well-informed. From now on, the survey will be conducted every quarter in an effort to evaluate how well our values are already anchored in the company.
Click here to learn more about the GF Culture Movement.
GF expands start-up network
Since mid-February, GF has been part of an innovation network that promotes start-ups: MassChallenge Switzerland was launched in 2009 and has since then brought together numerous startups around the world with leading companies. It gives GF access to the best start-ups in Switzerland, setting the stage for the joint development of innovative business models, products and services. Cooperations with start-ups are also important to help the divisions develop innovative products. For example, GF Casting Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with STARTUP AUTOBAHN, an innovation platform that is powered by Plug and Play. The leading international platform connects a network of strong mobility and technology companies with start-ups from around the world.
GF Transparency Line
GF places great importance on a trustful relationship with employees, customers, suppliers and other business partners. GF’s Code of Conduct describes the values, principles and policies to which GF is committed as a global company. Issues and wrongdoing that you do not want to discuss openly (e.g. discrimination, bullying, sexual assault, legal violations) can be submitted securely and anonymously through a confidential channel, the GF Transparency Line, reachable via email, telephone or mail. The Transparency Line is active since the end of 2021 – In nine languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About the GF Transparency Line
Connections for life
With a current campaign, GF Piping Systems shows how it addresses key global challenges. A dedicated microsite and videos illustrate the division‘s approach to topics like solving water loss, improving water quality and ensuring clean water, together with its customers. More topics and videos are planned and will be shared on the LinkedIn channel of GF Piping Systems, for example. Be sure to follow and find out how the division builds connections and partnerships for life.
Joint efforts to increase work safety
After GF Piping Systems launched a new program for occupational safety in 2021, the other divisions are now following suit. Safety training in combination with videos, posters and e-mail banners clearly and creatively point out dangers in everyday working life. The aim is to raise the awareness of all employees about uncertain situations and to promote the exchange of best practices. Sustainability officers from all divisions have opted for the joint approach. As part of a newly founded Sustainability Committee, they regularly exchange views on measures to achieve the 2025 GF Sustainability Goals.
Award-winning design
In March, one of the latest generations of laser machines from GF Machining Solutions was awarded the 2022 Red Dot Design Award. A panel of experts lauded the LASER S 2500 U for its outstanding design in the Product Design category. The Red Dot Design Award is presented by a panel of renowned experts in a total of three categories every year. It is one of the most important design awards worldwide.
Progress in sustainability
GF defined three focus areas in its Sustainability Framework 2025: product portfolio, climate and resources, as well as people and well-being. In 2021, GF achieved good results across all three areas. Six of eight sustainability targets could be met or exceeded. For example, CO2 emissions dropped by 17% compared to 2019 and the percentage of sales generated by products with social or environmental benefits rose to 60%. The targets related to water usage and accident rate show most potential for improvement. Find out more in the Sustainability Report 2021 at sustainability-report.georgfischer.com.