Processes for Engaging With Our Own Workforce and Workers’ Representatives About Impacts

Engaging with employees

WACKER regularly conducts surveys among its employees to identify further potential for improvement. These surveys help us to gain valuable insight into the needs and expectations of our own workforce and the impacts of our implemented actions. When doing so, we ensure that all employees worldwide can participate in the surveys. The results are discussed with employees in the respective departments and possible solutions are proposed. The employee representatives are closely involved in the process. In our most recent global employee survey in 2023, we scored above average in terms of engagement and leadership culture. Potential for improvement was identified in the areas of safety, communication, cooperation, recognition and professional development.

We also carry out surveys as needed on issues such as sustainability and occupational safety. Internal department meetings provide a further opportunity for employees to express their views.

We use external benchmarks as an indicator of our commitment. In its annual satisfaction survey of chemical-industry executives, the VAA (German Chemical Industry Association of Academic and Management Employees) ranked WACKER 4th out of the 23 companies assessed, giving us an overall score of 2.7 on a par with the previous year. The average score was 3.2.

In addition, compliance with these standards is reviewed regularly in social audits (such as Sedex and TfS), which also include employee interviews. The auditors investigate issues such as working conditions, occupational health and safety, environmental management and corporate ethics. We make the results available to interested customers via TfS or in the Sedex database. We reviewed our Adrian (USA) and Jandira (Brazil) sites in 2024 and identified discrepancies in health, occupational safety and human resources. The discrepancies have now been settled with corrective and preventative actions. In 2025, we will conduct social audits at a total of six sites.

Expressing concerns

Human rights concerns can be directed and reported to the company via various channels. The table below shows the reported and actual incidents and complaints in relation to human rights.

Seven reports relating to discrimination or harassment were received in the reporting year. A total of 33 further reports related to other complaints were also received in 2024. The reports were submitted both via our BKMS whistleblowing system and via the Group Compliance group mailbox. In none of the reported cases did the investigations result in fines, sanctions and/or penalties.

Furthermore, no serious violations of human rights were identified in 2024, meaning that no fines, sanctions and/or compensation payments were imposed in this area either.

Please refer to the ESRS G1 – Business Conduct section for further information.