Structured, open, solution-oriented: a new way of working together
Niklas Flum (Sustainability Specialist) describes the changes at Sedus as follows: "Communication between departments has improved noticeably. Structured collaboration within the framework of the standard has led to closer and more regular exchanges, which has contributed to better understanding and greater transparency within the team."
This structured exchange is a core aspect of the SA8000 standard. It not only promotes cross-departmental collaboration, but also strengthens awareness of common goals. Regular meetings, defined responsibilities and transparent communication channels help to ensure that social issues are firmly anchored in everyday working life at Sedus.
Raising awareness and sharing responsibility
The introduction of the standard has brought about much more than just organisational changes – it has created a new culture of discussion. Nora Trachternach, Group Director Purchasing, emphasises: "The introduction of the SA8000 standard has raised awareness of social responsibility throughout the team. Today, we talk more openly about ethical issues and systematically incorporate social criteria into our purchasing decisions. As a result, our collaboration has become even more value-oriented and interdisciplinary – especially with the sustainability, quality assurance and management departments. The standard has contributed to risks no longer being viewed in isolation, but rather analysed and evaluated jointly as a team. This has made communication more open, structured and solution-oriented – with the aim of not only fulfilling social responsibility, but also actively shaping it."
This change shows that SA8000 is not just about control, but also about dialogue. Issues such as fair working conditions and ethical procurement are now discussed with greater openness and as a matter of course.
Strengthening cross-location cooperation
A lot has also changed across locations. Wolfgang Kautz, Chairman of the Workers Council, explains: "Communication and cooperation within the team has increased and improved significantly across locations. The standard promotes transparency and openness, which has led to better understanding and stronger cooperation."
Anja Peter, Sustainability & Health and Safety, agrees: "Communication was already good before. However, the Social Performance Team has improved communication between the Geseke and Dogern sites."
The Social Performance Team conducts annual internal audits on its own initiative and has thus taken on a key role. Simon Roquette, Head of Sustainability & Workplace Safety, explains: "Communication has intensified significantly thanks to our regular meetings in the Social Performance Team. In addition, the standard has trained all departments and raised awareness of social issues. As a result, these issues have become more visible and tangible throughout the company."
Conclusion: A standard that connects
The introduction of SA8000 has achieved much more at Sedus than just compliance with social standards – it has created a new awareness of cooperation, responsibility and transparency. Regular exchange, open communication and lived values have created a stronger sense of community that extends far beyond departments and locations.
Sedus is therefore demonstrating that social responsibility is not a static goal, but a continuous process – supported by dialogue, cooperation and commitment.
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