The introduction of the SA8000 standard in 2023 has also brought about noticeable changes at Sedus. Today, it shapes our work processes, influences the selection of suppliers and strengthens the focus on fair standards in our daily interactions. It also means that decisions are made more consciously, critically questioned and comprehensively documented – a win for greater transparency and responsibility throughout the company.
Social standards in the supply chain
This is particularly evident in purchasing. Nora Trachternach (Group Director Purchasing) reports that the standard has fundamentally changed her work, both strategically and operationally. "We have established a structured risk assessment for sustainability, which is initially based on country-specific indices and takes into account the complex criteria of the standard. In a second stage, supplier-specific factors are taken into account," she explains. Today, this assessment is firmly integrated into processes such as supplier self-disclosures and audits. At the same time, teams in purchasing and quality have been specifically sensitised to the issue, resulting in a common understanding of social responsibility. Risks are now assessed in a fact-based and differentiated manner, which has also changed discussions with suppliers. These discussions now often lead to concrete agreements and, in individual cases, even to the exclusion of certain regions or the targeted redesign of supply chains.
Awareness in everyday life has also changed. Niklas Kleinschnittger (HR Business Partner) explains that people are now much more concerned about social norms. "You question suppliers, you are more aware that discrimination can sometimes happen unconsciously, or you pay more attention to other professional groups such as temporary workers or trainees under the age of 18."
Awareness and transparency in everyday working life
The standard also ensures greater transparency. Wolfgang Kautz (Chairman of the Workers' Council) noted that the guidelines and standards had made the company's processes clearer and more comprehensible.
Improvements have also been achieved in occupational health and safety. Anja Peter (Sustainability & Health and Safety) says: "The audits and the high requirements of the standard meant that known issues and the associated occupational health and safety measures could be implemented more quickly. Even issues that we in Germany take for granted were scrutinised and better documented."
The introduction of the SA8000 standard has achieved much more at Sedus than mere compliance with formal standards. It has become an integral part of the corporate culture and promotes conscious, responsible action in all areas – from supplier selection to daily interaction. Transparency, fairness and safety are not just buzzwords, but a lived reality. In this way, Sedus not only contributes to better working conditions, but also shows that social responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand.
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