Protection of Personal Integrity in the Workplace

Protecting the personal integrity of all employees in the workplace is essential. This means that bullying, discrimination of any kind, as well as sexual harassment or other forms of harassment, are not tolerated within the Migros Group—at any time and in any place, even when no one is watching.

If you experience or observe a violation, you have the right to report it without fear of disadvantage. However, intentionally false accusations will have consequences.

• Is intentional and hostile behavior
• Occurs over a longer period of time
• Can be verbal, non-verbal, or through actions
• Can take place in everyday work situations, in person or online (chats, social media)

Examples:

• Your manager insults you in front of the team.
• An employee is repeatedly laughed at in team meetings when she speaks.
• A supervisor deliberately withholds important information from an employee.

Bullying differs from conflicts. Conflicts:

• Arise from differing opinions
• Can often be resolved through discussion and compromise

It is often difficult to determine when or where bullying begins. It is a gradual process, and the boundaries between workplace conflicts and bullying are often blurred.

• Targets specific social groups and their characteristics, for example: age, origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and identity
• Is expressed through negative and degrading statements and actions

Examples:

• A 60-year-old employee is not invited to a training session because he is considered “too old.”
• An employee is not promoted with the justification: “You have young children.”
• A manager says: “Women are too weak for this job.”

Important:

• A demeaning attitude toward a group of people is not simply a personal or individual political opinion; it may constitute a violation of human rights.
• Everyone has the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination.

• Refers to unwanted, inappropriate, or boundary-crossing behavior of a sexual nature
• Violates the dignity of the person affected
• Can occur through words, gestures, or actions

Examples:

• An employee says to a colleague: “You have an attractive body.”
• An employee kisses a colleague on the cheek without consent.
• Someone makes sexually suggestive jokes during a break.

Important:

• Sexual harassment is independent of the perpetrator’s intent
• What matters is the perception of the person affected
• Sexual harassment begins where a person feels their boundaries are crossed
• Therefore, everyone must be very aware of their own behavior regarding personal distance and boundaries
• Even compliments can be perceived as sexual harassment. Compliments related to appearance, clothing, body, etc. should therefore be avoided

• If something makes you uncomfortable or you do not want it, you are allowed to say STOP. Seek support from your manager or HR.
• Violations of personal integrity can have serious consequences for those affected
• Overall health may suffer, leading to withdrawal, poor performance, depression, or suicidal thoughts

Through your behavior, you help create a respectful and appreciative work environment every day.

If you observe a boundary violation, you can express your disapproval directly or report it to your manager, the company’s social counseling service, your HR contact, or the compliance officers.

At Migros, we enforce zero tolerance for violations of personal integrity. The following contact points provide information and support:

Support and Advisory Services

Reporting Office M-Concern

Would you like to learn more? Then complete our e-learning on SF Learning!

Go to the e-learning ((link))

You can find more information and resources on the intranet:
Go to the intranet page ((link))