Code of conduct

To further promote and ensure responsible business practices, a Code of conduct was implemented in 2008. This code translates our values and responsibility into actions taken by our staff every day. The code highlights important issues such as the environmental aspects of our operations, anti-corruption and anti-trust legislation, human rights issues, workplace behavior and safety.

The Code of conduct was introduced to the organization through a web learning tool. All members of staff were required to complete the online training module and it is also part of the orientation program for new employees. The module has proven to be a popular and efficient method for training staff in ethical conduct and corporate responsibility. In early 2009, 93% of the total Vaisala personnel had completed the module, including 97 % of our staff at Vantaa Head office.

Vaisala’s Code of conduct

1. We comply with national laws and regulations
Vaisala Oyj (“Vaisala”) and its subsidiaries, offices and agencies will obey and abide by any national laws in their respective countries, whether Vaisala is stationed therein or doing business in that country. Vaisala respects local legislation and regulations, whether they are business related or other. Where differences exist between local laws, regulations, customs, norms or this code – Vaisala strives to apply which ever sets the highest standard.

2. We encourage fair and lively competition in the marketplace
Vaisala is a strong supporter of fair competition worldwide - irrespective of any national or international competition regulations. Vaisala does itself comply with any and all regulations concerning competition and encourages its competitors and associates to do the same. Healthy competition in the marketplace is necessary for the development of the whole industry, thus benefiting customers and shareholders.

3. We respect the environment and treat it with care
Vaisala takes environmental matters to heart and attends to them with care. Vaisala wants to be involved in establishing a sound foundation for better quality living, environmental protection and conservation, safety and productivity. Vaisala complies with generally accepted international environmental standards and often exceeds legal requirements. Vaisala strives to continually improve environmental performance of its products and is committed to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. All employees are responsible for Vaisala’s environmental performance.

4. We treat our suppliers and customers fairly
Vaisala strives for long term partnerships both with its suppliers as well as customers. We give our partners a good insight into our demand forecasting, constructive performance feedback as well as our support and help. We treat our suppliers and customers in a professional and ethical manner and follow through our obligations and agreements promptly. We want to share our success with our collaborators and create benefits for all parties.

5. We collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers that meet international standards in ethics and sustainable development
Vaisala pays special attention to the ethical and environmental issues when validating suppliers. We monitor and encourage our current suppliers to comply with the requirements of international human rights and environmental laws and practices.

6. We treat our employees with respect and guarantee a safe working environment
Vaisala’s central value is ‘fair play’ which shows in all our undertakings, whether it is towards our staff, suppliers or our customers. Beyond this, Vaisala respects the employees’ right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, collective bargaining and a safe working environment. Vaisala does not accept any child, bonded or forced labor in any parts of its supply chain. Vaisala ensures that all of its safety measures are up to date and is committed to continuous improvement.

7. We encourage professional and personal growth of our employees
Vaisala invests continuously in the professional and personal learning and growth of its employees in order to realize their full potential. This is achieved by emphasizing on-the-job learning supported by internal and external personal development programs. Furthermore, Vaisala encourages its employees to actively manage their work-life balance as this has been recognized to improve work capacity and well-being at work.

8. We contribute to the communities we live in
Vaisala believes in a world where environmental observations improve daily life. As the global leader in environmental measurement and active member of society, Vaisala has a responsibility to act as a good corporate citizen. Vaisala’s overall objective for Community Outreach is to support organizations and projects that advance environmental awareness and science education. All our outreach activities should be in line with Vaisala’s values and resonate well with environmental issues such as climate, weather, environmental measurement, industrial impact and environmental sciences.

9. We respect human rights and we retain high moral standards in whatever we do
People should be treated equally and fairly irrespective of ethnic origin, nationality, ancestry, religion or creed, political views, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability or age. Vaisala respects these rights and condemns discrimination and intolerance of all kinds.

Vaisala endorses the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, The OECD Guidelines for  Multinational Enterprises, and the Ten Principles of Global Compact. Furthermore, Vaisala recognizes the value of diversity, teamwork, fair compensation, innovation, health and safety at the work place, environmental awareness, and community involvement and strives to contribute in these fields for the benefit of the company and its stakeholders.

10. We condemn all corruption
Vaisala will neither accept nor tolerate any form of corruption. Vaisala has a strict anti- corruption policy which, if not followed, will result in disciplinary actions against its violator and any accomplices. Vaisala endorses the UN Global Compact and thus pledges to work against corruption in all its forms.

Employees must not use a contractor, agent, consultant or other third party to perform any act which conflicts with Vaisala’s Code of conduct. We will seek to influence our suppliers and collaborators to adopt similar principles, if they do not already do so.