As a part of Republic Services’ commitment to an ethical culture and our values, you will often hear us say, “Speak up” or “See something, say something”. This is because it is critical that you voice your concerns whenever you see, hear, or suspect something that does not align with the Company’s values. There are many options available to you if you need guidance or to report a concern – you can contact your immediate supervisor, any other manager, your HR partner, the Legal Department, the Ethics & Compliance team, or the confidential AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.
While empowering all employees to speak up, our leaders have the additional responsibility of making sure they are listening to all concerns and taking action to address them. Here are some ways our leaders can remain committed to our “Speak Up” culture:
- Listen actively: Make it a point to give others your full and undivided attention when they are speaking or sharing a concern.
- Confirm and clarify: Ask clarifying questions and repeat back what you have heard to make sure you understood the concerns correctly.
- Take action: If an employee reports a concern to you, you have a duty to get that information to the right people for investigation or follow up.
- Maintain a professional and respectful work environment: Whatever the issue or concern is, it is important that you continue to uphold a professional and respectful workplace. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation and if you suspect this has happened, it is your responsibility to report it immediately.
Employees who feel that their voices are heard are more likely to speak up and report an issue that they encounter, so listen up! We are committed to maintaining an environment where all employees know that their concerns will be heard and addressed. If you need support with reporting or handling a concern, you can reach out to your supervisor, another member of management, your HR partner, the Legal department, the Ethics & Compliance team, or the confidential AWARE Line.
