Speak Up About Your Concern

At Lindt & Sprüngli, conducting business with honesty, fairness, and respect for both legal requirements and corporate principles is a core commitment. This standard extends to all third parties associated with the company, including suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors, who are expected to follow the same ethical guidelines. These expectations are detailed in the company’s Codes of Conduct for employees and suppliers, as well as in key policies like the Human Rights Policy and the Speak Up Policy.

The Speak Up Line provides a secure and confidential way for individuals to report concerns related to potential breaches of company policies, legal requirements, or ethical standards. While employees are encouraged to first address issues with their usual points of contact, the Speak Up Line offers an alternative when matters remain unresolved or when anonymity is desired. Reports can involve a wide range of issues, including human rights violations, unsafe working conditions, harassment, discrimination, environmental violations, bribery, or other illegal conduct.

Certain types of concerns are not appropriate for this reporting channel. Internal employment conflicts such as interpersonal disputes, disciplinary actions, or terminations should be handled through the Human Resources department. Routine health, safety, or property matters must follow standard reporting procedures, and customer-related complaints or product inquiries are directed to the relevant country-specific service channels.

The Speak Up Line is available to employees, workers, community members, and organizations connected to the company or its supply chain. It operates 24/7 throughout the year and supports multiple languages. Reports may be submitted by phone or in writing, and individuals are encouraged to provide detailed information. Reporters can choose to remain anonymous, though anonymity may limit the ability to fully investigate the issue. Each submission is assigned a unique Grievance ID, which allows the reporter to track progress and receive updates.

The reporting process is designed to ensure confidentiality, safety, and unbiased handling of all concerns. Group Compliance oversees the system, with trained personnel conducting investigations in a fair and respectful manner. Employees who raise genuine concerns are protected from retaliation or negative consequences. Individuals who feel at risk may also reach out directly to compliance via email or submit a new anonymous report through the Speak Up Line.

Once a report is received, it is acknowledged confidentially, and updates are provided throughout the investigation. Corrective actions are implemented as needed, with the protection of identity and confidentiality maintained at all stages, even after a case is resolved. Official English versions should be referenced when reviewing translated documents. This structured approach demonstrates Lindt & Sprüngli’s dedication to ethical business practices, transparency, and safeguarding those who raise concerns, supporting a responsible and values-driven workplace and supply chain environment.