Global Compact International Yearbook 2016

Promoting integration
At Bosch, a sustainable approach to doing business is an established part of corporate strategy.
Since the company was founded, its activities have reflected the wishes of its founder, Robert
Bosch, who was committed to contributing to social well-being and strongly believed in the
principle of ethical business. That sense of social responsibility is still reflected in the actions of
Bosch associates today, for instance when it comes to the integration of refugees.
By Bernhard Schwager, Bosch
The number of refugees seeking safety
and a better future in Europe remains
high, and this poses a major challenge for
EU member states. Since 2015, Germany
has also faced a particular challenge:
Well over a million people have sought
asylum in the country since the start
of last year. This situation has been the
subject of heated debate and has brought
forth a number of questions. Nevertheless,
most politicians, business people,
and members of the general public agree
that all stakeholders must cooperate
with one another to keep the situation
under control. Here, the business world
can make an important contribution.
Especially when it comes to the integration
of refugees, companies can provide
support in a number of ways.
Donations for local aid organizations
Against this backdrop, in 2015 targeted
aid initiatives were organized in a number
of Bosch countries. For instance,
Primavera e.V., the nonprofit organization
operated by Bosch associates, made
a call for donations across Europe. With
the help of the Bosch board of management,
the group works council and the
group committee of executive representatives
asked all associates to support
the refugee cause. In the end, more
than € 400,000 was collected in several
Bosch countries. As it had previously announced,
Bosch then doubled the total
to € 820,000. The money went toward
a number of sustainable local projects
that aimed to help refugees. Moreover,
associates were invited to make suggestions
for projects that the funds could
support. The idea behind this was that
local people would have the best knowledge
about which social activities were
important in their locations. Eligible
projects included charitable initiatives
that had already received the support of
current or former Bosch associates. Ideally,
these initiatives would be situated
close to a Bosch location. A committee
that included members of Primavera,
the group works council, and Bosch
associates decided on how the money
would be distributed. Until now, Bosch
has provided targeted support to more
than 100 projects.
Associates as mentors
In addition to this, Bosch is committed
to helping refugees get off to a good
start in Germany. Prior to the call for
donations, the company had already
made € 500,000 available for integration-related
activities at its locations.
Moreover, the company has offered cities
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Global Compact International Yearbook 2016