Thomson Reuters has a core set of values and behaviors that guide the new company and its staff. These values reflect our absolute commitment to the customer, the global nature of our business, that people make the difference and our continual quest for high performance.
The desired professional behaviors that spring from these values are: accountability, a commitment to continuous improvement, a desire for innovation and the promotion of teamwork.
As we reflect these values and behaviors in our corporate responsibility programs, we will create opportunities for staff to learn and develop their individual and team professional and managerial skills in the context of our stated values and desired behaviors.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Thomson Reuters has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, directors and officers. All staff will be required to submit an acknowledgement that they have received and read a copy of the code and understand their obligations to comply with the principles and policies outlined in the document.
In an effort to further promote a culture of ethical business conduct throughout Thomson Reuters, most employees will be required to take a mandatory online training course related to the code. The Corporate Governance Committee will receive an annual report regarding the code from the General Counsel of Thomson Reuters.
Global Health & Safety policy
Both Thomson and Reuters have existing global health & safety policies. Building on both policies, we will establish a global program of compliance and monitoring, reflecting local country requirements and legislation. It is expected that all employees are aware of their local Health and Safety Policy and its' obligations.
Reuters News Journalists
Reuters editorial output is strictly governed by our editorial policy
The most significant health and safety risks are faced by our Reuters News staff operating in war zones. In order to mitigate the risk to the best of our ability, we constantly review our safety provisions, to ensure that the hostile environment training and safety equipment provided is of the highest standard. Employees have standing instructions to avoid risks to their, or others' personal safety wherever possible.
Thomson Reuters addresses the issue of workplace stress seriously and has an established Post Traumatic Stress Disorder training program and help line open to support our journalists, including freelancers, and their family members.
Diversity
The diversity of our employees remains critical for our growth and future success and is good for our business. It is clear that knowing and valuing diverse talent is crucial to our ability to successfully manage change and deliver a culture that values difference, open feedback and fact-based decisions.
In order to give focus to our diversity efforts in the short-term, we have set four company-wide global objectives for diversity. These are as follows:
- Improve the pipeline of women and racial/ethnic minorities into senior management roles;
- Improve management capability in areas that impact diversity;
- Increase diversity awareness across the organization; and
- Identify diversity-related market opportunities and establish a process to pursue them.
Reverse mentoring will be an important program and we’ve started to prepare for the next 2008 program cycle where high-performing staff will be matched with senior managers. The program helps the senior manager gain knowledge and insights that will enable them to incorporate diversity into their daily business. The program objectives are to enhance the understanding of diversity issues within the business units; to increase leadership, conflict management, and coaching skills of both mentoring partners; and to encourage frank discussion.
Alumni Networks
Both Thomson and Reuters have established alumni networks. Through web-based information and social functions, we are able to maintain contact with previous colleagues who are not only our ambassadors and custodians of our history but may also wish to return to Thomson Reuters as rehires.