Human-Centered Commitment: Borusan Group's Vision

Human-Centered Commitment: Borusan Group's Vision

The phrase “Our human resources are our greatest asset” is often heard in the business world, yet it frequently remains a mere slogan. However, Borusan Group's commitment to its "Human Rights Policy" goes beyond these words, offering an exemplary approach to valuing humanity. This commitment is not limited to internal processes; it encompasses a wide perspective that covers the entire business ecosystem.

Nursel Ölmez Ateş, Group President of Human Resources, Communication and Sustainability at Borusan Holding, explains the foundations of this approach as follows: “We believe that every individual has the right to live and work in conditions that are dignified, safe, inclusive, and fair.” This perspective is not only limited to internal operations but also encompasses a wide area of impact together with suppliers and business partners. Furthermore, this commitment is considered an important step towards ensuring the sustainability of the workforce.

Local Context and Historical Perspective

Borusan's human-centered approach aims to raise awareness about human rights and sustainability in Turkey's business world. This commitment emphasizes that the workforce has been not only a cost source but also a value element throughout Turkey’s historical journey from the industrial revolution to the present day. In this context, Borusan aims to create a fairer work environment while respecting the rights of employees.

Equal opportunity and inclusivity are among the most important components of this commitment. It is emphasized that recruitment, promotion, and compensation processes should be based solely on merit and performance. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) approach aims to protect differences as a value. Additionally, concerns about artificial intelligence and algorithmic discrimination emerge as another crucial issue. Thanks to these policies, employees can express themselves in a safe environment.

These efforts by Borusan have the potential to create significant transformation in Turkey's business world, where human rights violations are widespread. The institution aims to achieve social change by impacting not only its own employees but also its business partners and suppliers with its human-centered policies. In this context, the company's sustainability understanding considers not only economic gain but also social and environmental impact.

Impacted Sectors and Individual Measures

The human rights policies implemented create an impact that encompasses not only Borusan but also its suppliers and business partners. This situation is considered a critical step in protecting and enhancing employee rights, especially in the industry, technology, and service sectors. It is emphasized that companies should not be limited to their own operations but should influence the entire value chain. In this context, Borusan aims to raise human rights standards by collaborating with its business partners.

Climate change must be addressed along with its impacts on the workforce. Borusan’s commitment reiterates that the effects on employees and local communities should be considered within the framework of just transition principles. Issues related to fair compensation and working hours are also included in the commitment; it is stated that fair compensation and flexible working models should be supported by adhering to the “Equal Pay for Equal Work” principle. This way, employees will be able to achieve a better standard of living both economically and socially.

In this context, the adoption of similar policies by other players in the business world has the potential to create more impact across the industry. By integrating human rights and sustainability issues into their strategies, companies will not only enhance their own reputations but also contribute to the improvement of social welfare. Furthermore, the adoption of such policies will support the long-term success of companies. Sustainable business models provide a competitive advantage not only today but also in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Borusan Group's Human Rights Policy?

Borusan Group's Human Rights Policy aims to guarantee the right to live and work in conditions that are dignified for employees.

What areas does the commitment focus on?

The commitment focuses on important areas such as equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination, climate change, fair pay, and working hours.

How is employee participation ensured?

Employees can voice their opinions through independent and anonymous reporting channels called “Orange Ethics.”

What approach has been adopted regarding climate change?

The effects of climate change are evaluated within the framework of just transition principles.

How will diversity and inclusivity be ensured?

Diversity and inclusivity will be ensured based solely on merit and performance in recruitment, promotion, and compensation processes.

How does Borusan ensure sustainability?

Borusan develops sustainable human resources management practices by contributing to the welfare of its employees and society.

Editor's Note: Borusan Group's commitment serves as an important example regarding human rights in the business world. It emphasizes that institutions should see humans not as a resource but as a value.

Featured Figures and Comparison

Year	Employee Wellbeing Score	Stress Index	Anxiety Rate
2022	54	66.2	63.4
2023	60	63.3	60.1

Local Observation and Social Impact

The “2026 Half-Year Employee Wellbeing Report” prepared by Meditopia reveals that the overall wellbeing score of employees has increased from 54 to 60 across Turkey. However, it also shows that the stress index and anxiety rates have decreased. Nevertheless, a significant portion of employees still experience fatigue, stress, and anxiety in their work lives. Fatigue stands out as the most frequently felt emotion among employees. In this regard, Borusan's human-centered policies are attentive to the mental health of employees and increase sensitivity on this issue.

Research by Deloitte and Gallup emphasizes that employees have started to feel better at work, but this improvement is fragile. It has been observed that supportive relationships in the workplace help employees stay resilient during challenging times. This shift allows for a reduction in stress and anxiety levels at work. Additionally, it enhances employees' workplace loyalty, thereby increasing productivity. Borusan's human-centered approach is at the core of these positive developments.

Social awareness is an important factor that increases the effectiveness of such policies. Borusan is taking steps to improve the general health and education levels of society by carrying out social responsibility projects in collaboration with local communities. These types of projects positively contribute to the sustainability of not only Borusan but the entire sector. Education support projects and health screenings conducted in local schools have the potential to create lasting change in society. Thus, Borusan's commitments benefit not only its employees but also a wider community.

These efforts by Borusan not only enhance the welfare of employees but also that of society as a whole. The company collaborates with suppliers to implement social responsibility projects.