Commitment to Ethical Business Practices
HomeLights is committed to the communities in which we live and operate and in ensuring that we integrate good corporate behavior into every aspect of our operations. How we conduct our business is of major interest to our customers and team members. Being socially responsible is one significant measure of a sustainable organization. HomeLights is currently looking beyond its good financial performance and a conformance-based approach to social, environmental and ethical responsibilities, to measure how we perform as a member of those communities. HomeLights’ commitment includes the ongoing development of an ethically sound operating culture from which a proactive approach is taken to local and global human rights, customers, disadvantaged people, acknowledging cultural differences and community welfare. It is expected that HomeLights’ socially-responsible approach to business practices will have a positive effect on both the performance and reputation of the company and the future of the communities we operate in.
Ethical Sourcing Code (ESC) Overview
HomeLights is committed to the safe and ethical manufacture and supply of goods and services. HomeLights and its subsidiaries reserve the right not to do business with Vendors that do not share and demonstrate this commitment. This ESC sets out our minimum requirements and expectations that all Vendors, including sub-contractors engaged by Vendors, must meet in order to do business with HomeLights and its subsidiaries. Vendors must ensure that the production processes they use do not involve exploitation or represent a danger to health, safety or the environment. HomeLights regards exploitation of children as particularly unacceptable and reserves our right not to do business with Vendors who fail to share our views on this issue.
ESC Factory Audit
To be successful in achieving our goals of being the best team and delighting our customers, a very high standard of probity must apply to how we source and produce the goods we sell. The adoption of the ESC and the implementation of the audit and reporting procedures place HomeLights at the forefront of worldwide manufacturing in meeting expectations that products and services be ethically sourced. In particular, HomeLights expects that Vendors share a commitment to fair and reasonable treatment of their workers. The audit procedure will measure the ethical status and performance improvement of HomeLights Vendors. The intent of the ESC and accompanying audit procedures are to generate Vendor commitment to the sourcing of ethically-produced products. A rigorous audit procedure will measure Vendor adherence to the Code, measure Vendor breaches and continuously improve the way Vendors generate their supply to HomeLights. Vendors directly benefit from their commitment to the ESC through:
- greater sustainability and supply certainty,
- a reduction in occupational health and safety (OH&S) incidents,
- maximizing staff retention and retaining skills,
- developing skilled middle management, and
- improving product/service quality
ESC principles
Employment Practices
HomeLights expects its Vendors to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding labour and employment. In addition, HomeLights will only do business with Vendors who adhere to the following requirements:
HomeLights expects its Vendors to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding labour and employment. In addition, HomeLights will only do business with Vendors who adhere to the following requirements:
Child Labour
Vendors shall not use child labour. A “child” is a person who is younger than the local legal age for completing compulsory education.
Wages and Benefits
Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week must meet as a minimum, any applicable local laws or industry practices, whichever is the higher. All workers must be provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions in respect to wages, before they enter employment, and about the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time they are paid.
Working Hours
Working hours shall comply with applicable local laws. Workers shall not work more hours in one week than allowable under local laws. Overtime shall be voluntary and shall be compensated as prescribed by local laws.
Forced/Bonded Labour
Vendors shall not use forced, bonded or involuntary labour. Workers will not be required to lodge “deposits” or their identity papers with the Vendor; are free to leave once their shift ends, or to leave their employment after giving their employer reasonable notice.
Discrimination
All conditions of employment must be based on an individual’s ability to do the job, not on the basis of personal characteristics, such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, or personal beliefs. Vendors must ensure that they provide an environment where their employees can work without distress or interference caused by harassment, discrimination or any other inappropriate workplace behavior.
Discipline
All conditions of employment must be based on an individual’s ability to do the job, not on the basis of personal characteristics, such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, or personal beliefs. Vendors must ensure that they provide an environment where their employees can work without distress or interference caused by harassment, discrimination or any other inappropriate workplace behavior.
Freedom of Association
Vendors acknowledge that workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. Vendors are required to adopt an open attitude toward the activities of trade unions and their organization activities. Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted under the local laws, Vendors will not hinder the development of alternative means of independent and free association and bargaining.
The Workplace
HomeLights expects its Vendors to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding management controls. In addition, HomeLights will only do business with Vendors who adhere to the following requirements:
Health and Safety
Vendors will provide workers with a safe and clean working environment, taking into account the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards and will provide facilities and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. This will include an adequate number of unlocked, freely accessible and clearly marked exits for emergency evacuations, and properly maintained fire fighting equipment. Workers must be appropriately supervised and trained to perform their jobs safely.
Accommodation
Where Vendors provide worker accommodation, it shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of the workers.
Toilet Facilities
Vendors will provide workers with access to clean toilet facilities, clean and drinkable water and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage and preparation.
Equipment
Vendors will ensure that personal protective safety equipment is available and workers are trained in its use. Safeguards on machinery must meet or exceed local laws.
Management Controls
HomeLights expects its Vendors to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding management controls. In addition, HomeLights will only do business with Vendors who adhere to the following requirements:
Sub-Contractors
Vendors must ensure that all its sub-contractors and suppliers providing materials or labor in the manufacture of goods ordered by us comply with this ESC.
Environment
HomeLights requires Vendors, as a minimum, to meet all relevant local and national environmental protection laws, and to strive to comply with international environment protection standards.
Ethical Standards
Vendors must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and have a close affinity with our business ethics. In particular, honesty, fair dealing and the proper treatment of workers are required at all times. Bribes, favors, benefits or other similar unlawful or improper payments, in cash or kind, are strictly prohibited, whether given to obtain business or otherwise.
Compliance with Local Laws
HomeLights requires all Vendors to comply fully with the legal requirements of the countries in which they operate. All requirements in this Ethical Sourcing Code are in addition to compliance with applicable local laws.
Compliance with this Ethical Sourcing Code
HomeLights will monitor compliance with this ESC, and we, or our representatives, may visit Vendor factories or facilities with prior notice to ensure this policy is being complied with. Any violations of this Ethical Sourcing Code will be reported to the Vendor’s management for follow up and, if appropriate, corrective action. Corrective action may include ceasing to do business with the Vendor concerned, in accordance with our Standard Terms and Conditions of Supply.
