Elior has rolled out a policy on gifs and hospitality in order to prevent the risks related to corruption.
Business gifts and invitations are part of common business practice for maintaining harmonious relationships with customers and suppliers. Even if they don't constitute an act of corruption, caution is recommended, particularly when dealing with undue requests.
Gifts exchanged with business partners must not be perceived as likely to influence the behavior of their beneficiary. Their value must be in line with the rules set out by each entity’s Chief Executive Officer and reflect only a mark of attention in accordance with commercial practices. Gifts are thus permitted if they meet the following conditions:
- They are compliant with the local laws and cultures,
- They are compliant with the internal rules of the beneficiary’s organisation,
- They are given officially, in a professional context.
These rules apply to gifts given by Group employees as well as gifts received by the Group's employees.
Invitations to meals, trips or shared activities must meet a justified business objective.
Can I accept a gift/invitation?
Yes, if they respect the following conditions:
- They remain within a professional context, which excludes extended invitations to family members, and
- They are not always extended to the same people: the recommended frequency is two invitations per year for the same person, barring special circumstances.
Best practices
- Check that your counterpart’s company policy allows that person to receive gifts or invitations,
- Never give gifts or invitations while in the negotiation of a major commercial agreement or call for tenders is in progress,
- Limit your gifts to low-value items and give them in connection with specific events (year-end festivities, celebrating the end of a project, etc.),
- Give priority to gifts that are intended for your contact person’s company or department, as opposed to personal gifts,
- Offer invitations in a professional context: do not extend them to families,
- When dealing with public officials an civil servants, reduce gifts to symbolic items and keep invitations to formal occasions,
- Lastly, certain types of gifts are strictly prohibited: cash, loans, gift vouchers.