Social responsibility and well-being at INESC TEC: an ESG commitment

Since October is the month dedicated to mental health, one of the vital issues in our people management and social responsibility policy, it makes perfect sense to dedicate this Editorial to this central topic that is often neglected by institutions and society in general.?

This month, we reinforced our commitment through a set of initiatives dedicated to mental health. We organised a yoga and meditation class, a session on the importance of sleep, a nutrition class and even our Book Club focused on this theme. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to support the work-life balance of our community, thus promoting a healthy work environment.?

Our Technical Committee for Social Responsibility has been instrumental in developing initiatives aimed at the well-being of our community – complying with the principles of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), a strategy that we are implementing and that promotes sustainability, while favouring our purpose: a sustainable future through the impact of science, technology, and innovation.?

ESG covers three fundamental pillars, and we’ve been promoting several actions in those domains:?

• Environment – we have been reducing our carbon footprint through the electrification of our means of transportation (powered by locally generated renewable electricity) and modernising the air conditioning of buildings. In addition, we have promoted the collection of technological waste, recycled coffee pods, replaced plastic cups and bottles with recycled glass and paper, and implemented measures to reduce electricity, gas and water consumption.?

• Social – we are deeply committed to gender equality and continue to work to establish equal pay. We also introduced positive discrimination factors for people with disabilities in our job openings, besides providing Portuguese classes for foreigners, and organising events dedicated to families. We have created a meditation space to support mental well-being, and we maintain the hybrid work scheme – besides integrating the four-day work week pilot (the conclusions of which will soon be disclosed). Our Commission for Diversity and Inclusion will launch an internal assessment process on our working conditions, in liaison with the project “Healthy Work Environment Ecosystems”; according to the results, we will implement good practices that reduce psychosocial risks and increase well-being, with a direct impact on productivity, creativity and your satisfaction.?

• Governance – our Technical Committee for Social Responsibility supports the definition and operationalisation of the institutional strategy at this level. We value good environmental and social practices among our suppliers and partners, incorporating sustainability and social responsibility criteria in tenders and contracts. We require our suppliers to share our commitment to sustainability and good practices.?

Hence, Social Responsibility is one of the cornerstones of our ESG commitment. Through these initiatives and policies, INESC TEC aims to create a healthy, inclusive and balanced work environment, as the success of our institution depends on the well-being of our community.?

Obviously, this can only be possible if we are motivated and if we create an inspired and inspiring community that keeps developing science with social impact – together. To do so, we rely on you – our people!?

By Luís Seca, member of the Board of Directors