Leading by example – Worldline’s CSR approach and strategy

The Trust 2025 Programme

Outlining a clear CSR strategy is just one step in achieving goals or fulfilling commitments. Worldline has adopted a broad, long-term vision encompassing technical innovation and sustainable practices, and its impact is clear. Worldline is ranked in the top 1% of the best sustainable companies used by purchasing departments by EcoVadis.

To ensure a better future for all, committing to positively impacting wider society, our global environment and the activities of stakeholders isn't just needed - it's necessary. At Worldline, this is embodied by The Trust 2025 programme. Launched in 2021, this roadmap aims to extend Worldline's CSR leadership and enable a strategic response to critical challenges. The programme acts as a continuation of the Trust 2020 programme and is structured around eight objectives that fall within the following categories: Business, People, Ethics and Value Chain, Environment, and Local Communities.

Business

Worldline's approach aims to create trust - which is crucial across the payments and financial sector. By promoting responsible practices, Worldline enhances its credibility and boosts public confidence. This influences global economic stability and better serves their customers through innovative, positive impact solutions. The way we pay can have a positive or negative impact on our world - with this in mind, Worldline measures its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) in its customer solutions, internal operations, and the entire value chain.

People

As a global leader, Worldline has consistently set itself higher ambitions, and created new targets to meet key challenges. This includes attracting and retaining the best talent. Development is key to the betterment of people, and for creating dynamic and inviting workplaces. As such, Worldline is committed to significantly increasing the annual training per employee to 32 hours by 2025. Significant strides have also been made on gender equality, with 34% of employees being women in 2022, and the percentage of women in management positions currently at 25% - on track towards Worldline's goal of 35% by 2025. Worldline is also committed to eliminating the gender pay gap, and further empowering people with disabilities to forge careers in the payments landscape. People play a critical role in Worldline's success, and a bold, long-term commitment to do better where necessary further reinforces its position as an ethical and positive employer.

Ethics & Value Chain

All businesses should commit to ethical business practices. These form the bedrock of Worldline's operations, and guide key players in business decisions, from high level to micro. Ethical business practices relate to transparency, fairness, and compliance with regulatory standards, and legal frameworks. Positive value is provided at all value chain stages, while negative impacts are minimised.

Environment

Reducing CO2 emissions and positively contributing to global efforts to combat climate change are a priority, especially at Worldline. Since 2016, Worldline has reduced its relative CO2e emissions by 69%, with further commitments to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 25% and 7.4%, respectively, by 2023. Worldline's top priority is to reduce consumption and the reduction of GHG emissions, and it is pursuing the 100% offsetting of its remaining CO2 emissions for scope 1,2 and 3. Further projects include the implementation of digital sufficiency for internal IT and Data centers, the eco-design of services and the development of digital services. Worldline is also leading the development of an ISO standard for eco-design of digital services, and is exploring its position within a circular economy. 

Local Communities

Worldline actively engages in philanthropic endeavours that uplift communities and address pressing social issues. From supporting local charities to volunteering initiatives, Worldline encourages its employees to actively participate in meaningful activities that contribute to the betterment of society. It also encourages generosity through its payment solutions via micro-donations at payment terminals and online donations. Worldline also participates in technical sponsorships or mentoring initiatives with local community associations and NGOs on issues that directly affect their organisation, such as financial inclusion, philanthropy and academic research. 

In addition, in order to respond to global challenges that continue to destabilise society, the economy and the environment, Worldline is proud to announce the creation of the Worldline Foundation by the end of 2023. The Foundation will embody and represent the identity, values and beliefs of Worldline. By allowing Worldline employees in Europe to suggest charitable commitments under its philanthropic policy, it is anticipated to inspire a spirit of cohesion and a willingness to act together. This Foundation is in addition to current local social initiatives, and aims to help as many people as possible to better experience positive societal and environmental transformation.

Recognising where to innovate

An important part of effecting positive change is recognising when and where steps are needed. Worldline does this within its portfolio of sustainability-mindful products and services and in its daily business activities. From seeking sustainable procurement solutions within the value chain and conducting product-led payments life cycle analysis to fostering the development of people, communities and more efficient products and services, Worldline continually seeks to improve upon past achievements and strive to do more.

Ultimately, major players in the payments space such as Worldline have the potential and the responsibility to create a meaningful and lasting positive impact on society. This can be achieved while also enhancing their own brand reputation and long-term sustainability. As the modern world moves forward, the blueprint laid out by Worldline's CSR approach should serve as a beacon for other financial institutions looking to navigate towards responsible and purpose-driven corporate choices.