People: empowering lives and fostering wellbeing

The ‘People’ pillar recognizes that the success of any organization lies in the hands of its people. Prioritizing employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion leads to enhanced performance, innovation, and a happier workforce.  Flooring manufacturers have a significant responsibility in the working conditions of the flooring installers, since these are very much dependent on the size, weight and form of the flooring product supplied.  The Dutch ministry of social affairs and employment has instructed employers to organize works to be executed according to strict regulations regarding lifting, kneeling, sitting and squatting. In general to organize the physical labor in the least stressful way for an employee.  A general acceptance in the Dutch market is not to supply products which exceed 23 kg (50.6 Lbs) packaging. This has led to a major change from rolls of carpet towards carpet tiles. However on the resilient side of flooring, major manufacturers are still supplying rolls of over 200 kg (440 Lbs) not complying with their cooperate social responsibility.

According to the Dutch working regulations, working on your knees should not exceed 30 minutes in a row, with a maximum of 60 minutes per day. Installing roles of resilient flooring is very heavy labour and is practically not feasible according to these regulations. Liquid applied floors, which can be installed standing up, have significant advantages and do add to better working conditions.