Code of ethics
SATO aims to operate with a long-term view, ethically and sustainably in relation to people, the economy, society and the environment. We always comply with laws and regulations, and instead of settling for the minimum level laid down in the law, we seek to exceed it whenever we can by making ethical choices.
SATO’s values are the foundation on which this Code is built. We work fairly and meet our customers in a genial manner – human to human. Open communication and the joy of succeeding together with colleagues help us in reaching our goals. We are bold and aim high in everything we do, also in terms of ethical conduct and sustainability.
The goal of our Code of Ethics is to ensure that all employees adhere to our ethical principles and ways of operating in their work and act honestly. We also expect our partners to follow our values and Code of Ethics. Actions contrary to the Code may result in measures such as termination, other consequences, or legal action.
The Code can be below as well as in SATO's intranet. Regular training on the guidelines is provided to SATO employees, and the orientation of new employees includes an introduction to the Code.
SATO Code of Ethics
We respect human rights
Human rights belong to everyone. We comply with internationally recognised human rights, employment legislation, collective agreements and the conventions of the International Labour Organization. We require the same from our business partners and employees.
Our employment terms and practices are fair, and we make a written employment agreement in understandable language with all of our employees. Our employees have the right to be members in the associations and unions of their choice.
We do not approve of child labour or having work done by children under the age of 15 even in countries where this is not illegal. We do not approve of any form of forced labour, human trafficking or slavery in our supply chains.
We value all kinds of people
We do not discriminate others based on their gender, age, origin, nationality, language, religion, conviction, opinion, political or union activities, sexual orientation, family relations, health, disability or any other characteristic.
We recruit employees and pay salary in an equal and non-discriminatory manner. All employees have an equal opportunity to develop and advance in their career. We understand our diverse customer base and meet our customers and each other as human beings and with appreciation and respect in accordance with SATO’s concept of good interactions. We are always friendly and empathetic, and we really listen to each other.
We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, intimidation, threats or violence. Everyone is obligated to intervene in disrespectful behaviour, regardless of whether the perpetrator is an employee, contractor, supplier or customer. It is never acceptable to make others feel uncomfortable. At SATO, everyone can be themselves.
We invest in wellbeing and safety
We wish to offer our residents a safe and healthy home and the opportunity to live a carefree life. We always build in a professional manner and repair any flaws and defects. We provide our customers with meaningful housing and create pleasant residential environments that promote wellbeing. We communicate openly and address difficult issues boldly in order to improve wellbeing.
It is important to us that we provide a safe and healthy working environment and that our personnel are well. All our employees are responsible for improving the safety culture and procedures. Employees must review and comply with the guidelines of their place of work. We use required protection equipment in our work and aim to prevent accidents. Together we make sure that work is safe and that any defects we notice are addressed. Good and coaching management is at the centre of safety and wellbeing. Wellbeing at work is also improved by using regular personnel surveys, among other things.
Examples
You are hiring a project worker for two weeks. Do you need to make a written employment agreement with them?
Yes. Short periods of employment and individual projects are also agreed in writing.
You would like to make comments to your colleague about a resident’s distinctive interior design that reflects a different cultural background. What do you do?
You say nothing. Diversity enriches our lives, and we do not make assumptions about each other based on prejudices.
You notice that a tool is broken. Should you report it, even though you suffered no harm?
Yes. Never hesitate to report flaws and defects. A broken tool may put someone else in danger.
We prevent corruption and money laundering
Bribery and corruption are strictly prohibited. That is why we always make cooperation agreements and orders in writing. We do not work with persons or companies on international sanctions lists. We do not have any political affiliations.
As employees, we only give and accept reasonable gifts. We never accept gifts repeatedly from the same persons or organisations. Any monetary or Christmas gifts or gifts to mark special occasions are not considered reasonable hospitality. Such gifts will be politely returned. A bouquet of flowers or some other small gift from a resident may only be accepted after work has been completed.
If a partner invites you to an event outside of working hours or if you receive repeated invitations and gifts, participating requires permission from the member of the management group responsible for your function. SATO always pays any travel and accommodation expenses of employees participating in partners’ events.
We avoid conflicts of interest and do not use inside information
All our employees must recognise situations where there might be a conflict of interest. Business decisions must not be based on personal relations or pressure. Report all conflicts of interest or suspicions or suspected conflicts of interest to a supervisor or via our whistleblowing channel.
We do not use our work input or skills against the interests of SATO. Before engaging in a secondary job, check with you supervisor whether the secondary job is permissible.
Insider information means information that has not been made public and that investors may consider important when making decisions on buying or selling SATO’s financial instruments. A person possessing insider information may not carry out trading in financial instruments that the insider information concerns or disclose the information to outsiders before it has been published.
We protect property and information
We take care of our common property. Each of our employees must protect our property against damage, unauthorised use and loss. The company’s property may not be used for any external purpose without permission.
Information is a valuable asset of our company. We handle information that customers, subcontractors, suppliers and other partners have entrusted into our possession in a confidential manner. We respect the privacy of our current, former and future customers, employees and partners.
We always comply with regulation, contracts and SATO’s guidelines concerning data protection and data security. We process personal data in accordance with data protection law and our data protection policy. SATO always protects data in an appropriate manner.
We engage in fair competition
We promote honest and free competition. We do not participate in any activity or agreements that restrict competition. During competitive tender processes we avoid any activity that could affect our decision-making. We apply prices and terms corresponding to those on the open market to our internal business operations.
Please note that we do not discuss confidential matters concerning prices or exchange related information with our competitors. We operate honestly and openly when working together and entering into agreements with competitors and when participating in the activities of associations in the field.
We report diligently
We report on SATO’s operations, finances and sustainability diligently to the authorities and stakeholders. Reporting is supervised internally and its reliability is ensured.
We communicate and report on our operations transparently in accordance with international financial reporting standards, the Finnish Corporate Governance Code and the sustainability reporting guidelines. We provide the authorities with current and accurate information for tax purposes.
When reporting on positive and negative environmental impacts, we use material information, such as emissions as well as energy and water consumption. Sustainability reporting is based on the impact of the real estate and construction business and residential use on society and the environment.
Examples
We care for nature and climate
Our greatest climate impacts arise from energy consumption during residential use and from the construction and repairs of our homes. Combating climate change is at the centre of our sustainability work. We strive to reduce the emissions caused by our operations and aim for carbon neutrality in terms of energy consumption during residential use by the end of 2030.
Our goal is to be a leader in sustainable rental housing. We aim to consider natural diversity in all our operations. We work actively to slow down biodiversity loss and increase natural diversity on our properties. We are continuously improving our operations in order to promote natural diversity as our understanding, expertise and resources increase.
Living, building and repairing in sustainable manner
We decrease the environmental load by maintaining homes and properties regularly and proactively and by building apartments mainly in urban environments, near good connections for public transportation. When designing new rental housing, we always consider energy efficiency and building solutions that will last for decades.
We offer our residents the opportunity to live sustainably and encourage them to make sustainable choices in their everyday life. We are a reliable long-term lessor.
We ensure the sustainability of our supply chains
We conduct our business in a manner that is transparent and responsible now and in the long term. For us, sustainability is about practical actions that are visible in everything we do.
We select suppliers that can generate value and offer a good customer experience. We ensure that our suppliers are capable of reaching quality goals and keeping to the schedule in a sustainable manner. In order to combat the shadow economy, we only accept companies registered in the Reliable Partner service on Vastuu Group’s website as our service providers. We are also bound by the obligation to check our contracting partners under the Act on the Contractor’s Obligations and Liability when Work is Contracted Out.
It is important to us that our partners are willing to develop their operations. When we organise a tendering process for suppliers, we assess the tenders based on our targets or the desired service or product. We also check the standard of the suppliers’ oversight, reporting and delivery. A good partner has clear goals and is enthusiastic to develop its operations with us.
Examples
You are organising a recreational event for employees and are responsible for planning the activities for the day. Should you consider environmental impacts when making choices?
Yes. We consider the environment in everything we do, regardless of whether we are setting up a large project or a small event.
A resident informs you that heat is leaking out of the windows in their home even when the radiators are turned up. What do you do?
You thank the resident and forward the information to the right person so that the problem can be fixed as quickly as possible.
You are selecting a new supplier for property maintenance. What are the aspects you should consider?
Selecting new partners involves a supplier assessment where the company’s finances, resources, references, equipment and procedures are reviewed and sanctions lists checked. The procurement team must approve new suppliers in advance, and it also provides you with additional instructions.
Our partners play a significant role in keeping our operations sustainable and consistent. In this Code we describe how we treat each other, our customers, our partners and the environment and what we expect from our partners.
We have the responsibility and ability to make a difference in the society and residential communities, and this Code helps us fulfil our responsibility. Every one of us is a key player in implementing these guidelines in our work.
Reasonable hospitality at SATO
When you wish to gift our personnel, please take a read at our guidelines to reasonable hospitality at SATO.
Fill out a whistleblowing report
Our target is to maintain an atmosphere of openness and high ethics in our company and its business. We value honesty and the respect of all our stakeholders.
You have an opportunity to anonymously report any malpractice that you suspect or matters which, in your opinion, are against our company’s values and practices using our whistleblowing channel.