Text version scenario

We want to build a consistent, transparent culture together with our subcontractors. However, sometimes our subcontractors don’t fully share our Care our Life value.

In this example, a subcontractor saw Skanska as slowing them down and putting undue pressure on them.  The subcontractor’s desire to complete the work as quickly as possible was not in accordance with Skanska’s standards, and it could lead to safety and quality issues. This does not fit with our Care for Life value of working safely or not at all, nor does it fit with our commitment for doing the very best for our customers.

Discussion question

• Have you had experienced tension with a subcontractor due to different views on safety and quality standards?
• How did you approach it?
• What did you learn from it?

Things to consider

We can learn from these situations. They can help us apply foresight when truly living our values. We can consider the following actions:

• Spend enough time upfront - during the contracting process and initial stages of the relationship - to help subcontractors understand customer needs AND Skanska’s values.
• Adhere to all steps in the process of choosing the correct subcontractors, and ensure that there are no shortcuts that could lead to problems later.
• Display courage in expressing the right thing, even when it may not be popular with subcontractors.
• Spend time building trust with our subcontractors and treat them inclusively. This will help them feel comfortable about raising issues, and to understand our point of view.

For guidelines on this topic read our Code of Conduct chapter on Health, safety and well-being and Relationship with business partners.