Rockwell Automation's Longstanding Ombuds Reflects a Legacy of Integrity

MILWAUKEE, November 4, 2021, /3BL Media/ - Rockwell Automation’s (NYSE: ROK) longstanding Ombuds program reflects a legacy of integrity and is a hallmark of the company’s robust ethics commitment.

First formed in 1985, Rockwell was one of the first U.S. companies to start an Ombuds program. Since then, it has become a trusted resource for employees and others to seek advice, share concerns, and report allegations of wrong-doing and possible Code of Conduct violations. The Ombuds allows employees to report anonymously if they wish and empowers them to serve as important eyes and ears for any ethical misconduct. It’s an independent office that reports directly to the Audit Committee of Rockwell’s Board of Directors.

Overall, in fiscal year 2021, Rockwell’s Ombuds received 490 contacts consistent with the annual range of between 400 and 500 contacts for the past five years. The office performed more than 100 investigations and substantiated nearly 60% of them, a rate significantly higher than the global benchmark. This indicates Rockwell employees provide high-quality, actionable reports and the company has a strong investigation process.

“Our rigorous commitment to ethics and integrity is firmly ingrained in our culture and guides our every action,” said Rockwell’s Gary Ballesteros, vice president, Law and Chief Compliance Officer and Ombuds. “This commitment is among our highest scoring drivers of employee engagement and one we nurture and cultivate through a strong ‘speak up’ mindset.”

At 34%, Rockwell’s anonymous contact rate is significantly lower than the global benchmark of 58%, indicating a high degree of trust from company employees. As is typical for other global companies, North America represents Rockwell’s highest percentage of Ombuds contacts. However, since 2018, contacts from outside of North America have grown to 42% in fiscal year 2021, a result of a proactive effort to increase global awareness of the Ombuds. In 2020, Rockwell expanded its Ombuds office to include regional Ombuds in Latin America; the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region; and Asia Pacific.

Lear more about Rockwell’s robust ethics and integrity commitment.