Together4Integrity / The stories of integrity

Together4Integrity / The stories of integrity

Let’s not forget mental health 

Helping people is Kateřina Zemánková’s job

hile physical health is commonly talked about, and people keep discovering various preventive activities against physical diseases and problems, this is not the case when taking care of one’s soul. Kateřina Zemánková from the SG/3 – Ergonomics and Work Physiology department is involved, among other things, in the Stress Prevention and Mental Health Care project. “An aching soul is not as visible as a broken arm, for example, but it can take much longer to heal. I find it great that ŠKODA AUTO takes care of its employees in this regard as well. I know from my surroundings that this is definitely not the norm in the Czech Republic”, is how Kateřina, who supports a holistic view of human health (i.e. that physical and mental health are closely related) describes her mission at the carmaker. 

She attaches great importance to the sense of responsibility that her parents instilled in her. She also feels responsible for her own health. “In my opinion, behaving responsibly means strengthening one’s immunity, eating healthy, moving, hardening, fighting obesity and keeping oneself physically and mentally fit.” Kateřina adds that personal responsibility must be supported from an early age. Her approach to life is also characterised by an effort to get things done and not to disappoint herself. She can also help herself by promising herself a reward for completing a challenging task. “Most often, chocolate or other good food, which I never want to miss, and that’s why I’m pretty strict with myself”, she says with a smile.

She perceives integrity as a wholeness in personal values. “They give me direction. They determine where I want to see myself and how to get there. In fact, I love doing everything I do. This is my basic mindset”, Kateřina says. Her inner compass also helps her at work when she finds herself in situations for which rules have not yet been set, and she has to decide according to her personal convictions. In such moments, she has a simple piece of advice: “I ask myself what advice I would give to my best friend. And I’m often guided by humility and hope as well”, she concludes.  ED

T4I Programme from up close

The Together4Integrity (T4I) programme, on which we have been reporting regularly since the beginning of 2019, has reached the next stage. It was preceded by a period during which the VW Group, including ŠKODA AUTO, tested the implementation of the recommendations proposed by an independent compliance monitor. These tests led to the relevant certification being obtained. At the moment, the GO department, together with other departments, is working on existing and new measures of the T4I programme – not only in ŠKODA AUTO but also in other subsidiaries and entrusted companies.

For the sake of clarity, the programme’s measures are divided into 11 key initiatives, each focusing on different thematic areas. These include, for example, integrity, compliance, risk management, human resources, environmental protection, management of relationships with business partners etc. Their specific content is illustrated by a series of short articles prepared by the carmaker in cooperation with the VW Group, and they will be published on ŠKODA Space over time. You could already read the first one, “Together4Integrity Programme Strengthens Mutual Cooperation”, which provides general information on the T4I programme, in February. ED