Henkel not only aims at success in the marketplace, however, but clearly recognizes its responsibilities for society and for future generations. MIT is one of several core elements that show how deeply the Company has internalized the central principle of sustainable development. In a very special way, the MIT Initiative embodies the Company´s vision, for Henkel's objective is to make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful.

Henkel as an Active Partner in Communities

The purpose of the MIT Initiative is to promote the social involvement of Henkel's employees and retirees throughout the world.
The volunteers in MIT play a pivotal role as a link between the Company and its social environment. Furthermore the social involvement advances personal development. Better teamwork, higher loyalty and productivity, a sense of Henkel’s corporate culture and identity – these are only some of the results and benefits the volunteers in MIT report.

They view their social engagement as personal enrichment: Most of the employees who are involved as volunteers are highly motivated and show social competence and enthusiasm at their workplace. They feel that they can make a difference and can change things – perhaps more than they have ever thought of. Retirees especially develop new competences once they start a new volunteer job. Through MIT they also still feel strongly linked to the Henkel company. This enrichment takes effect on both sides: For Henkel the retirees and employees are important ‘ambassadors’ of the company and its corporate culture.

Clear Guidelines

The employee or retiree must apply for support in writing. The decision of the MIT Committee or international Children's Projects (CP) Jury is final. The amount of time and effort the applicant dedicates to their voluntary involvement shall be key in determining resource allocation.

• The involvement of the applicant must be non-remunerative.

• Help towards self-help: Henkel will provide start-up funding but shall not commit to regular financial assistance.
• Further funding is, however, possible where it is important for the project on sustainability grounds.
• The temporary release of employees from their workplace duties shall be decided upon by the MIT Committee on a case-by-case basis.
• All monetary, product and in-kind donations approved by the MIT Committee/CP Jury are to be provided directly to the institution for which the applicant is working on a volunteer basis.
• Regular feedback from employees and retirees: purpose of the project, progress and results, brief reports, photographs etc. As a rule, the pleasure and joy generated by the support given by the company is such that applicants/volunteers are both proud and delighted to report back on how the funding has been utilized.

As an example: Diane Humphrey and Tony Murray-Jones support the Chicken Shed theatre group. Thanks to their engagement, around 100 British children, including some with physical or mental disabilities, took part in the musical “Peter Pan”. “Every human being has a lot of potential, whether old or young, whatever their ability, with or without stage experience. This enthusiasm also motivates us at work.”