As Christophe de Margerie wrote in his introduction to the Code of Conduct: «Respect [is] the source of sustainable, trust-based operations and relations ».
We expect employees to adhere to the highest standards of integrity, loyalty and responsibility. We pledge to pay particular attention to their working conditions, respect them, avoid discrimination, and protect their health and safety, whatever the political or social environment or difficulties encountered in the host country.

We must be constantly vigilant, both in our own organizations and with regard to our contractors, to ensure that our employees and those who work for us indirectly are treated with respect.

Fostering diversity

Over 130 nationalities are represented in our workforce. This diversity of cultures and ways of thinking is one of Total’s core strengths. It stems from a proactive commitment that is overseen by our Diversity Council, which tracks ongoing initiatives to increase the number of women and non-French employees , right up to the highest levels of management.

In 2010, Total expressed its support for advancing equality between women and men by signing the Women's Empowerment Principles –Equality Means Business defined by the United Nations Global Compact. The Principles present seven steps that business and other sectors can take to advance and empower women.

At Total, promoting diversity is also synonymous with combating all forms of discrimination, for which dedicated resources have been introduced. Gender diversity and internationalization of teams are not the only issues to be considered. We also work to integrate the disabled and maintain them in their jobs and combat discrimination against visible minorities .

Tackling harassment

Moral and sexual harassment in the workplace are not tolerated at Total. Employees who think they are victims of sexual harassment are encouraged to report it, while training enables people to understand how moral harassment works, its consequences and the law regarding it.

Ensuring good working conditions

Establishing good working conditions to protect the health and safety of everyone is a key component of respect for people.