Methodology
de Certificação
THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK is an essential certification for companies and organizations that want to stand out for their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and social sustainability.
Much more than a certification, this program is an organizational transformation journey that positively impacts employees, partners, and the entire society.
With a structured method, rigorous audits, and measurable impact, certified companies not only strengthen their employer brand but also create a more equitable, innovative, and sustainable work environment.
The Certification THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK
it follows a structured methodology based on seven fundamental steps:
1.
Assessment
Survey
2.
Focus Groups
Insights
3.
Insights
Report
4.
Action
Planning
5.
Impacts
Forecast
6.
Corporate
Certification
7.
Annual
Audit
1. Assessment Survey
#1
Administration of a confidential survey to diagnose and assess the organizational environment.
#2
Identification of strengths and areas for improvement in inclusion, diversity, and social sustainability policies.
The survey is conducted based on international best practices and aims to provide a detailed snapshot of the company's reality, comparing its internal indicators with market benchmarks and global best practices.
The survey focuses on organizational strategy, internal policies, future vision, and leadership commitment to inclusion and diversity, assessing issues such as the adoption of concrete gender equity policies, inclusion of people with disabilities, combating prejudice, and promoting work-life balance.
This assessment allows understanding the degree of alignment between the company’s strategic vision and its practical implementation in daily operations across multiple evaluation dimensions, including:
• Organizational Culture and Climate – Overall job satisfaction, sense of belonging, and psychological well-being.
• Inclusion and Diversity – Equity in access to opportunities, fair treatment, and a perception of respect for differences within the company.
• Engagement and Happiness at Work – Level of employee motivation and alignment of their values with those of the organization.
• Equity Policies, Gender Equality, and Sustainability – Assessment of the effectiveness of policies implemented to ensure a fair and accessible work environment for all.
• Mental Health and Work-Life Balance – Analysis of the conditions that promote work-life balance and the psychological support provided by the company.
The survey results are analyzed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including organizational psychologists, diversity and inclusion specialists, human resources consultants, and auditors with international experience. This approach ensures a thorough interpretation of the data, taking into account not only quantitative metrics but also qualitative insights derived from open-ended responses and identified patterns.
This first stage not only evaluates the company but also establishes a solid starting point for the continuous evolution of its organizational culture. Through a rigorous, inclusive, and data-driven process, THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK ensures that certified companies have a genuine and measurable commitment to diversity, equity, well-being, and the happiness of their employees.
2. Focus Groups Insights
#1
#2
The second stage of the THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification process involves conducting Focus Groups—structured discussion sessions designed to delve deeper into the results obtained from the Survey. The goal of this phase is to gather qualitative insights, allowing for a deeper understanding of daily experiences and internal challenges.
Focus Groups are led by experienced moderators specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational psychology, and corporate culture.
The sessions are conducted in a structured and confidential manner, providing a safe space where participants can share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions.
The insights gathered during the Focus Groups are recorded anonymously and later analyzed by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
The analysis is conducted using thematic coding techniques, which identify recurring patterns and trends in the participants’ responses.
The insights gathered are integrated into a qualitative report, which complements the statistical data from the previous phase and serves as a foundation for planning corrective and strategic actions.
The Focus Groups Insights are a key tool in the THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification journey. By fostering an open and structured dialogue space, this methodology allows companies to deepen their understanding of inclusion, equity, and diversity within the workplace.
3. Insights Report
#1
#2
The Insights Report is one of the most important documents in THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification, as it consolidates and analyzes data gathered in the previous stages – Assessment and Focus Groups Insights. This report offers a comprehensive overview of the organizational culture, highlighting best practices, areas for improvement, and strategic recommendations to enhance the company's inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
This document goes beyond just summarizing data. It translates information into strategic actions, enabling the company to understand the real impact of its policies and to focus efforts on effective improvements.
Its structure is carefully designed to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence, as well as actionable insights that support business decisions and structural changes.
The Insights Report it is prepared by a multidisciplinary team composed of experienced DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) auditors, organizational psychologists, talent management specialists, and corporate culture analystsThe main objective is to transform the findings from the certification process into strategic recommendations based on concrete data.
The the data are accompanied by market benchmarks, allowing the organization to understand how it compares to companies in the same sector and of similar size. It not only focuses on challenges but also recognizes best practices already implemented within the company. These successful initiatives serve as benchmarks to be expanded or replicated in other areas..
The recommendations formulated to be actionable and practical realistic, measurable, and aligned with global best practicesEach recommendation is accompanied by success indicators, allowing the company to monitor its progress over time, as well as providing a Priority Actions Plan.
The Insights Report It is not just a technical document, but rather a detailed strategic plan, essential for the company’s progress toward a successful certification in THE SAFE PLACE TO WORKIt translates data into concrete actions, helping the company create a truly inclusive, fair, and sustainable work environment.
4. Action Planning
#1
Creation of a personalized action plan for each candidate company or organization.
#2
Definition of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
#3
Support in implementing policies and practices aligned with the best international standards.
This process is carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of HR managers, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) specialists, organizational culture consultants, and corporate performance analysts.
The approach is personalized for each company, ensuring that the proposed solutions are aligned with its reality, goals, and industry sector.
The main goal of Action Planning is to create a structured strategic plan that addresses the challenges identified in the Insights Report and capitalizes on opportunities for improvement.
Action Planning is the essential step to transform intentions into concrete actions, ensuring that the certification THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK has a real and lasting impact. Through a structured plan, companies can continuously evolve, creating fairer, more humane, and inclusive work environments.
5. Impacts Forecast
#1
Evaluation of the expected impact of the implemented measures.
#2
Projection of inclusion and diversity KPIs, such as employee retention and satisfaction rates.
#3
Identification of potential challenges and strategies for optimization and continuous improvement.
This phase enables companies to understand and quantify the positive changes resulting from the implementation of inclusion, diversity, and social sustainability policies.
It uses tangible metrics to demonstrate the benefits of the certification not only for the organization but also for employees, stakeholders, and society as a whole.
The expected impacts are analyzed across three main dimensions — Organizational Impact, Employee Impact, and Social & Economic Impact — based on quantitative and qualitative data. This approach enables the company to visualize the return on certification and set future goals for continuous progress.
The certification impact forecast THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK The certification impact forecast demonstrates that inclusion and diversity are not only ethical values but also essential strategic factors for organizational success.
Companies that embrace a genuine commitment to equity, well-being, and sustainability ensure a more engaged team, a stronger reputation, and sustainable long-term growth.
The certification represents more than just recognition: It is a continuous commitment to a fairer, more humane, and productive work environment for all.
6. Corporate Certification
#1
Final audit.
#2
Certification granted based on the company’s compliance with the defined criteria.
#3
Delivery of the THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification seal and communication pack, along with the official announcement.
The main objective of this phase is to validate compliance with the recommendations and strategies defined in previous phases, ensuring that the company has implemented concrete measures to improve its organizational environment.
Furthermore, the certification not only recognizes best practices but also offers continuous guidance, encouraging the ongoing development of internal policies and the adoption of new strategies aligned with global trends.
The Certification THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK It is divided into three distinct levels:
- Safe Commitment Seal – Commitment to Inclusion: the first level of certification, representing the company’s formal intention to begin its journey toward inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
- Safe Progress Seal - Building an Inclusive Culture: the intermediate level of certification, awarded to companies that already have an organizational culture structured around inclusion, diversity, and well-being, but still have room to grow and improve their practices.
- Safe Excellence Seal - Global Reference in Inclusion and Well-Being: the highest level of certification, recognizing companies that are true global leaders in inclusion, diversity, and workplace well-being.
The certification is valid for 12 months, requiring a new audit for its renewal. Companies that receive the Platinum Seal are invited to share best practices and contribute to the development of new methodologies for a fairer corporate environment.
Certified companies are featured on THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK’s official channels.
Furthermore, they receive a communication kit with:
- Digital badges for websites and social media.
- Marketing materials marketing materials to communicate the certification to stakeholders.
Certified companies become part of SAFE [Net]WORK, a global community of organizations that promote positive social impactThis network enables the exchange of experiences, benchmarking of best practices, and opportunities for strategic partnerships.
7. Annual Audit
#1
Continuous monitoring and annual audits to ensure the maintenance of the certification seal or advancement to a higher certification level.
#2
Updating requirements and realigning with best practices and market trends.
#3
Unlike a static certification, THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification is a dynamic and progressive process. Certified companies and organizations are invited to demonstrate annually that they continue to implement and improve their inclusion and social sustainability initiatives.
This process ensures that certified companies maintain and enhance their practices in inclusion, diversity, and social sustainability, reaffirming their commitment to an increasingly equitable and human-centered work environment.
The annual audit not only revalidates the certification but also helps companies identify new growth opportunities, ensuring that the best practices adopted evolve in line with market trends and the internal needs of their teams.
- How Does the Annual Audit Work?
The annual audit process follows a rigorous verification plan, structured in three main phases:
- Submission of a new survey and the Progress Report: The company must submit a detailed report outlining the actions implemented over the past year, including impact indicators and employee feedback.
- Issuance of the Compliance Report: The company receives an official statement regarding the maintenance, progression, or need for adjustments to the certification.
The annual audit evaluates various aspects of the company’s commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable work environment. The main criteria assessed include:
- Evolution of Diversity and Inclusion Policies: New Initiatives or Improvements to Existing Practices:
- Results of the Organizational Climate Survey: Assessment of employee perception of inclusion, respect, and equity
- Impact of Implemented Measures: Analysis of concrete metrics, such as increased diversity in leadership positions, reduced turnover, and improvements in internal satisfaction rates.
- Alignment with International Standards and Regulations: Ongoing compliance with standards NP 4590, NP 4552, and SA8000.
- Engagement and Participation in Social Responsibility Initiatives: Partnerships, campaigns, or social impact programs developed by the company.
- Support for Mental Health and Organizational Well-Being: Implementation of work-life balance policies, flexible benefits, and psychological support.
Based on the auditors’ evaluation, the company may receive one of the following outcomes:
-
- Maintenance of the Certification Seal: The company meets all the requirements and continues to be part of the program.
- Certification Progression: Companies that demonstrate significant progress may advance to the next certification level, receiving the seal for the higher tier.
- Improvement Recommendations: The company retains the certification but receives an action plan with mandatory measures to address any shortcomings within a specified timeframe.
- Suspension of Certification: Companies that fail to meet the minimum criteria may have their certification suspended until they implement the recommended adjustments.
With a structured system, rigorous criteria, and ongoing monitoring, the annual audit ensures that THE SAFE PLACE TO WORK certification maintains its credibility and positive impact in the market.