Over the years, the Fishman Group has won growing recognition for its contributions to a better society.

Leading social responsibility

With over 10,000 employees and hundred of thousands of daily customers, the Fishman Group understands its responsibility within Israeli society. A fundamental belief is to conduct business fairly and responsibly, while safeguarding personal rights and ֿdignity. However the Fishman Group also looks beyond these goals. It sees itself as a pioneer striving to bring about real changes in Israel.

Defining a better society

Business touches people and leads to social responsibility. This means finding the balance between the commercial and voluntary aspects of life and aspiring towards a more caring society. It is important to respect the differences between people and embrace the uniqueness of the individual.

Helping people with disabilities

Following these guidelines, the Fishman Group has selected the disabled and disadvantaged sector of Israeli society as the one in need of the greatest assistance. Disabled people comprise 10% of the total Israeli population but merit far less than 10% of the nation’s attention. Years of neglect have made their lives harder, a trend that the Fishman Group is determined to reverse

By applying its considerable business resources, as well as involving employees, suppliers, business partners and the general public, the Group seeks to stimulate significant social change.

Human Rights

All corporate social activities at the Fishman Group are centered on supporting human rights. Such rights are also addressed by Israel’s 1998 Equal Rights Law for People with Disabilities:

“The rights of people with disabilities and the commitment of Israeli society to those rights are based on recognizing the principle of equality and the value of a person created in the shadow of and according to the principle of human dignity.”

Community

For the Fishman Group, social responsibility has its roots in consistent and focused business activity on two levels. The company maintains close and ongoing dialogue with many organizations dedicated to helping disadvantaged members of Israeli society. At the same time, the Fishman Group involves all factors with its orbit of influence. These include employees and their families, customers, suppliers, business associates and shareholders.

Application: Globes – Beginning in 2000, Globes has donated ₪350,000 annually towards funding advanced degree studies for excellent young people with disabilities. So far, 36 students have been awarded academic scholarships.

Marketing & Consumers

The Fishman Group’s extensive influence within the Israeli market – among retailers, customers, suppliers and the media – gives the company a unique opportunity to press for social change. For instance, the Cause Related Marketing (CRM) campaign, now in its seventh year, encourages consumers to buy certain products, where the sale price is donated. Such activity has dual value: it is highly effective in promoting social causes while also advancing marketing and business interests.

Application: CTV’s media influence – Using its prominent position as a broadcaster to major retail outlets, CTV has launched numerous campaigns designed to enhance public awareness and donations for disabled-related organizations.

Work Environment

Wherever possible, the Fishman Group and its subsidiary companies seek ways to integrate people with disabilities into their work environment: as graphic designers, customer service personnel, Internet information management, warehousing assistance, and more. The company also encourages its staff to learn more about how to work with the disabled and keeps close contacts with special interest groups.

Application: Sign Language Course – 50 employees from the Group were selected to undertake a special ‘Learning Sign Language’ course run by the Institute for the Deaf. Upon graduation, they will serve as special representatives to assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing

Timeline: Eight years of social action

2000
Group establishes a special Community Action department headed by a full-time manager.

2001
Fishman Group formulates its Social Vision and strategy plan and targets the disabled and disadvantaged sector. It starts first activities and runs first ‘Committed to the Community’ annual congress.

2002
Group writes a social covenant dealing with employment of disabled people and investigates how to make work areas more accessible for them. First awards given to Fishman companies for outstanding social responsibility.

2003
Focus on enhancing services for people with disabilities, notably via interactive educational software to employees under the title “Sensitive and Approachable Service”. Reaching out to further Fishman companies and to social organizations

2004
Establishment of Sachlav Fund, a social initiative offering scholarships for academic and professional study to Fishman employees. This wide-spread activity is also directed towards people with disabilities.

2005
Evolution of activities from ‘Community Contacts’ to ‘Social Responsibility’, now also dealing with environmental and ethical issues. Adoption of Cause Related Marketing (CRM) principles for increasing social awareness among Group members.

2006
Forum for setting social responsibility procedures within the Group. Expanded activities supporting employment, service, accessibility and awareness. First course for learning sign language for employees dealing with the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

2007
Numerous cooperation programs established with external companies and organizations whose purpose is to assist disabled people. Distribution of a quarterly newsletter on Social Responsibility to over 10,000 employees. Bi-annual congress dealing with broad social subjects. Preparation of a company wide ‘Ethical Code’.

2008 and Onwards
The Fishman Group continues to build awareness and encourage positive action in the fields of access, service, employment and awareness of the needs of people with disabilities.

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