Technology

Beko Takes ‘Sustainability at Heart’ and introduces 16th Sustainability Report, with the Motto ‘Feels like Home’ to Urge Each Stakeholder to Start the Change at Home

Published

7 months ago

June 5, 2024

Beko’s recently released 16th Sustainability Report shows how the company is committed to set the bar further to increase the ESG standards in the white goods industryBeko’s CEO: “Our goal is clear: to create home appliances that not only meet the needs of our consumers but also contribute positively to our planet”Beko is committed to being a net-zero business by 2050; this goal reflects its dedication to sustainability and its vision for the future

ISTANBUL, June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Beko, the global household goods company, has long been an advocate for sustainable development and sets an example as an innovator in sustainable home appliances, paving the way to a net-zero future. Beko’s recently released 16th Sustainability Report adopts the theme of “Sustainability at Heart: Where ‘Feels Like Home’ Begins” and showcases the company’s industry-leading standards in green energy utilization, energy efficient products and processes as well as resource efficiency and incorporation of recycled materials in its products.

Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko, said: “At Beko, we aren’t just creating home appliances, we’re innovating for a sustainable future. This past year has seen us reach significant milestones in green energy and recycling, but we see these as steps on our journey, not the destination. Our goal is clear: to create home appliances that not only meet the needs of our consumers but also contribute positively to our planet. We’re committed to becoming a net-zero business by 2050, and each achievement brings us closer to this goal. Our role extends beyond manufacturing; we’re striving to make every home a beacon of sustainability and a testament to a greener future.”

Finding New Ways to Manufacture More Sustainably Every Single Day

Beko is committed to being a net-zero business by 2050. This long-term goal reflects its dedication to sustainability and its vision for the future. Beko shows its commitment to using green energy; the company’s installed solar energy system capacity in 2023 has raised significantly to 20.3 MW from only 3.26 MW in 2022. Through energy and water efficiency and rainwater harvesting projects in 2023, a total of 95.680 GJ of energy saved, and 288,973 m3 of water saved in production processes. A total of 16,543 tonnes of recycled plastic were used in products, demonstrating its innovative approach to increase resource efficiency in products and production. Moreover, a total of 253 suppliers reported their environmental data within the scope of Supplier ESG Program and received commitments from 166 suppliers to set environmental targets.

Maintaining a robust financial performance is essential for continuous investment in sustainable innovation. Beko has demonstrated this through its impressive net sales which have reached EUR 8 billion (TRY 257,104 million). This not only showcases the company’s financial solidity, but also its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Adding further credibility to Beko’s initiatives, the company has received a fund of EUR 3.77 million from Horizon Europe projects. This key funding program for research and innovation, provided by the European Union, emphasises the value and trust placed in the company’s sustainable projects. Furthermore, Beko has achieved notable savings of EUR 11.3 million (TRY 396.7 million) through its digital transformation projects. This accomplishment underscores Beko’s innovative application of technology in enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainability.

Consistent Sustainability Progress: Global Accolades

Achieving a score of 86 (out of 100) in the 2023 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is a notable recognition of Beko’s parent company Arçelik’s exceptional sustainability efforts. The company has once again been listed as the highest-scoring company in the DHP Household Durables Industry for the fifth time in a row out of 46 companies assessed (Score date: October 27, 2023, DJSI Emerging Markets). Additionally, the company has been recognised on The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations Ranking of Corporate Knights, for the fourth consecutive year. Arçelik and Beko have prominent listings in the Real Leaders Top 300 Impact Companies of 2023 as well, ranking 16th and 17th, respectively.

Targets and Progress Reporting

The 2023 Sustainability Report lays out the full details of Beko’s sustainability targets categorised by the “Planet,” “Human Needs,” and “Business.” The targets include progress made since 2021 and the associated contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from climate change, water, chemicals, plastics, healthy living, tackling food waste, supporting local communities and talent development through to diversity, decent work, and sustainable value chain. The Report emphasises Beko’s dedication to furthering the SDGs, particularly the 12 focused within the Report where the company makes direct and significant contributions. It underscores the integration of these goals within Beko’s corporate ethos and business framework.

The company’s prominent progress in sustainability in 2023 is as follows:

By the end of 2023, Arçelik branded panels with a capacity of approximately 301 MW were produced for the Turkish market.EnergySpin technology was developed which provides up to 35% energy savings compared to products without EnergySpin technology without compromising washing performance in the most frequently used washing programs.AI Sense, an artificial intelligence technology that automatically detects fabric type, load amount, soiling and rinse level thanks to smart sensors integrated into the washing machine, focuses on increasing resource efficiency in every wash.In cooperation with WWF Turkey and the Association for the Protection of Marine Life (DYKD), ghost fishing nets in the Marmara Sea were collected to be recycled and used in products in 2023.Beko became one of the first participants of the “Forward Faster Initiative” launched by the UN Global Compact (UNGC) at the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023. Forward Faster invites companies to make commitments in five strategic areas (living wage, gender equality, climate action, water action and sustainable finance) to accelerate the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and move closer to the 2030 Agenda.In 2023, following the earthquake disaster in Turkey, support was provided to earthquake victims in coordination with Koç Holding and Group companies; social areas and container cities were established. In addition to tents, food, blankets, clothes, heaters, stoves made from old washing machine drums, solar panels and generators, more than 800,000 items of aid were delivered to the region. Arçelik Fixed Support Points continue to provide hot meals and clean clothes.Partnership with Water.org made, to provide 10,000 Kenyans with access to safe water or sanitation solutions; delivering safe water or sanitation solutions to more than 7,300 people in the region in 2023.Launched the Global WE-inTech Program to empower the next generation of women engineers in 4 countries. The project, which aims to empower women in R&D and innovation in Turkey, Pakistan, South Africa and Romania, reached 105 female engineering students in 2023.The Digital Wings project aims to provide technology design, Information Technologies and software training to 100,000 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 in 81 provinces of Turkey by 2026. In 2023, 35,372 female students were reached in schools in 81 provinces.

The information conveyed in the Report belongs to Beko’s parent company Arçelik. The 2023 Sustainability Report can be reached from here. Please click here for the executive summary and here for the Materiality Report 2023.

ABOUT BEKO

Beko has 55,000 employees throughout the world with its global operations through its subsidiaries in 57 countries and 45 production facilities in 13 countries (i.e. Türkiye, UK, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, South Africa, Russia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and China). Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko became the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of EUR 8 billion in 2023. Beko’s 31 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,200 researchers and hold more than 3,100 international registered patent applications to date. For the 5th consecutive year, the highest score in the DHP Household Durables industry (based on the results dated 27 October 2023) in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment was achieved.** Beko’s vision is “Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.”

www.bekocorporate.com

*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.
**The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.

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Technology

Who’s Working Remotely? Virtual Vocations Survey Highlights Evolving Jobseeker Demographics

Published

14 hours ago

December 27, 2024

This survey underscores the diverse backgrounds and experiences of remote jobseekers, highlighting the growing demand for flexible work arrangements across various demographics.

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — With over 500 participants from the U.S. (69%) and international locations (31%), Virtual Vocations‘ 2024 demographics survey offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of remote work. By comparing responses across these groups, the survey highlights shared experiences and unique challenges faced by jobseekers worldwide.

“Whether based in the U.S. or abroad, jobseekers are embracing remote roles to align their careers with their personal goals, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.” –Laura Spawn, CEO and co-founder of Virtual Vocations

Although Virtual Vocations is a U.S.-based company, it supports international jobseekers through its fully remote job board and career resources, addressing the global demand for remote work opportunities. The company frequently receives inquiries from international members seeking to access fully remote roles, punctuating the worldwide appeal of flexible work arrangements.

“The 2024 demographics survey results reinforce what we’ve known for years—professionals around the world are seeking flexibility, balance, and opportunities to work from home,” said Virtual Vocations CEO Laura Spawn. “Whether based in the U.S. or abroad, jobseekers are embracing remote roles to align their careers with their personal goals, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.”

Fully Remote Jobs Remain Most Desired

A significant 43% of U.S.-based jobseekers and 42% of international respondents named fully remote, no-travel jobs as their top preference. These roles, which allow employees to work entirely from home, offer flexibility, aligning with both personal and professional goals. Although occasional in-person requirements may arise, fully remote roles are favored over hybrid, partially remote, and “work from anywhere” options. These positions provide businesses with access to a broader talent pool and enable employees to prioritize workplace values and culture.

Top Industries for Remote Jobseekers

The survey also highlights four key industries attracting remote jobseekers worldwide. Information Technology (IT) stands out as the leading industry for remote roles, with significantly more job postings than any other field. Healthcare follows closely, benefiting from the growth of telehealth and remote medical roles. Customer service offers engaging opportunities for professionals interested in client interaction, while education presents a wide array of roles in online teaching, tutoring, and instructional design, fueled by the expansion of virtual learning.

Jobseekers’ Common Frustrations

Both U.S. and international jobseekers shared frustrations, particularly with online job scams. Jobseekers expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalence of scams, especially when searching for work-at-home positions. Despite relying on online job boards, only a quarter (23% of U.S. respondents and 24% of international respondents) use dedicated remote job boards, like Virtual Vocations, where job postings are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are free of scams. Additionally, many jobseekers expressed frustration with excessive job requirements and employers failing to provide feedback or “ghosting” applicants during the hiring process, with one-third of respondents from both groups reporting these issues.

Income Insecurity: A Global Concern

Income insecurity remains a pressing issue for both U.S. and international jobseekers, with many reporting their earnings as insufficient for comfortable living. Sixty-five percent of U.S. respondents and 77% of international respondents reported inadequate household incomes. Nearly half (48%) of U.S. jobseekers earn less than $60,000 annually, while 68% of international jobseekers earn under $30,000. To improve financial stability, many jobseekers have set income targets, with 30% of U.S. jobseekers aiming for $60,000–$89,999 and another 30% targeting at least $120,000. In contrast, international respondents generally require lower salaries, with 38% seeking $30,000–$59,999 and 32% aiming for $60,000–$89,999.

For a comprehensive analysis and additional insights, read the full demographics survey report here: https://www.virtualvocations.com/blog/annual-statistical-remote-work-reports/remote-work-demographics-survey-results-2024/

ABOUT VIRTUAL VOCATIONS
Founded in 2007 by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations is a small company with a big mission: to connect jobseekers with legitimate remote job openings. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than four million jobseekers in their quests for flexible, remote work.

In addition to providing a database of current, hand-screened, and 100% remote job openings, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches, including exclusive career courses, downloadable jobseeker content, and career coaching and resume writing services. Virtual Vocations also releases several data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

Virtual Vocations, Inc. is a private, family-owned, and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona.

Media Contact

Kimberly Back, Virtual Vocations, Inc., 1 (800) 379-5092 x. 703, kim@virtualvocations.com, https://www.virtualvocations.com

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SOURCE Virtual Vocations, Inc.

Technology

Judge Baker Children’s Center d/b/a The Baker Center for Children and Families Provides Notice of Data Security Incident

Published

14 hours ago

December 27, 2024

BOSTON, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Judge Baker Children’s Center d/b/a The Baker Center for Children and Families (“The Baker Center”), a nationally recognized provider of services for children’s mental health, has learned of a data security incident that may have impacted certain personal and / or protected health information. On December 27, 2024, The Baker Center formally notified potentially affected individuals with available address information and provided resources to assist them.

On July 28, 2024, The Baker Center discovered unusual activity within its local digital storage environment. After taking immediate steps to ensure the environment was secure, The Baker Center enlisted independent cybersecurity experts to conduct an investigation to determine what happened and whether sensitive information may have been impacted. According to the investigation, an unauthorized actor gained access to The Baker Center’s systems between July 26 – 28, 2024 and may have downloaded certain files. Following a thorough review of the impacted files, on October 28, 2024, The Baker Center determined that certain individuals’ personal and/or protected health information was potentially impacted during the incident.

The information affected during this incident varies between individuals but may have involved the following: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license or other government identification number, financial account information, health insurance information, medical treatment or diagnosis information, and/or clinical information.

On December 27, 2024, The Baker Center mailed notification letters to potentially impacted individuals with verifiable address information. The letters include information about this incident and about steps that potentially impacted individuals can take to monitor and help protect their personal and protected health information. The Baker Center has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and to address related concerns. The call center can be reached at 844-920-8988, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

The Baker Center takes the security and privacy of information in its possession very seriously and is taking steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. The Baker Center deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause.

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SOURCE The Baker Center for Children and Families

Technology

outboundIQ Achieves Certified Implementation Partner (CIP) Status with Five9

Published

15 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Delivering Optimized, Outbound-Focused Contact Center Solutions for Modern Businesses

LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla., Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — outboundIQ www.outboundiq.com proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a distinction that reflects its deep expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely equipped to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9’s Virtual Contact Center platform.

Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs
outboundIQ specializes in providing expedited, outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and other third-party app integrations. Clients can also leverage ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting designed to support long-term, outreach-focused success.

“Who better to handle your domain configuration than the experts that understand the outbound contact center world. To be an outbound expert, you must know 3 things; how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets that design, and how carriers respond to your dialing behavior as a result of the build. outboundIQ has the advantage of deeply understanding all 3 things. Our experts are seasoned professionals that will guide toward the best build for your business. You tell us about your business, your needs and your processes, and we will build you a domain fit for purpose. outboundIQ offers best in class Domain Optimization, Implementation and Consulting for customers of all sizes and complexity. Due to our methodology and proprietary automations, we are able to bring our customers’ projects to life within accelerated timeframes.”

– Jessica Clay, VP Support and Services

“We launched our business in June and were fortunate to connect with the incredible team at outboundIQ early on. Navigating the world of outbound calling and building efficient prospecting systems isn’t easy, but the entire team at outboundIQ brought our vision to life seamlessly. They implemented our ideas quickly and executed them flawlessly. Since partnering with them, our contact rates have significantly improved, our conversions have increased, and our overall business is thriving. We’re deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together on future endeavors!”

– Tim, Lit Financial

“I genuinely don’t know enough ways to thank the entire outboundIQ team. I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, tangled beyond belief, and I had essentially planned to scrap the whole thing and start over. That’s when this team, led by Jessica Clay’s brilliance, took over to understand exactly what I wanted to create and completely revitalized my domain. We are all beyond thankful as they continue to consult for us to this day and I see no reason to stop. Thank you, Jessica, Jason, Rudy, Bruno, Sandy and everyone who gets the pleasure of working with these domain geniuses!”

– Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling

A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence
Creating a competitive, consumer-focused outreach program requires more than just advanced technology. As outboundIQ explains, a thriving contact center functions like a high-performing racing team:

The Car: Five9 Virtual Contact Center provides a cutting-edge technology foundation.The Driver: Strong Dialer Administrators who skillfully manage operations.The Pit Crew: IT/Support teams ensuring seamless functionality.The Spotters: Data Analytics and Reporting experts optimizing performance.The Fuel: High-quality data driving better outcomes.

outboundIQ’s professional services team brings these critical elements together, ensuring clients achieve best-in-class outbound operations that prioritize consumer experience while maintaining a competitive edge.

A Call to Collaboration
With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore select partnership opportunities and projects to reimagine their contact center operations. Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results for its clients.

About outboundIQ
outboundIQ delivers optimized, outbound-focused contact center implementations, combining years of Five9 expertise with cutting-edge strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional outreach outcomes. As a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner, outboundIQ provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of modern organizations.

About Five9
Five9 is a digital enterprise’s leading cloud contact center and software provider. The Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is reliable, secure, compliant, and scalable, designed to create exceptional personalized customer experiences.
www.five9.com

Media contact:
Sandy Tafur
Phone: 404-660-5314
mail: sandy@outboundiq.com

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SOURCE outboundIQ