Modern Slavery Statements in Action: How Publicis Sapient Advances Human Rights in the Digital Age

At Publicis Sapient, we recognize that modern slavery—encompassing forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation—remains a critical global issue, even in the digital and consulting industries. As a leading digital business transformation partner, we are committed to upholding and advancing human rights across our operations and supply chains. Our approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, as reflected in our annual Modern Slavery Statements and the practical steps we take every day.

Understanding Modern Slavery in the Digital Era

Modern slavery is not confined to traditional industries; it can manifest in complex, global supply chains, including those supporting digital transformation, technology, and consulting services. The rapid pace of technological change and the global reach of digital projects mean that vigilance is essential. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital progress must go hand-in-hand with ethical responsibility and respect for human dignity.

Annual Modern Slavery Statements: Transparency and Accountability

Publicis Sapient publishes annual Modern Slavery Statements, outlining our ongoing efforts to identify, prevent, and address risks of forced labor and exploitation. These statements are more than a legal requirement—they are a public record of our commitment to ethical business practices and a tool for continuous improvement. Our statements detail the steps we take to:

Assess and manage risks in our operations and supply chains
Set clear expectations for suppliers and partners
Train our people to recognize and respond to potential risks
Monitor, review, and enhance our processes year over year

Practical Steps to Prevent and Address Modern Slavery

1. Supplier Code of Conduct

We require all suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. This code sets clear standards for ethical conduct and is a foundational element of our supplier relationships.

2. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We conduct regular risk assessments to identify areas of potential vulnerability within our operations and supply chains. This includes evaluating new and existing suppliers, particularly those operating in higher-risk regions or sectors. Our due diligence processes are designed to uncover and address any indicators of modern slavery.

3. Training and Awareness

Our people are our first line of defense. We provide ongoing training to employees and management, equipping them with the knowledge to spot warning signs and understand the procedures for reporting concerns. This culture of awareness extends to our partners and suppliers, reinforcing our shared responsibility.

4. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and update our policies and procedures to reflect evolving best practices and regulatory requirements. Feedback from audits, employee reports, and stakeholder engagement informs our approach, ensuring we remain proactive and responsive.

5. Reporting and Remediation

We maintain clear channels for reporting concerns related to modern slavery, both internally and externally. When issues are identified, we act swiftly to investigate and remediate, working collaboratively with affected parties to ensure fair and just outcomes.

The Broader Context: Modern Slavery in Digital and Consulting Industries

The digital and consulting sectors are not immune to the risks of modern slavery. Complex project delivery models, global supply chains, and the use of contingent labor can create vulnerabilities. Publicis Sapient’s approach is to lead by example—embedding human rights considerations into every aspect of our business, from technology modernization to customer experience design.

Our work with clients across industries—including public sector, financial services, retail, and more—means we have a responsibility to set high standards and influence positive change throughout the value chain. We collaborate with partners who share our values and expect the same level of commitment to human rights.

Aligning with Global Best Practices

Publicis Sapient’s anti-slavery efforts are aligned with international standards and best practices. We draw on guidance from global frameworks and continually benchmark our approach against industry leaders. Our commitment is reflected in our:

Annual public reporting and transparency
Strong governance and leadership accountability
Integration of human rights into our digital transformation solutions
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values

A Call to Action for the Digital Age

As digital transformation accelerates, so does our responsibility to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of human rights. At Publicis Sapient, we are proud to be part of a movement that puts people first—leveraging technology to empower, not exploit. We invite our clients, partners, and peers to join us in advancing ethical business practices and eradicating modern slavery in all its forms.

For more information about our Modern Slavery Statements and our ongoing efforts, please contact us or explore our latest reports. Together, we can build a digital future that is not only innovative, but just and humane.