GRI Index and UN Global Compact Communication on Progress
Organizational Profile
102-1
Complete
Report the name of the organization
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
Read detailed response102-2
Complete
Report the primary activities, brands, products and services
IPG operates in all major world markets – our companies specialize in consumer advertising, digital marketing, communications planning and media buying, public relations and specialized communications disciplines.
Read detailed response102-3
Complete
Report the location of the organization's headquarters
909 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022
Read detailed response102-4
Complete
Report the number of countries where the organization operates, and names of countries where either the organization has significant operations or that are specifically relevant to the sustainability topics covered in the report
IPG is a global company with offices in over 100 countries.
Read detailed response102-5
Complete
Report the nature of ownership and legal form
IPG is a publicly traded company.
Read detailed response102-6
Complete
Report the markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served, and types of customers and beneficiaries).
We are one of the world’s premier global advertising and marketing services companies.
Read detailed response102-7
Complete
Report the scale of the organization, including: total number of employees, total number of operations, net sales or net revenues, total capitalization broken down in terms of debt and equity, quantity of products or services provided
IPG is a global company with employees and operations in more than 100 countries.
Read detailed response102-8
Partial
a. Report the total number of employees by employment contract and gender. b. Report the total number of permanent employees by employment type and gender. c. Report the total workforce by employees and supervised workers and by gender d. Report the total workforce by region and gender. e. Report whether a substantial portion of the organization’s work is performed by workers who are legally recognized as self-employed, or by individuals other than employees or supervised workers, including employees and supervised employees of contractors. f. Report any significant variations in employment numbers (such as seasonal variations in employment in the tourism or agricultural industries).
Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
102-9
Complete
Describe the organization’s supply chain.
Understanding and Monitoring the Conduct and Impact of our Supply Chain
Read detailed response102-10
Complete
Report any significant changes during the reporting period regarding the organization’s size, structure, ownership, or its supply chain, including: Changes in the location of, or changes in, operations, including facility openings, closings, and expansions Changes in the share capital structure and other capital formation, maintenance, and alteration operations (for private sector organizations) Changes in the location of suppliers, the structure of the supply chain, or in relationships with suppliers, including selection and termination
There have been no significant changes during the reporting period in IPG's size, structure, ownership, or supply chain.
Read detailed response102-11
Complete
Report whether and how the precautionary approach or principle is addressed by the organization
The precautionary approach generally applies to manufacturing, rather than service companies. Since IPG is a provider of marketing services, we do not consider the precautionary approach.
Read detailed response102-12
Complete
List externally developed economic, environmental and social charters, principles or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or which it endorses
IPG is committed to good corporate citizenship.
Read detailed response102-13
Complete
List memberships of associations and national or international advocacy organizations to which the organization holds a position on the governance body, participates in projects or committees, provides substantive funding beyond routine membership dues, views membership as strategic
IPG takes its role as a corporate citizen seriously. This includes membership and leadership roles in trade associations as well as community organizations that impact the lives of communities where our employees live and work.
Read detailed responseStrategy
102-14
Complete
Provide a statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization about the relevance of sustainability to the organization and the organization's strategy for addressing sustainability
Message from Philippe Krakowsky, CEO Interpublic and Michael Roth, Executive Chairman, Interpublic
Read detailed responseEthics and Integrity
102-16
Complete
Describe the organization's values, principles, standards and norms of behavior such as codes of conduct and codes of ethics
Interpublic’s Code of Conduct forms the foundation of how we interact with one another, with our vendors and with our clients. It helps ensure that we operate ethically and transparently as we perform our jobs.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
102-17
Complete
Mechanisms for Advice and Concerns about Ethics
If violations of IPG's ethical standards are suspected, we strongly encourage all IPG employees, contractors, suppliers, clients, business partners, as well as all other stakeholders, to utilize our publicly available grievance mechanisms.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Governance
102-18
Complete
Report the governance structure of the organization, including committees of the highest governance body. Identify any committees responsible for decision-making on economic, environmental and social impacts
Our Proxy Statement provides detailed information on our governance structure.
Read detailed responseStakeholder Engagement
102-40
Complete
Provide a list of stakeholder groups engaged by the organization
Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43
Read detailed response102-41
Complete
Report the percentage of total employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
The percentage of IPG employees covered by collective bargaining is zero – 0 percent.
Read detailed response102-42
Complete
Report the basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage.
Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
102-43
Complete
Report the organization’s approach to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group, and an indication of whether any of the engagement was undertaken specifically as part of the report preparation process.
Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
102-44
Partial
Report key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organization has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting. Report the stakeholder groups that raised each of the key topics and concerns.
Sustainability is a key priority for IPG as it is for our stakeholders, including employees, clients and shareholders.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Reporting Practice
102-45
Complete
List all entities included in the organization’s consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents. Report whether any entity included in the organization’s consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents is not covered by the report. The organization can report on this Standard Disclosure by referencing the information in publicly available consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents.
Please see Part 1 - Item 1, Business, Page 2 of IPG 10K, which can be accessed at the following link: https://investors.interpublic.com/static-files/57ce2438-64d3-4728-bbe3-7cb37a9ea9e8
Read detailed response102-46
Partial
a .Explain the process for defining the report content and the Aspect Boundaries. b. Explain how the organization has implemented the Reporting Principles for Defining Report Content.
Interpublic completed a comprehensive materiality process.
Read detailed response102-47
Complete
List all the material topics identified in the process for defining report content
IPG reports in line with the GRI Standards
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
102-48
Complete
Report the effect of any restatements of information provided in previous reports, and the reasons for such restatements
There are no restatements of information provided in previous reports.
Read detailed response102-49
Complete
- Report significant changes from previous reporting periods in the Scope and Aspect Boundaries
Interpublic has expanded its reporting boundary each year since 2014.
Read detailed response102-51
Complete
Date of most recent previous report
IPG published its last sustainability report in March of 2020. We update the Sustainability and Purpose information on our website on a frequent basis.
Read detailed responseManagement Approach
103-1
Complete
Explanation of the material topic and its boundary.
Unless otherwise noted, the boundary for the disclosures in our report represent the entire Interpublic entity as described in our 10K annual report.
Read detailed response103-2
Complete
The management approach and its components
Ultimately, the entire Board of Directors considers the implications and risks of climate change and other key issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as they impact IPG, while the primary responsibility sits with the Board’s Corporate Governance Committee,
Read detailed response103-3
Complete
Evaluation of the management approach
This indicator is cross-referenced for 103-2 and 103-3
Read detailed responseEconomic Performance
201-1
Complete
Direct economic value generated and distributed
Detailed information on IPG’s direct economic value generated and distributed can be found in our 2019 Annual Report, starting on page 21. IPG also reports on such information under GRI 102-7 Scale of an organization.
Read detailed response201-3
Partial
Coverage of the organization's defined benefit plan obligations
For information on IPG's defined benefit plan obligations, please see 2019 Form 10K, pages 39-40 and page 84. All estimates are as of 12/31/19
Read detailed responseIndirect Economic Impacts
203-2
Complete
Significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts
Sustainability in all its forms -- environmental responsibility, good corporate citizenship, ensuring socially-responsible business practices --is important and integral to the way we do business around the world.
Read detailed responseAnti-Corruption
205-1
Complete
Total number and percentage of operations assessed for risks related to corruption and the significant risks identified
Interpublic assesses 100% of our operations for risks related to corruption.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
205-2
Complete
Communication and training on anti-corruption policies and procedures
IPG regularly communicates its anti-corruption policies and procedures by a variety of methods.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Anti-Competitive Behavior
206-1
Complete
Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices
In 2019, IPG did not have any legal and/or regulatory fines, penalties, or other legal action associated with violations of anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, or monopoly practices.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Energy
302-1
Partial
Energy consumption within the organization
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
302-3
Complete
Energy Intensity
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
302-4
Partial
Reduction of energy consumption
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
302-5
Complete
Reductions in energy requirements of products and services
To streamline our operations and reduce unnecessary usage of energy, water, and natural resources, IPG focuses on our people.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
Emissions
305-1
Partial
Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1)
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
305-2
Partial
Energy indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 2)
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
305-3
Complete
Other indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 3)
Smart travel policies – traveling less where possible, traveling lighter and traveling smarter – is a shared goal that we have committed to.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
305-4
Partial
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
305-5
Partial
Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 7:
Environment
Principle 8:
Environment
Principle 9:
Environment
Environmental Compliance
307-1
Complete
Non-compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations
In 2019, IPG did not have any significant fines, violations, or other non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and/or regulations. The monetary value was $0.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 8:
Environment
Supplier Environmental Assessment
308-1
Partial
Percentage of new suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria
Please note this response is cross-referenced for 308-1 and 414-1.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 6:
Labour
Employment
401-1
Partial
Total number and rates of new employee hires and employee turnover by age group, gender and region
Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
401-2
Partial
Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees, by significant locations of operation
Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
401-3
Complete
Parental Leave
IPG’s parental leave benefit is covered under our network-wide “Employee and Family Leave” program.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
Occupational Health and Safety
403-3
Complete
Occupational Health Services
Interpublic Group (IPG) applies high standards of safety and employee protection, as reflected in our policies and employee resources devoted to physical and mental health.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 2:
403-4
Complete
Worker Participation, Consultation and Communication on OHS
Interpublic Group (IPG) communicates essential health and safety information across our agencies and offices in several ways. IPG continually considers the feedback of employees on various topics, including health and well-being.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 2:
403-5
Complete
Worker training on occupational health and safety
IPG’s employees complete annual Code of Conduct training, which covers health and safety policies, particularly workplace violence and substance abuse. In 2019, we saw a 97% completion rate of our annual Code of Conduct training.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 2:
403-6
Complete
Promotion of Worker Health
IPG is committed to continuous improvements of health and safety conditions for our employees.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 2:
Training and Education
404-1
Complete
Average hours of training per year per employee
IPG understands the importance of regular training, as it ensures our workplaces operate ethically and transparently, and, expands the professional development of our people.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
404-2
Partial
Programs for skills management and lifelong learning that support the continued employability of employees and assist them in managing career endings
Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
404-3
Complete
Percentage of Employees Receiving Regular Performance and Career Development Reviews
IPG advocates for all employees to actively participate and invest in performance management.
Read detailed responseDiversity and Equal Opportunity
405-1
Complete
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
Diversity, equity and inclusion are business priorities for IPG.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
405-2
Complete
Ratio of Basic Salary and Remuneration of Women to Men
IPG is committed to compensating employees fairly based on their job, skills, and experience, and without regard to protected characteristics.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 6:
Labour
Human Rights Assessment
412-2
Complete
Total hours of employee training on human rights policies or procedures concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to operations, including the percentage of employees trained
IPG understands the importance of training, particularly as it relates to ensuring a workplace that operates ethically and transparently and is also free from any type of harassment.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 6:
Labour
Local Communities
413-1
Complete
Operations with local community engagement, impact assessments, and development programs
IPG aims to strengthen the communities where we live, where we work, and where we vote.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 8:
Environment
Supplier Social Assessment
414-1
Partial
Percentage of new suppliers that were screened using human rights criteria
Please note this response is cross-referenced for 308-1 and 414-1.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 1:
Human Rights
Principle 6:
Labour
Public Policy
415-1
Complete
Total value of political contributions by country and recipient/beneficiary
Although personal political activity is welcome, as employees we may not make political contributions by or in the name of IPG or any of its subsidiaries.
Read detailed responseMarketing and Labeling
417-2
Complete
Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service information and labeling
In 2019, IPG did not have any incidents of non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes regarding information or labeling of products and services.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
417-3
Complete
Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing communications
In 2019, IPG did not have any incidents of non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes regarding marketing communications, including advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Customer Privacy
418-1
Complete
Substantiated Complaints Concerning Breaches of Customer Privacy and Losses of Customer Data
In 2019, Interpublic Group (IPG) identified no substantiated complaints regarding breaches of consumer privacy, nor did we identify any leaks, thefts, or losses of customer data
Read detailed responsePrinciple 10:
Anti-Corruption
Socioeconomic Compliance
419-1
Complete
Significant fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and/or regulations in the social and economic area
In 2019, IPG did not have any significant fines or non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws or regulations in the social and economic area.
Read detailed response