Caring About Our People and Communities
At Aker, we believe that long-term value creation is rooted in the well-being of people—our employees, partners and the communities where we operate. Social responsibility is an integral part of our business strategy and culture, shaping how we work, collaborate and contribute to society.
We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace across all our portfolio companies. We prioritize health and safety, promote diversity and equal opportunity and invest in skills development to empower our people and strengthen local communities.
OUR APPROACH
Clear Commitments, Shared Accountability
Aker has a long tradition of collaboration between the main shareholders, the board, management and employee representatives, as well as maintaining an open dialogue with public authorities and other partners.
Aker is committed to upholding internationally recognized human rights and labor standards across its portfolio. Through the Global Framework Agreement signed with IndustriALL Global Union, Fellesforbundet, NITO and Tekna Aker formalizes its zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and degrading treatment.
Grounded in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, the agreement applies to companies where Aker holds significant influence. It also extends to supply chains and business partners, reinforcing expectations for fair working conditions, health and safety, and responsible conduct throughout the value chain.
The Aker Model is a long-standing approach to corporate governance built on trust, transparency and collaboration. Developed over generations, it reflects Aker’s commitment to inclusive decision-making through close cooperation between shareholders, management and employee representatives.
More than just a formal structure, the Aker Model is a culture—one that encourages open dialogue, mutual respect and shared responsibility. It goes beyond legal requirements, enabling employees to influence corporate decisions through board representation, structured engagement and informal dialogue. This model supports better decision-making, stronger implementation and workplaces prepared for the future.
The Global Works Council (GWC) is a formal platform for dialogue between Aker ASA, its portfolio companies and employee representatives across international operations. Established in 2018, the GWC complements the Aker Model by focusing on cross-company collaboration on working life, strategic developments and employee welfare.
Chaired by an employee-elected board member of Aker ASA, the GWC includes representatives from companies such as Aker Solutions, Aker Horizons and Akastor, with contributions from others like Aker BP and Aker BioMarine. It provides Aker’s leadership with valuable insight into employee perspectives and supports the development of inclusive, informed strategies across the Group.
We Invest in Our People
Aker’s success is built on talented people. We foster a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where employees can grow, thrive and contribute meaningfully. We offer competitive benefits, promote work-life balance and actively advance diversity and equal opportunity across all levels of the organization.
Executive Leadership Program (CXO)
Aker’s Executive Leadership Program is a one-year executive development initiative designed to align with the Group’s strategic priorities. Each year, a carefully selected cohort of leaders is invited to participate.
The program combines structured leadership training, executive mentoring, and targeted development initiatives. It provides deep insights into Aker’s portfolio companies and strategic focus areas, while fostering personal growth and leadership capability.
CXO ensures balanced gender participation and strengthens leadership diversity across the Group. Graduates are equipped to take on broader responsibilities and contribute to driving Aker’s long-term ambitions.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND SOCIETY
Creating Opportunities Through Education and Inclusion
Aker is committed to creating lasting value beyond business. This is achieved through initiatives such as the Aker Scholarship and Stiftelsen VI (the “VI Foundation”), we invest in education, inclusion and equal opportunities—helping individuals and communities thrive.
Aker Scholarship: Investing in Future Leaders
The Aker Scholarship supports exceptional Norwegian students pursuing master's and PhD degrees at top international universities. Established in 2015, the program offers full funding and personalized follow-up to help develop the next generation of leaders.
Funded by the Anne Grete Eidsvig and Kjell Inge Røkke Charitable Foundation for Education and administered by Aker ASA, the scholarship reflects a long-term commitment to education and societal impact.
Stiftelsen VI: Creating Equal Opportunities
Founded in 2018 by Kjell Inge Røkke and the Aker Group, Stiftelsen VI works to improve the quality of life and promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The foundation focuses on inclusion through sports, education and access to meaningful work.
Funded by Røkke and Aker companies, Stiftelsen VI aims to break down barriers and create inclusive arenas that foster participation, belonging and greater awareness across society.
Championing Sports Excellence and Inclusion
Aker and Stiftelsen VI partner with the Norwegian Rowing Federation and the Norwegian Board Association to promote inclusion for athletes with disabilities. Together, they support initiatives that open doors and create equal opportunities in sport.
Several Aker-owned companies also back national sports federations focused on disability inclusion, contributing to both Olympic and Paralympic efforts and helping build a more inclusive sporting community.
Compliance With the Transparency Act
The Norwegian Transparency Act requires larger companies to promote respect for fundamental human rights and decent working conditions—both in their own operations and throughout their supply chains.
To meet these obligations, companies must establish policies, conduct human rights due diligence, implement risk-reducing measures, monitor outcomes, engage stakeholders and ensure access to remedies.
Aker ASA and its subsidiaries have implemented policies and routines to safeguard human rights and working conditions. Key governing documents include:
- Code of Conduct
- Sustainability Policy
- Global Framework Agreement with unions
- Code of Conduct for Business Partners
Requests related to Aker’s compliance can be directed to [email protected].
Aker’s annual Transparency Act Report, covering Aker ASA, Aker Capital AS and Aker Holding AS, is available in the Sustainability Library.
Learn More About Sustainability at Aker
Responsible growth
Committed to Environmental Responsibility
Through its portfolio of industrial companies, Aker continues to deliver energy the world needs—while minimizing environmental impact and advancing technologies that benefit both society and the planet
Corporate Governance
Effective corporate governance is essential to Aker’s ability to building long-term value and earning trust. Our approach is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a clear commitment to responsible ownership.
