Frequently asked questions:

Here are a few examples of questions and answers meant to help you to better understand what PetrOmbudsman does.

Does PetrOmbudsman have a program of workshops and information/education activities suitable for the company’s employees? NEW

YES. Starting with March 2017, PetrOmbudsman Department created a new section on its website, petrombudsman.ro, called "Workshops". Also, the workshops from PetrOmbudsman's portfolio were added to link2learn platform, giving to all employees in the company the opportunity to participate at free and volunteer workshops for their soft skills improvement. Current portfolio contains the following topics:

  • Conversational Communication
  • Change Management
  • Conflict Management
  • Time Management

PetrOmbudsman Department acts as an independent party in the organization? We can prove this? Is PetrOmbudsman office perceived as independent? NEW

Starting from the principle of independence, PetrOmbudsman department decide with his visitors, how they will address situations brought to its attention, it has free access to any information and is not a part of management or trade unions. It can be said that PetrOmbudsman department is perceived as independent, being proved by the result of the survey conducted in 2016, where 91% of respondents evaluated the Department as independent. 

Information introduced in the database is of statistical nature? Are there elements that can lead to identifying the visitors? NEW

The data entered in the database is of general nature, which helps us to identify systemic problems. There are no elements that can lead to the identification of visitors. (We are not using information about their identity, email addresses, phone numbers, etc.)

PetrOmbudsman Department has the ability to determine whether the events are related to individual circumstances or of a systemic character? NEW

YES. PetrOmbudsman identify systemic issues by relating all matters brought to its attention and acting through their reporting to the organization through the PetrOmbudsman Advisory Committee.

Does PetrOmbudsman report on the trends observed, even if they are not part of the mandate or jurisdiction, but may be of interest to the organization? NEW

PetrOmbudsman reports the "business" issues which had been brought to its attention, Notify departments targeted by visitors of these issues existence, respecting also the confidentiality.

Who can benefit from the services of PetrOmbudsman Department?

All persons who are part of Petrom Group (including persons with a Manpower employment contract). 

What kind of protection does the PetrOmbudsman “Non-retaliation” policy offer me?

The functioning of PetrOmbudsman Department has the full support of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board. The Management is sincerely interested in knowing the employees’ concerns regarding their job, so as to improve the working environment and to prevent escalation of issues which can be solved in an amicable way. Thus, in order to demonstrate their commitment regarding the principles by which this department operates, the Members of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board have signed the PetrOmbudsman "Non-retaliation" policy.

According to this policy, all persons working in OMV Petrom Group have the right to contact and to use the services provided by PetrOmbudsman without fear of consequences. Anyone who intervenes in the relationship between yourself and PetrOmbudsman so as to prevent you from contacting this department, or which causes you to experience any type of discomfort for benefiting from the services of PetrOmbudsman, is exposed to the proceedings of a Disciplinary Commission and the sanctions enacted upon its decision. If you feel any kind of pressure after contacting the PetrOmbudsman Department, please notify us and we will take the appropriate measures to resolve the situation, in accordance with the provisions of the "Non-retaliation" policy.

What is the training of the Ombudspersons in the department? Are they able to ensure the effective management of any type of problem?

Definitely, YES! The PetrOmbudsman team consists of a varied group of people, both in terms of professional background and previous work experience. We thus have a united and motivated team comprising of economists, lawyers, technicians and diplomats who work together to identify the full range of options available to solve the problems which you are facing.

Additionally, the members of our department undertake continuous training to develop “Organizational Ombuds” specific skills (courses on conflict management, ways to eliminate discrimination, workplace stress management, improved organizational communication, change management, etc). In addition, we enjoy the continued support of an International Expert, with decades of experience in Organizational Ombudsman issues.

What can I discuss with an Ombudsman?

Anything!

He can advise you in any topic related to work, from simple questions and complaints, to delicate situations. The aid of PetrOmbudsman is useful, especially if you want to express an uncertainty or a personal opinion about yourself or your work environment.

What is an Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman is a supplementary communication channel, meant to help each and every employee of the company, to counsel and to discuss with him/her, based on the questions he/she may have. PetrOmbudsman helps people and teams, helps you to find the right solution to the situation/problem you are facing!

The Ombudsman will always take action according to the following principles:

Independence – they are not part of management structures or trade unions. They are not outsiders; they work inside OMV Petrom, are acquainted with your work and your perspective on this business.

Neutrality and impartiality – any employee of OMV Petrom can any time resort to their non-biased help. The activity of PetrOmbudsman is sustained by a committee made up of employees having attained various professional levels, who ensure that the principles are respected by all means.

Informality – by promoting informal discussions, the number of options for solving an issue may rise considerably. You can contact an Ombudsman via phone, face to face, at the office, or outside the office, during working hours or after working hours.

Confidentiality – will not keep any record of employee identification, except for the information required to solve a case. They will not divulge any kind of information about the people inside the company or outside the company; exceptions are the cases of imminent risks of serious harm, which can affect the company or other people, risks that are determined solely by the Ombudsman.

What does PetrOmbudsman deal with exactly?

PetrOmbudsman is there to listen and to help you clarify certain aspects and make an action plan towards solving your situation. Through a confidential and non-biased dialogue, PetrOmbudsman helps you shed light on your problem and define the key aspects of your concern. Or you might just need someone to listen to you. Then, this is precisely what PetrOmbudsman will do! If you want to figure out how you can find a solution in a given situation, PetrOmbudsman will stand as a confidant, an intermediary or a connection between you and the rest of the available resources within the company. If you want to draw someone’s attention to a certain aspect, PetrOmbudsman will be there to support you! With your approval, PetrOmbudsman could play a support role in all of those difficult discussions you might find yourself in.

Should I first consult my superior or the Human Resources department before contacting PetrOmbudsman?

The company encourages open and direct communication between its employees.

Through Petrom Open Doors Policy, your superior or an employee of the Human Resources department has to be available for you anytime. However, in case of a delicate or uncertain issue that concerns you, you may want to have a confidential discussion with someone, before taking an official stand. This is why PetrOmbudsman exists!

I have never heard of something like this before. Are there any other companies that benefit from the Ombudsman program?

YES!

A lot of companies from the oil and gas industry such as Shell Oil, Chevron, Halliburton and Baker Hughes benefit from Ombudsman programs. Also, many European companies (e.g. Porsche, Deutsche Bahn, Eon, SAP, etc.) make use of Ombudsman programs to improve work and to take a step forward in ensuring an open communication with employees.

Can I contact Ombudsman anytime?

Of course!

When you are confronted with a situation or you just have a question, you can discuss it with PetrOmbudsman. It can help you discover more alternatives for resolving an issue or finding aresponse.

These discussions do not involve filling out forms or subsequent reports. The dialogue with the PetrOmbudsman does not limit the relations between employees; on the contrary, it facilitates them.

If it is just an option with no official stand, why should I contact PetrOmbudsman?

First of all, being an informal discussion, you can have full control over any conversation. Secondly, sometimes, expressing a thought can lead to a quick resolve of concerns. Or, in some cases, an objective feedback or neutral information about the options you have can be more than useful. The informal character of PetrOmbudsman makes all of this possible. An Ombudsman has no formal authority, but through a persuasive attitude, negotiation and support shown for the available options, approaching PetrOmbudsman can lead to a favorable result for any employee.

What is the difference between PetrOmbudsman and other corporate functions? It does not mean the same thing?

It is not the same thing; PetrOmbudsman completes the existing communication channels.

The number of differences may seem technical, but they define the way entities (PetrOmbudsman/other corporate functions) interact with you.

PetrOmbudsman is an independent department and, unlike other corporate functions, is not part of the management.

Being an informal source, PetrOmbudsman is not an official authority. Its neutrality and independence ensure the confidentiality characteristic of this department.

The communication is strictly informal and you are the only one who can decide if the information you provide to PetrOmbudsman can be made public or communicated to other people. The neutrality of PetrOmbudsman requires it to adopt an objective and confidential position related to the issues brought to its attention.

How can PetrOmbudsman ensure confidentiality, if reports are presented to the management? I doubt its discretion.

The reports presented by PetrOmbudsman do not contain identification data, only statistical data. This is fully supported by the management of the company. Discretion is imposed on the PetrOmbudsman department at all times, except for cases when there is an imminent risk of serious harm for the company or other persons, risk that can be determined solely by PetrOmbudsman. The reports presented show the way in which PetrOmbudsman uses its resources and identifies new trends in the company. Through these reports, PetrOmbudsman assesses its work and offers employees the possibility to communicate or to quickly solve their concerns.

Do I need to take time off to meet the Ombudsman?

Acesta se va întâlni cu tine înainte sau după programul de lucru, atunci când timpul îți permite. Fiind o resursă informală, flexibilitatea este o caracteristică a angajaților PetrOmbudsman. Un Ombudsman va evalua situația ta și va găsi o modalitate de a discuta cu tine, într-un cadru confidențial și sigur.

Why is there a PetrOmbudsman department? Aren’t there people in the company who we can address already?

PetrOmbudsman is there in order to make our company a better place. In many situations, especially for big companies, getting answers or help may seem difficult.

PetrOmbudsman represents “at the right time in the right place”, for all those moments in which employees reach crossroads and uncertainty. PetrOmbudsman means help and support, whenever you feel you need it.

Is an Ombudsman impartial?

Absolutely!

Having the possibility to express dissatisfaction is part of the values in which Petrom believes. Accepting responsibilities is a major goal for us. Besides its confidential and informal nature, the PetrOmbudsman department is also neutral. PetrOmbudsman is an objective resource, which helps you figure out possible answers to your questions or concerns.

I don’t want to be a complainant or to cause problems.

You should have no doubts about this department!

Having the possibility to express dissatisfaction is part of the values in which Petrom believes. Accepting responsibilities is a major goal for us. Besides its confidential and informal nature, the PetrOmbudsman department is also neutral. PetrOmbudsman is an objective resource, which helps you figure out possible answers to your questions or concerns.