ENQUETE Royal Canin (3/6) : Surcharge de travail, système d’évaluation baroque, manque d’écoute… un rapport de gendarmerie accuse - midilibre.fr

Allegations of Workplace Harassment at Royal Canin

This article details a gendarmerie investigation into allegations of workplace harassment at Royal Canin's R&D department in France. The investigation, prompted by a complaint, focused on a restructuring effort called "Tesla." While the initial investigation concluded that moral harassment wasn't characterized, the report revealed significant employee testimonies.

Employee Testimonies

Employees described a culture of overwork, contradictory orders, lack of management support, and psychological pressure. Many reported working excessive hours, including nights and weekends, leading to burnout and health issues. One former employee reported being criticized for her attire and experiencing depression afterward. The report also highlighted a rigid organizational structure and an opaque evaluation system.

• Employees reported a lack of communication and an inability to speak to higher-level management.
• The evaluation system, "Merit Matrix," was described as baroque and focused on subjective personal skills rather than objective results.
• Failing to meet expectations twice could lead to contract termination.

Legal Action

Despite the initial conclusion of the investigation, a new complaint has been filed with the Nîmes court seeking a criminal trial. The plaintiff's lawyer expresses hope that the court will seriously consider the evidence, especially considering previous reports by labor inspectors.

The article further mentions two additional cases of alleged moral harassment at Royal Canin currently under review by the prosecutor's office. This highlights a potential systemic issue within the company's workplace environment.