FAQs

WE ARE EXPLORERS INNOVATION CONTEST

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Registration / Participation

1. When can I participate in the Contest? What is the deadline?

The dates for the Submission and Voting periods will be announced through all Syensqo internal communication channels. Please check the intranet, your email, Digital Signage (Corporate TVs), or printed posters at your site.

2. Who can participate in the Contest?

Only Syensqo employees aged 18 or over and employed by Syensqo during the Contest can participate. Externals, contractors, and the Syensqo Executive Leadership team can participate but are not eligible to win.

3. Can I participate in the Contest without submitting one initiative?

Yes, you can participate during the voting period by voting for your preferred initiatives submitted by other employees.

4. How can I participate in the Contest?

To participate, visit explorerscontest.com, sign up, and log in using your Employee ID (Number), email (personal or professional), and password. Once logged in, you can submit an initiative during the Submission period or vote for an initiative during the Voting period.

5. Why do I need to inform my Employee ID (Number)? Where can I find it?

Your Employee ID (Number) is used to validate your status as a Syensqo employee. This automatic validation is required to access the platform and participate in the contest. All IDs start with number “5” and have 8 numbers. You can find your employee ID in your payslip or in your profile in “My HR Services”. If you have any issues finding your ID, or if it starts with a different number, please get in contact with your local HR.

6. I am a newcomer and my Employee ID is not recognized in the platform, what should I do?

If you are new to the company, your Employee ID may not be in our system yet. You will need to try again after 2 weeks, as our platform is updated every 15 days.

7. I am a contractor, can I participate?

Yes, you can participate, but you are not eligible to be declared a winner.

8. I am a trainee, can I participate?

Yes, you can participate, but you are not eligible to be declared a winner.

9. I am part of Syensqo's Executive Leadership Team, can I participate?

Yes, you can participate, but you are not eligible to be declared a winner.

10. I am not able to log in or sign up to the platform, who can I contact?

You can send a message using this contact form.

11. What areas of expertise are being considered for the Contest?

All areas of expertise in the company are valid areas, we are open to receive initiatives from all GBUs, Functions, sites, individuals, or special projects within Syensqo. For more information, please check the 4 categories and what type of initiatives they cover.

2. Access to the platform

1. My password is incorrect, what should I do?

Follow the steps in the error message presented during your login attempt.

2. I am not able to log in or sign up to the platform, who can I contact?

You can send a message using this contact form.

3. I asked to reset my password, but I did not receive any email? What can I do?

If you do not find the email in your inbox, you can check your spam or trash, or send us a message using the contact form.

3. My profile

1. What is the Profile page? What can I do there?

On your Profile page, you can edit your main information such as your name, email, employee ID (Number), and password. You can also delete your account or log out.

2. Can I change the language of the platform?

Yes, you can change the language from the default (EN) to several available options on any page.

4. Submission of initiatives

1. What is considered confidential information?

All information that cannot be disclosed inside or outside the company is considered confidential. This includes brands, production methods, formulas, plans, blueprints, and any media files. Descriptions should provide only an overview of the initiative. For more details about confidentiality at Syensqo, please refer to Syensqo's Confidentiality Training on YouGrow, contact your Intellectual Assets Management counsel / Legal counsel or contact your manager.

2. The communication says the Submission period is already over, can I still submit?

No, if you did not submit your initiative within the announced deadlines, you cannot submit it anymore.

3. How many initiatives can I submit?

There are no limits on the number of initiatives you can submit as an author or co-author, as long as they are submitted during the Submission period.

4. What is considered an initiative?

Initiatives can be projects, ideas, or activities, already in place and running or that you plan to launch at Syensqo. They can be simple or complex, already implemented or just a plan. Innovation isn't just about big changes; it includes everyday improvements. Whether it's a new way to streamline tasks, setting up a cozy break area, or introducing new technology, every idea counts. We encourage everyone to share their initiatives, no matter how small they might seem, and recognize their efforts. Every little step towards improvement adds up, making our workplace better and more successful.

5. Is there any support provided to complete the Submission?

Yes, you can use one of the templates provided by the Global Communications Team, available here. The template helps you structure your initiative’s information. However, for your submission to be valid, it must be submitted through the platform. Simply filling in the template is not sufficient.

6. Can I submit my initiative alone?

Yes, if you are the sole participant or originator of the idea/project/activity, you should submit it alone. If other colleagues supported you or if a team was involved, you can submit the initiative with up to 5 members (you as the author and up to 4 co-authors).

7. I can not find the other members of my team on the platform, what should I do?

You need to contact them and ensure they are registered on the platform. Only then you can add them as co-authors in your submission.

8. I am having issues with my submission, who can help me?

You can use the contact area on the platform to send a message to the Contest organizers for assistance.

5. Voting

1. The communication says the voting period is already over, can I still vote?

No, if you did not vote within the announced dates, you cannot vote anymore.

2. How many initiatives can I vote for?

There is no limit on how many initiatives you can vote for. However, you can only vote once per initiative.

3. Why can't I see the button to vote?

The button to vote will only be enabled when the voting period starts. The start date will be communicated through all Syensqo internal communication channels.

4. Why can't I see the amount of votes for each initiative?

The number of votes for each initiative will only be disclosed at the end of the voting period.

5. I'm having issues voting, who can I contact?

You can use the contact area on the platform to send a message to the Contest organizers for assistance.

6. Awards/Prizes

1. How many initiatives will be declared winners?

In the first Phase, 12 initiatives will be declared winners, the 3 most voted initiatives from each of the 4 categories. In the second Phase (ELT voting), a single initiative will be declared winner among the 12 winning initiatives from the first Phase.

2. How many employees will be declared winners?

The number of winning employees will depend on the team size of each winning initiative. Each initiative may have one author or up to 5 members (1 author and 4 co-authors).

3. How many times can I win?

You can only win once as the main author of an initiative. However, you can win multiple times as a co-author.

4. When will the winners be announced?

The results of Phase 1 (Employees voting) and Phase 2 (ELT voting) will be released on a date to be determined and communicated through Syensqo’s internal communication channels. Winners will receive an email with instructions and relevant information.

5. What are the prizes for the winners?

Phase 1 winners: The authors of the top 3 most voted initiatives in each category will be:

• Certified as a “TOP Explorer”;

• Celebrated in our internal and external channels;

• Rewarded with a Gift Card (value to be announced).

Phase 2 winners: The authors of the top project will be:

• Certified as "THE TOP of the Top Explorers" with special highlight

• Celebrated in our internal and external channels

• Receive a Special Recognition (to be announced soon, no monetary value)

All winners from Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be promoted on Syensqo internal communication channels to all employees and, upon agreement, on all external Syensqo social media channels.

6. If I do not like the prize I won, can I change it?

No, you cannot exchange the prize.

7. Can I share my prize or give it to another employee?

No, the prizes are not transferable or exchangeable for another prize or their financial value.

8. May the prizes change or be replaced during the Contest?

Yes, the prizes may be completely or partly changed for other prizes of equivalent value, as defined by the organizer (Syensqo).