Occupational safety and health management

The nature of employment at a service provider means that general health and safety risks are relatively low. They are limited to the health risks arising from office work and psychosocial risks. The framework conditions for health and safety at the workplace, which are provided by European and local laws and regulations, apply to all Swiss Life companies and form the basis of all health management and labour protection standards and guidelines.

Hazard identification, risk assessment and investigation of work-related incidents are integrated into the management system of the divisions and are guaranteed by the relevant local regulations and processes, which in turn are based on the aforementioned legal principles. The divisions work together with social partners as well as internal and external experts to identify hazards and assess risk. Some examples:

• A broad basic offering and annually changing focus topics relating to active health management are promoted in the Switzerland Division. The offerings are reviewed annually and developed further in cooperation with Social Care Consulting and the company doctor. In 2024, the “Corporate Health” concept was developed with the aim of promoting the physical and mental health of all employees. Corporate Health works on a systematic, needs-oriented and synergistic basis at the organisational, relationship and individual levels.
• In the Germany Division, healthcare teams are responsible for a broad offering in the area of health management and future provisions. This offering changes each year, taking into account the requirements and suggestions of employees. An occupational safety committee, composed of employee representatives, an occupational physician and occupational safety specialists, meets on a quarterly basis to discuss the latest issues.
• At Swiss Life France, a committee for the management of health, safety and working conditions meets quarterly in the presence of employee representatives (employee participation). Accidents at work are analysed and subject to a risk assessment. They may lead to safety measures being adjusted. An annual review and a risk prevention programme are established and are the subject of reports submitted to the elected staff representative. Health services and local representatives support employees in matters relating to health and working conditions. In addition, three mediators responsible for preventing harassment and sexist remarks have received special training.
• At Swiss Life Luxembourg, employee representatives are responsible for representing the interests of employees with regard to working conditions, job security and social status. The delegation comprises an equal opportunities officer and a security officer. Working together with the delegation, the employer protects the personal integrity of its employees, takes care of their health and creates a climate of mutual trust and respect. In the event of any breach of the rules, affected employees may at any time seek the advice and support of their manager, HR or the delegation.

To ensure employees’ safety and health, the divisions employ staff at their locations who are specialised in these areas. Moreover, managers are responsible for helping employees to comply with occupational safety measures and for protecting their health. To continuously improve the management approach and the impact of the measures taken, experts and decision-makers regularly review their effectiveness, make improvements where necessary and report on what has been achieved to the Corporate Executive Board on an ongoing basis.