"The world in which we live and operate is constantly evolving. In order to secure a flourishing future for us as a company, our employees, customers, shareholders and society as a whole, we must base our actions on a future-focused foundation which enables sustainable development. Baloise stands on a solid foundation built not only through its business model which is geared toward a long-term perspective. Our highly motivated employees who epitomise our values – safety, simplicity and partnership – form a strong base to drive forward sustainable development in all areas of our business operations. However, evolution, development and change do not mean we can rest on our laurels. We want to promote the good and improve the bad. We will therefore also strive for continuous improvement in every area of our company as part of our commitment to sustainable development, as well as recognising our responsibility to shape the future of our society into one which is simpler, safer and fairer – “Simply Responsible”."
Gert De Winter, CEO Baloise Group
Sustainability at Baloise
Sustainable development and the insurance and financial services business have significant similarities when it comes to long-term activities, handling risks and enabling development.
For Baloise, sustainable development means securing our own business operations and thus our employees’ jobs in the long term, as well as actively shaping social transformation as a corporate citizen. Our task as a corporate citizen is not only to offer our employees the best workplaces and strengthening their employability through continuous training and education, as well as offering our customers high-quality products which focus on their needs and guaranteeing long-term attractive dividends for our shareholders, but also to accept our social responsibility by integrating ourselves in our community and contributing toward a sustainable society.
"By living our lives in a considerate manner, we are usually awarded with respect and appreciation. You cannot and should not be selfish in a society with such a wide range of individuals. As a company, this applies to an even greater extent since for better or for worse, we as Baloise can have a much larger effect than a single person. We should remain aware of this effect and build our actions, activities and businesses on principles which allow us to have a positive impact on the world in the long term."
Dominik Marbet, Public Affairs & Sustainability
We want to work as a reliable partner with committed employees to drive forward innovative solutions for our customers, thus ensuring a safe and secure environment on a life-long basis. To achieve this, it is essential for us to face the challenges of our time.
"If we direct our actions as individuals and as a network of people, i.e. a company, toward a liveable future for all to the best of our abilities while remaining open to changing and questioning why we act as we act, we will be able to continue sustainably developing ourselves, our environment and our society."
Kim Berrendorf, Public Affairs & Sustainability
With Simply Safe, we as the entire Baloise Group are boldly striving for sustainable growth. We want to be the first choice for anyone who simply wants to feel safe – today and in the future. Our ambition is to be a leading employer in our sector, to convince one million new customers of our abilities and to bring two billion Swiss francs cash to the holding company.
Sustainable Management
With this concentration and a heavy focus on customers and employees, Baloise emphasises that the aspects of sustainable management cannot be considered unconnected from a company’s business management. By working for an insurance and pension company, our employees contribute daily to the protection and functioning of companies, economies, communities and individuals, thereby contributing to the economic and social stability of the countries in which Baloise and its customers operate.
Baloise must offer long-term security, something which is not sustainably feasible with only short-term achievements. It aligns its sustainable business management with the Baloise value-added model. It is based on the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) model but concentrates fully on the Baloise business model, the aspects it considers most essential and its corporate values.
Opportunities and challenges
We see the long-running low-interest phase on the capital markets, regulations, changing customer needs as a result of demographic evolution and ongoing digitalisation as opportunities and challenges. Despite the prevailing trend towards individualisation, the model of supportive communities is an important part of society and our business. The aforementioned opportunities and challenges can only be seized and overcome together. Issues such as climate change, social inclusion and sustainable economic growth affect the community and it alone can steer them in the desired direction.
Our social responsibility covers a wide spectrum and involves an equally wide range of stakeholders: from shareholders, employees and customers to partners, the public and the environment around us.
Baloise focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and allocates its actions and activities to the respective goals.
“Sustainability shouldn’t be thought of as a label which you award yourself in order to communicate certain standards. In order to drive sustainable development forward in a serious and convincing manner, this motion must be anchored in life and the company, and must be embodied. Various different measures such as the reduction of plastic and meat consumption play a role here. These individual activities may seem small in and of themselves, but together they contribute toward the whole solution.”
Dominik Stich, Risk Management
Resources
The shareholder base is broadly diversified. Most of the shares are held by institutional investors from Europe and the USA who have a long-term investment horizon.
Using 21st century working models, we focus on employees with initiative and offer opportunities for internal mobility and development.
- Culture of growth and learning supported by initiative, dialogue and performance to equip the Company for the future
- Values-based culture
- Equality-based working environment, and communication on equal terms
- Scope for personal initiative
- Focus on development
- Individual working models (remote working, part-time, job-sharing) and a modern work environment
Baloise works with a wide network of distributors (agents, brokers and
banks), service providers, advisors and start-ups in
various markets. We work with our partners to optimise and expand our core business.
- Start-up fund: CHF 50 million for investment in European, UK and US-based start-ups
- Baloise's own start-ups:e.g. FRI:DAY, Mobly and Movu
- Selected partners such as TCS, Bank Cler, BLKB, Möbel Pfister and many others
We have a strategy of seeking out customers who are cautious and careful, and to whom safety and security are as important as they are to Baloise. Our customer base includes private and corporate customers. We gained 186,000 new customers in 2018.
We involve customers in our product design process through customer forums, panels and surveys because we want to do more than cover risks: we want to make customers feel more safe and secure in their everyday lives.
Baloise assumes responsibility as an employer, partner to its customers and member of society in a variety of ways, including
- sponsorship
- CSR activities in all countries
- art collection/art prize
- commitment to the Swiss milizsystem, where public offices are held by volunteers
Group Compliance is a key part of our corporate governance and deals with socially relevant matters such as privacy, money laundering and corruption. In addition, our code of conduct sets out rules for how we deal with employees.
Baloise is committed to the responsible use of natural resources in its day-to-day operations.
- First insurance company to sign up to the insurance declaration on sustainable development of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1995
- Own environmental mission statement since 1999
- Signed up to the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2018
- Supporter of the 'environmental platform', a business initiative of the Basel region
Effect
Our shareholders expect a long-term attractive investment. The high level of security comes from a strong balance sheet, a proactive approach to risk management and a conservative investment policy.
Through our ambition of achieving a cash upstream of CHF 2 billion to Bâloise Holding by 2021, we are creating the financial basis for investment in future growth in order to continue our attractive and consistent distribution policy.
Committed employees strengthen customer relationships and foster long-term customer loyalty.
- Among the top 10% of employers in the insurance sector by 2021
- Enhancing the employability of our employees through continuing professional development
- Competitive basic salaries, variable remuneration, and attractive profit-sharing and employee retention schemes
- Average length of service is 13 years
- Teamwork, individual responsibility
- Appreciative working environment
- Loyal and satisfied employees who make a difference to the customer experience
The strength and innovation of the Baloise partnerships ensure competitiveness and enable future growth.
- Fast pace of innovation through shortened product development time. Around 30 new products in 2018
- Ability to respond quickly to customer needs and come up with new products in weeks rather than months
- Around 50 start-ups in the portfolio/funding initiatives for innovative solutions for tomorrow's market
"Simply Safe" strengthens the focus on customer needs, supports tailored omnichannel communication and innovative products and services in the areas of insurance, assistance and pensions.
- Target is to attract 1,000,000 new customers between 2017 and 2021 (+30%)
- Strong insurance collective
- Baloise does everything it can to make the lives of its customers safer and more secure
- Maintenance and expansion of the community sharing the risk
- At Baloise, we manage and coordinate this community, and we protect it in the interest of the various stakeholders.
- Baloise's actions have an impact on the relationship between business and the general public
- Helping to shape society and promote sustainable development, both within and outside our own business
Baloise is working to continuously reduce its direct environmental footprint and use of non-renewable resources by using economical, smart, energy-efficient buildings. It observes the same principles in the procurement and use of office equipment and materials.
- Energy-efficiency in buildings and IT
- Reducing CO2 emissions
- Use of 100% hydroelectric power in Switzerland
- Training for employees to raise awareness of environmental impact
- Integration of ESG criteria into our investment universe
“My understanding of sustainability at Baloise relates to various different stakeholder groups. On the one hand, Baloise has a responsibility as an employer and must thus ensure it is providing a constantly constructive and sustainable working environment. On the other hand, Baloise builds lasting customer relationships and provide long-term support to customers as a safety partner. Lastly, as a joint stock company, Baloise also has an obligation to its shareholders. Sustainable, profit-oriented handling with available resources should also be a priority.”
Marco Barone, Customer Service
"Baloise has been around for 150 years. The core of our business has been the same since its establishment in 1863. We safeguard the needs and possessions of our customers by assuming risks which individuals are unable to bear. We rely on long-term partnerships, whether these are with insured individuals and customers, employees or shareholders. For me, this business philosophy is sustainable because it involves different exponents of society. It is therefore very important for our employees to be involved in public and volunteer work. This anchors Baloise in society. We can thus ensure that we will continue adding value as an insurer, employer and a good corporate citizen over the next 150 years."
Dr. Andreas Burckhardt, Chairman of the board
