Social (S)
We are committed to a respectful and supportive work environment for our employees, create long-term affordable and liveable environments for our tenants, and invest in the development of resilient, interconnected communities. This is our active contribution to a socially sustainable future.
Our material topics
Employees
Capable, satisfied, motivated employees are central to our business success. We strategically promote knowledge, productivity and motivation. Living up to values, a fair management culture, individual advancement and generally treating each other with respect have a positive impact on employee satisfaction and productivity.
We promote employee satisfaction systematically with six components:
- Monetary benefits paid by the employer in line with the market
- Flexible, mobile working and opportunities for part-time work
- Opportunities for co-determination and flexibility on a range of issues (high degree of autonomy in relation to allocation of working hours, substantive tasks, etc.)
- Individual advancement and development opportunities
- Diversity in practice
- Occupational health and safety
Tenants
Along with our extensive experience in property development and leasing, our enduring relationships with tenants are one of our most important assets. These relationships have allowed us to develop a deep understanding of market needs – and of sustainable properties that are fit for the future.
Commercial tenants are our most significant customer group. We aim to strengthen our customer relations with tenants. Regular dialogue helps us to more closely adapt to the wishes of our customers and to offer properties in line with customer and market requirements. In this endeavour, we aim to focus on three aspects to address needs more systematically:
- Sustainability (environment)
- Community (social)
- Relationship (governance)
We formulate the corresponding goals for each of these aspects.
Regular surveys on preferred locations, floorspace requirements, moving-in dates and specific requirements for tenant fit-out are important tools for determining these needs. We conduct regular satisfaction surveys with existing tenants. The renewal rate for expiring rental contracts is an additional indicator of customer focus. We maintain a regular and constructive dialogue with major tenants that benefits both sides and makes day-to-day business easier. The focus here is on topics such as properties, rental space or sustainability.
Community Engagement
We create environments and aim to make a contribution beyond our core business through our community engagement. This engagement includes donations, sponsorships and other corporate partnerships. Community engagement in the development of living spaces In development projects, we are in close dialogue with the local and cantonal authorities as well as local stakeholders such as associations, political bodies and residents. This enables us to incorporate local conditions and needs into the planning of site development at an early stage. In addition, the neighbourhood can benefit from new properties and negative effects can be avoided as far as possible.
Real Estate solutions with a future
Our innovative projects are based on understanding the current needs of our customers and users. At the same time, we aim to recognise the challenges of tomorrow early on. This helps us to actively manage change in our corporate culture and service provision. We monitor the market as well as economic and social trends. Our goal is to create real estate solutions that focus on the needs of users.
Community engagement in the use phase
Community engagement contributes to the social attractiveness of large sites. Through our community engagement, we aim to promote the growth of communities and improve the wellbeing of tenants and users, maintain a closer relationship with the neighbourhood, and increase the intrinsic value of our sites and properties.
Under this concept, we define specific measures for each property to achieve our goals in the field of community engagement. The defined range of services can be classed under the categories of communication, events, services, and on- and offboarding, and are coordinated and implemented by Property Management.
Corporate Engagement
We take an active role in social and non-profit activities in line with our vision and our values. Our focal points are in the areas of philanthropy, real estate, health and sport. We deploy our numerous resources, donating money and supporting projects with sponsorship. Our employees use their free time to assist with charitable initiatives, for example to support people or protect the environment. In addition, we make our buildings available free of charge to business start-ups with social objectives. We are involved in partnerships, for example to promote innovation in urban development.
Corporate Engagement
We take an active role in social and non-profit activities in line with our vision and our values. Our focal points are in the areas of philanthropy, real estate, health and sport. We deploy our numerous resources, donating money and supporting projects with sponsorship. Our employees use their free time to assist with charitable initiatives, for example to support people or protect the environment. In addition, we make our buildings available free of charge to business start-ups with social objectives. We are involved in partnerships, for example to promote innovation in urban development.