Helvetia is reporting a result of CHF 48.9 million for the 2023 financial year (2022: CHF 56.8 million). At the same time, the surplus fund in the business subject to the minimum quota was further increased in the reporting year and currently amounts to CHF 175.9 million (previous year: CHF 162.5 million).  

Helvetia BVG Invest with assets under management of more than CHF 1 billion.

The Helvetia LOB Invest Collective Foundation benefited from the continuing trend towards semi-autonomous solutions and achieved assets under management of over CHF 1 billion for the first time in 2023. The ongoing shift in the number of insured persons towards semi-autonomous solutions is also reflected in the fact that the number of all active insured persons at Helvetia increased by 8.5% to 216,700 in 2023 (2022: 199,708), while the number of fully insured persons fell by 7.9% to 72,741 (2022: 78,947). Accordingly, operating expenses per active insured person were reduced from CHF 429 to CHF 420.  

Hedwig Ulmer, Head of Pension Provision and Member of the Executive Management Switzerland at Helvetia, is committed to a broad diversification of the product range: "Helvetia offers a full range of occupational pension solutions. This means that our customers can be optimally served according to their individual preferences and needs." 

Slightly lower premium volume compared to the previous year

In the occupational benefits business, Helvetia recorded a premium volume of CHF 1,776.3 million, which is around 5.0 % lower than in the previous year (2022: CHF 1,861.6 million). This development is also primarily due to the ongoing shift from full insurance to semi-autonomous solutions and the associated decline in savings premiums. This downward trend in savings premiums was offset by a 7.7% increase in risk premiums in the reporting year, while cost premiums fell by 0.3%.

Strong net performance and solid operating result 

In 2023, the financial markets largely recovered from the challenges of the previous year. They benefited from a robust economy and the looming end of the interest rate hike cycle. The net performance calculated on the basis of market values amounted to a pleasing 5.9% in 2023. The return according to the Swiss Code of Obligations, which is relevant for the income statement, was negatively impacted by a strongly negative currency result. By contrast, the risk process showed a very positive development. Anja Göing-Jaeschke, Head of Actuarial Services Life Switzerland at Helvetia, comments: "Helvetia also focuses on stability and long-term solutions in occupational benefits insurance. Accordingly, we have placed continuity at the forefront of our surplus policy in recent years and can therefore structure our surplus participation sustainably."

Increased profit participation in business subject to the minimum quota

In 2023, Helvetia used CHF 346.7 million in the business subject to the minimum quota for the benefit of the insured persons. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 90.5 %, which is only marginally different from the previous year's figure (2022: 90.7 %).

The profit participation is slightly above the previous year. In business subject to the minimum quota, interest of 1.0% was credited to credit balances. In accordance with the regulations on the minimum quota, which relate to the distribution of surpluses, a risk surplus was paid out for 2023 in addition to the interest surplus.  

Source: www.helvetia.com

The evening began with a presentation by PD Dr. Alexander Ilic, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the ETH AI Center, who highlighted precisely one of the central pillars of digitalswitzerland's activities with his topic "The Swift Progression of GenAI".

Double change of leadership

The Annual General Meeting today elected Andreas Meyer as Chairman. Following his time at ABB and DB, he drove forward the digitalization of SBB in particular as CEO until 2020. As a founding member of "digitalzurich 2025" back in 2015, he worked towards extending the location initiative to the whole of Switzerland. He also coordinated the Federal Council's Digital Transformation Advisory Board for around three years. He succeeds Sascha Zahnd. As the first president after the merger of digitalswitzerland and ICTswitzerland, he led the organization through the transformation with strategically formative impulses.

Stefan Metzger, CEO of digitalswitzerland, is looking for a new professional direction. He has completed the operational integration of digitalswitzerland and ICTswitzerland, shaping the organization over the past two years and preparing it for the future. He will remain CEO until 31.10.2024.

Franziska Barmettler will take up her post as the new CEO on 1.11.2024. An economics graduate, she has been working at the interface between business, sustainability and politics for 15 years. She has shaped developments in the field of innovation and sustainability at the swisscleantech trade association, Migros and currently at IKEA. In addition to experience in association management and an understanding of future issues and change processes in the economy, she also has practical legislative experience as a politician. 

Departures and additions to the Executive Committee

There were also changes to the composition of the Executive Committee. Following the departure of Anna Takihara, Jill Kümin and Philomena Colatrella, the Annual General Meeting approved the appointment of Christine Antlanger-Winter and Roger Süess as new members, with Colatrella remaining with the organization as co-lead in the area of digital health. Both the confirmation of the remaining members of the Executive Committee and the Steering Committee and the discharge of the governing bodies were approved in full.

Digitalswitzerland would like to thank Sascha Zahnd and Stefan Metzger as well as all other outgoing, remaining and new functionaries for their great commitment. 

The evening concluded with a panel discussion between Pietro Supino, Chairman of the Board of Directors and publisher of the TX Group, and Marc Walder, founder of the digitalswitzerland location initiative and CEO of Ringier AG, who discussed the radical impact of current developments on the media landscape.

Source: www.digitalswitzerland.com

In July 2023, AstraZeneca introduced equal parental leave. AstraZeneca is thus consistently promoting equality between men and women by giving both parents the opportunity to take time off to look after their children. "In addition to promoting equality, we also support employee job satisfaction. We are convinced that with this initiative we are contributing to an inclusive and more productive workplace," explains Katrin Lipp, Human Resources Director, AstraZeneca Switzerland.

A positive experience for everyone involved

The new parental leave at AstraZeneca was received very positively by everyone involved. This was clearly reflected in the initial feedback from the individual teams. "Thanks to this opportunity, I was able to concentrate one hundred percent on my role as a father and provide comprehensive support for the family. My replacement in the company was prepared and well organized. My employees took on more responsibility during this time, which will also benefit them in the company in the future. I myself returned to the office with a fresh outlook," reports Diederik Eisvogel, Business Unit Director Respiratory & Immunology, AstraZeneca Switzerland.  

Promoting equality with macroeconomic benefits

AstraZeneca is convinced that a better work-life balance also has macroeconomic benefits, especially by encouraging women to stay in the workforce. "I think it is very valuable for our society to be able to take such long paternity leave. My wife can go to work during this time, she stays in her job and I make a contribution to equality," says Daniel Feltrin, Brand Lead Oncology - Haematology, AstraZeneca Switzerland.

Parental leave helps to challenge social norms and expectations around childcare, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and progressive society. Not only families, but society as a whole benefits from equal parental leave. With this in mind, AstraZeneca will continue to promote gender equality and parental leave.

Source: www.astrazeneca.ch 

The jury for the Swiss Ethics Award was made up of representatives from professional, private, student and non-profit circles. Its members were selected by the organizing committee on the basis of their commitment to sustainability and ethics in business.

This year, the jury honored the following projects:

• Panatere in Saignelégier - ePanatere received an award for its commitment to the circular economy. Panatere collects waste from the production of components for the medical and watchmaking industries to give them a second life. Through ethics and sustainability, the project strives for a circular economy in production with 100 % recycling and reusability.

• Kompotoi in Winterthur - was awarded for its aesthetic, environmentally friendly and completely odorless composting toilet solutions for garden sheds, festivals or mountain huts. Kompotoi rents out "homely" wooden toilets that are much more pleasant than conventional plastic/chemical toilets. The Kompotois are handmade in Switzerland with great attention to detail.

• Rework in Bern - received Rework was awarded a prize for its social and ecological goals and for offering fashionable, aesthetic and comfortable garments using the upcycling concept. Rework transforms the textile chain into a cycle. The collections are produced in an environmentally friendly way from second-hand clothes, which are cut apart and sewn together again.

The "Coup de coeur" as a special student prize

AgroSustain in Renens - The additional prize at this event, the students' "Coup de Coeur", went to AgroSustain for the development and marketing of a natural coating that can be used to maintain the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables and cut flowers directly after harvesting right through to the end consumer.

The prize has two objectives: It is intended to highlight innovative projects that serve as role models for a more responsible future, and to raise awareness of these areas among the university's students.

Source: www.heig-vd.ch

Since its foundation almost four decades ago, Abacus Research AG has stood for innovation, quality and continuity. This will continue to be the case in the future: The four main shareholders of Abacus Research AG have agreed to retain the majority of shares in Abacus Research AG for the next ten years.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Daniel Senn is delighted with the decision: "Abacus Research AG not only looks back on a successful past, but is also in an excellent position for the future thanks to a solid financial foundation and forward-looking corporate management. The decision that our company will remain in the hands of the four main shareholders and founders shows our clear commitment to independence, continuity and stability. At the same time, we are aware of the dynamic changes in our industry and continue to focus on agility in order to develop new trends and innovations."

Double-digit growth once again

At the same time, Abacus Research AG further consolidated its position as the leading Swiss manufacturer of business and ERP software last year, recording double-digit growth for the eighth year in a row. Compared to the previous year, total consolidated sales increased by 11.4 percent. Demand for mobile subscriptions also continued to grow: Here, the company achieved a 37.7% increase in sales. Over one million subscribers now use this Abacus service.

Source: www.abacus.ch

The Board of Directors of AXA Switzerland has appointed Monika Wieneke as the new Head of "Risk, Actuarial & Security" and member of the Executive Board as of September 1.

The 43-year-old has been Chief Risk Officer and Head of Value Risk Management at AXA Germany since 2020, where she has made a name for herself with the development of differentiated risk strategies, an integrated risk culture and the holistic assessment of climate risks. Prior to this, the German national worked for 15 years at a large consultancy firm. Wieneke specialized there in risk management for insurance companies, gaining in-depth experience with Solvency II and IFRS 17, among other things.

A graduate mathematician, she trained as an actuary and has been a full member of the German Actuarial Association (Deutsche Aktuarsvereinigung e.V.) ever since.

"After a number of talented colleagues from AXA Switzerland have moved to positions of responsibility in other AXA units in recent years, I am delighted that we are able to benefit from the Group's talent pool for once. As an integrative personality with many years of international experience, great expertise in risk management and a strong strategic mindset, Monika is ideally suited for this key position with us. I wish her a good start with us and every success and fulfillment in her new role," explains Fabrizio Petrillo, CEO of AXA Switzerland.

The appointment of Monika Wieneke is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Source: www.axa.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/monika-wieneke-wird-neue-leiterin-risk-actuarial-security/

The Swissmechanic SME MEM business climate index shows a slight improvement in spring 2024, but remains clearly in negative territory for the fourth time in a row with a value of -20. The lack of orders, high energy prices and supply chain bottlenecks are hampering growth in the MEM industries. In the first quarter of 2024, the majority of SMEs recorded a further drop in turnover, resulting in staff reductions.

SMEs expect further decline in orders, sales and margins

For the second quarter of 2024, more companies expect a further decline in incoming orders, sales and margins instead of an increase. Despite the challenging situation, there is a glimmer of economic hope: the economic research institute BAK Economics, which also accompanies Swissmechanic's quarterly survey, is forecasting a further reduction in key interest rates over the course of the year. This could boost demand for capital goods. The strong US economy could also provide positive impetus. However, this momentum will not become apparent in Switzerland until 2025 at the earliest.

Every fourth SME finances investments with equity

In the current quarterly survey, SME MEMs were asked about the economic situation as well as the topics of "investment and financing" and "bureaucracy and digitalization costs". Almost 40% of the companies stated that they intend to expand their production capacities due to the lower key interest rates. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, the proportion of financial restrictions due to a lack of external financing has increased significantly. Overall, 21% of companies are currently not investing due to a lack of financial resources. For 25% of companies, investments were made exclusively through equity. Cantonal banks and big banks play a central role, as together they finance more than half of all investments. However, the CS/UBS merger has hardly had any impact on SME-MEM to date.

Bureaucracy ties up 15% of human resources

The survey also revealed that around 15% of personnel resources currently have to be used for a variety of bureaucratic processes. Two thirds of the SMEs surveyed have to spend more resources on bureaucracy compared to ten years ago. The burden of technology adaptation costs has even increased for 85% of the companies. Although 38% of the companies consider these costs to be manageable, the majority consider them to be high.

Source: www.swissmechanic.ch

For the third time since 2021 and following the success of the projects already carried out, the HES-SO's Engineering and Architecture department has launched an extraordinary call for projects to support the regional economy. Of the 102 submissions received, 31 were selected, with a total cost of CHF 1.5 million and involving five of the HES-SO's six schools of engineering and architecture. The projects relate to innovation, competitiveness and sustainability and are each supervised by a professor. They will run for twelve months until April/May 2025 and will be financed with a maximum of CHF 50,000, whereby this amount will be used exclusively for the expenses of the professors involved. Each external partner also undertakes to make an additional financial contribution of 10 % and to provide 10 % in personal contributions.

The call for projects was primarily aimed at SMEs, but also at associations, public institutions and local authorities. The following five examples illustrate not only the regional commitment of the HES-SO's schools of engineering and architecture, but also the diversity of the research topics covered:

HEIG-VD: EYT - Measurement and monitoring of discharges in watercourses

Due to climate change, the measurement of runoff in watercourses is of crucial importance for the management and monitoring of watercourses, especially in alpine regions. It enables improved management of bottlenecks and debris flows during floods. The HEIG-VD's EYT project aims to improve the measurement system so that it can be easily installed by local stakeholders. With the introduction of a stereoscopic 3D measurement and the development of an algorithm combined with camera monitoring, the discharge and other information such as the geometry of the riverbed and its changes should be able to be transmitted in real time.

HES-SO Valais-Wallis - HEI: LERNIT-SynIA - AI as an aid for people with a cognitive impairment

In collaboration with the non-profit association for the promotion of digital technologies WizIT, based in La Forclaz (VS), the HEI School of Engineering is developing the LERNIT-SnyIA project: an AI-supported interface that allows users to create interactive learning scenarios without programming skills and thus become more autonomous. For example, they can use this app to learn how to find the route to their doctor's surgery or which groceries they need to buy in order to prepare a meal.

HE-Arc Ingénierie: LEANergy - Saving energy in industry

The LEANergy project, which is being carried out in collaboration with HE-Arc Ingénierie, aims to develop an AI-based software solution that can be used to identify and quantify opportunities for energy savings of 20 to 40 %. To this end, a large amount of internal (consumption, production, working hours, etc.) and external (calendar, weather) data will be analyzed in real time. The program developed in this project will not only enable more efficient management of energy resources, but will also be able to sound the alarm if unexpected problems occur.

HEIA-FR: LOCGRAM - Coloring bacteria so that the antibiotic is right

Gram staining is a method for differentiating bacteria so that the right antibiotic can be administered in each case. Various solutions are used in this process. The company Swissmeca from Kleinbösingen in the canton of Fribourg is developing such a solution in the form of a microfluidic chip whose microchannels contain liquid reagents. To carry out the staining, these reagents are sucked with a pump to the bacterial sample, which is applied to a slide. This novel system requires 1000 times less chemically aggressive dyes than previous methods and is more reliable, automated, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, the liquid reagents can evaporate. HEIA-FR's LOCGRAM project therefore aims to develop reagents in powder form to prevent evaporation, enable long-term storage and ensure product stability.

HEPIA: BOOM - Protecting the hearing of musicians

Musicians' hearing is particularly at risk during concerts and rehearsals. The noise exposure depends on the instrument played and the position in the orchestra and varies greatly depending on the ear. The BOOM project carried out at HEPIA aims to develop a prototype of a networked and inexpensive dosimeter that is not yet available, takes both ears into account (binaural) and includes the calculation of acoustic indicators that are relevant for music-making. Such a special acoustic measuring instrument will also enable the Geneva University Hospital (HUG) to monitor the hearing health of musicians individually and to take preventive measures at an early stage so that permanent and irreversible hearing damage can be avoided in the most vulnerable people.

Source: www.hes-so.ch

As the largest all-lines insurer in Switzerland, AXA has comprehensive data on where, when and to what extent damage has been caused by storms in recent years. The statistics for the last 25 years show that 2021 was an absolutely exceptional year in terms of both the number of claims and costs. However, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2022 and 2023 also saw very high levels of damage, while 2014 to 2020 were rather quiet years (Figure 1). The picture is similar for claims costs (Figure 2), with AXA's average claims being exceptionally high in 2005 and 2017. This is due to the Alpine floods in 2005, which caused widespread flooding, and to several major claims in 2017 as a result of heavy regional rainfall.

More intense storms, more prevention

"We have noticed an increase over the last three years. However, this is too short a period to speak of a trend. Storm damage is very volatile," says Stefan Müller, Head of Property Damage Insurance at AXA. "However, our experience shows that storms now occur at shorter notice than in the past and their intensity has increased significantly: extremely strong gusts of wind, more heavy rain, more frequent large hailstones - and all of this is sometimes localized and small-scale." This has created new dangers. For example, heavy rain in densely populated areas can turn streets into dangerous rivers and literally flood underground car parks. This is only partially reflected in the statistics, as the federal government, cantons and municipalities have also invested more in protective measures. Flood relief tunnels, retention basins, raised dams and the national flood hazard map are paying off.

Hail damage as a key driver

Not all regions in the country are exposed to the same risk. AXA's claims statistics show a clear picture of where which type of damage occurred most frequently. Hail damage to cars accounts for the largest proportion of storm damage, both in terms of the number of cases and the costs incurred. In the last twenty years, the cantons of Jura, Ticino and Neuchâtel, but also Nidwalden, Obwalden, Lucerne, Schwyz and Bern have been particularly affected. "Major hailstorms in particular, which damage a large number of cars in a short space of time, can be a major driver of the claims balance," says Patrick Villiger, Head of Motor Vehicle Claims at AXA. In contrast, there was hardly any hail damage in the cantons of Schaffhausen, Geneva, Graubünden, Glarus and Thurgau.

Frequent flooding in the canton of Schwyz

Over the last ten years, the canton of Schwyz has suffered the most flood damage per insured household, followed by the cantons of Solothurn, Thurgau and Lucerne. It should be noted, however, that individual events were very significant in each case. The cantons of Vaud, Graubünden, Basel-Land and Uri have been spared flooding for the most part in the last ten years.

Ticino has the most lightning

One canton clearly leads the statistics for damage caused by lightning: In the last ten years, the risk of damage caused by lightning was seven times greater in Ticino than in the rest of Switzerland. AXA counts several hundred household contents claims in this canton every year. Compared to Basel-Land, Vaud and Geneva, the risk was even 25 times higher. The reason is understandable: When warm, humid Mediterranean air is pressed against the Alpine chain, thunderclouds form with strong updrafts and downdrafts and high electrical voltage. This discharges in lightning.

Insurance for storms

Depending on the damaged property, different insurance policies come into play. Storm damage to furniture and furnishings is covered at replacement value by household contents insurance. Damage to vehicles is covered by partially comprehensive insurance. And building damage is covered by buildings insurance, which in most regions is provided by the canton.

Source: www.axa.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/schadenstatistik-wetterextreme-nehmen-zu/

Anyone traveling abroad must show their biometric passport, depending on their destination. This important document not only provides detailed information about a person's identity, but also shows where they have been in the past. "Our battery passport fulfills the same function for batteries," explains Peter Krummenacher, CEO of Basel-based BloqSens AG. The company, which specializes in the development of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, is driving the development of the battery passport forward with great vigour. Because time is pressing: By February 18, 2027, all industrially used batteries circulating in or exported to the EU must be identifiable and traceable via a passport.

Significant consequences for Switzerland

What does the EU expect from this step - and why is this legislation also important for Switzerland? Basically, the battery passport is intended to promote the circular economy for industrial batteries. For example, a car battery can be "made fit" for use in a residential building with the appropriate adaptations. The converted battery is then used there to store solar energy. This second life cycle of resource-intensive batteries represents an important step towards a more sustainable future. A third or fourth life cycle is also possible in principle. In addition to this reuse, the focus is also on recycling the raw materials used; after all, useful metals such as nickel and cobalt as well as rare resources such as lithium are used in the construction of batteries.

The battery passport issue is important for Switzerland for a very specific reason, as Andreas Hutter, Head of the CSEM Battery Innovation Hub, explains: "We have a large second-life industry in this country, which is already giving numerous batteries a new function and thus promoting sustainability." This sector is dependent on being able to continue exporting batteries to the EU or being allowed to source batteries from the EU. From 2027, companies in this sector will therefore also be required to provide proof of the identity and previous use of their storage systems via a battery passport. "A Swiss battery passport solution is therefore an important economic factor as well as a future competitive advantage," emphasizes Hutter.

Cooperation brings advantages

In order to launch the "made in Switzerland" battery passport on time, BloqSens AG has entered into a cooperation with the battery experts at CSEM. The basis for this is a battery prototype that is currently being developed at the CSEM Battery Innovation Hub. This will be able to better map the condition of its individual cells and thus optimize their service life. BloqSens AG is developing its battery pass application on this basis. This brings with it a decisive advantage: as the CSEM prototype already represents the "intelligent battery of the future", BloqSens can design its digital pass solution to meet future requirements. The company is therefore already a significant step ahead at the start of the project. 

For the Swiss battery passport, Peter Krummenacher and his team rely on a decentralized storage solution that makes use of the advantages of blockchain technology. This makes the stored data forgery-proof, can be updated automatically and can be used transparently by the authorized bodies at any time. In future, each battery will be provided with a QR code that provides predefined user groups with specific information about the respective storage facility.

For Krummenacher, the collaboration with CSEM is a game changer: "The professionals at the CSEM Battery Innovation Hub are contributing their first-class battery expertise to our joint project and we can take care of all IT and safety aspects." The result is a battery passport that meets European requirements, represents a new seal of quality as a Swiss product - and can also classify the intelligent batteries of the future.

Source: www.bloqsens.com / www.csem.ch

What managers need to tackle now:

• 56% of employees lack an attractive vision for the future. However, their presence increases confidence by 33%.

• 43% often feel more driven than drivers of change. Only 40% of employees state that they are actively involved in shaping change.

• 36% state that their working environment drains them of more energy than it gives them. In contrast, strong, positive cooperation within the organization increases confidence by 20%.

• 44% believe that the best times for their organization are still ahead of them. This indicates a high level of uncertainty.

• Confidence increases loyalty to the employer. People who are confident are 32% more likely to stay with the company.

Especially in times of climate, crises and AI, confidence is a key emotion for successful change. The results of the study provide a positive counterpoint to the growing uncertainty and polarization in society. It underlines the importance of emotions for successful change. And it shows how organizations can turn confidence into a driving force for real change.

Source: www.jenewein.ch

Managers recognize the strategic value of ESG data, but its effective use to increase business success requires further development. This is shown by a recent survey of Swiss companies conducted by the ZHAW School of Management and Law.

In April and May 2024, the fifth "Swiss Managers Survey" surveyed Swiss companies on the topic of ESG (environmental, social and governance). The representative survey was conducted by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden (FH Graubünden), the Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI) and the Haute École Arc (HE-Arc). With over 400 participating managers from all parts of the country, the survey provides a comprehensive picture of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) climate in Swiss companies. 

Legal implications for ESG reporting

The recent introduction of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directives (CSRD) in the European Union and the regulation on mandatory climate reporting in Switzerland has raised the priority of ESG for many managers. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of companies do not appear to be prepared for the new ESG reporting. Only just over 40 percent of Swiss companies will publish an ESG report in 2024. "It is particularly alarming that 10 percent of the companies that are now legally obliged to report will not publish a report this year," says Siyana Gurova from the Center for Global Competitiveness at the ZHAW School of Management and Law. 

While the general willingness to publish ESG reports is high, in practice there are challenges such as technical problems and a lack of specialized employees. While almost half of multinational companies have a dedicated ESG officer in their top management, the figure is less than 30 percent for small and medium-sized companies. It is not only the size of the company that has a significant influence on the willingness to comply with ESG standards and their reporting, but also the language regions. The French-speaking regions in particular are lagging behind.

Increasing awareness among companies 

Despite only a small increase in the number of companies planning to report on ESG issues in 2024 - around three percentage points more than in 2023 - the survey shows that the importance of ESG activities has increased significantly over the last three years, particularly in relation to environmental issues. This increase shows a growing awareness that often triggers substantial organizational changes. In contrast, the social dimensions of ESG, such as (gender) income equality, occupational safety and labor practices among suppliers, have gained the least importance.

Different perceptions in the language regions 

The perception of the financial impact of ESG activities on companies varies significantly between the language regions. Managers in Italian-speaking Switzerland perceive low or even negative returns from ESG investments, while their peers in French- and German-speaking regions report more optimistic results. While top management is an important proponent of ESG initiatives, external factors such as regulatory requirements and consumer expectations play an even greater role. As a result, ESG data is predominantly used in product development and marketing, while HR departments are the least affected by ESG strategies.

Challenges and future directions

This year's survey shows that Swiss companies are making remarkable progress in their ESG efforts. However, they still face significant obstacles. "There is widespread awareness among top executives about the strategic value of ESG data. However, using this information effectively to drive business success remains an area that requires further cultivation," the study authors concluded. 

Source: www.zhaw.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/esg-berichterstattung-bei-schweizer-unternehmen-ist-ausbaufaehig/