Allianz introduces European guidelines

As one of the first financial services providers, Allianz SE has adopted European guidelines on dealing with work-related stress. Members of the Board of Management of Allianz SE and its SE Works Council signed a respective agreement. The guidelines included apply to all Allianz companies in the Member States of the EU, the contracting states of the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. "The health and well-being of our employees is an absolute central concern for us. Without them, the long-term success of our company is inconceivable", said Werner Zedelius, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE also responsible for HR topics. "Therefore, we are pro-actively addressing the issue of work-related stress."

The demands of the working environment are constantly growing in number and kind: be it through international competition, increasing requirements regarding efficiency and effectiveness or changes in working processes. Especially, if several of these factors accumulate, negative stress can be the result, which can lead to physical, psychological or social reactions. "We are very aware of our employer responsibility to our employees", Werner Zedelius emphasized.

"Herewith Allianz adopts for the first time a European-wide agreement on health protection and thereby raising its social profile in Europe. That's an important milestone", said Rolf Zimmermann, Chairman of the SE Works Council.

The management of the local European entities are responsible for the implementation of the guidelines, assisted by the HR experts. They decide upon the relevant local tools to offer to their employees - e.g. anonymous helpline, counseling, education or training. A further element is providing support regarding rehabilitation and reintegration matters.

"We explicitly offer our support in identifying the most promising measures", said Rolf Zimmermann to the joint responsibility.

In addition to the introduction and the successive implementation of the guidelines, risk analyses of potential stress factors in the working environment are planned. Possible causes should be detected, and avoided or reduced at the earliest possible stage. "Thereby we support a corporate culture, which allows for an open dialogue about this issue. We rely on the sense of responsibility of our management, but also of our employees, to seek help on offer and to openly address problems", said Werner Zedelius.

 
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