IN GENERAL

The scrutiny on ESG issues has sharply increased in the past years. Investis is aware of its responsibility towards its employees, society and the environment. Responsible and sustainable action has been anchored in the Group’s strategy for some time now. All responsible parties within the Group act in a success-oriented manner while respecting Investis’ values: a success is only a success if it has been achieved sustainably as well as in a socially respectful manner that does not affect the reputation of the Group.

In 2020, Investis had its real estate portfolio assessed for the first time by an external institution on the topic of sustainability. The second assessment has taken place in 2021. Based on the data that will be collected in 2022, we will be in a position to provide concrete answers to questions regularly raised for the first time in 2023. In addition to ecological aspects, primarily the improvement of the energy balance associated with CO₂ emissions, specific social criteria are also important to Investis. In particular, the health and comfort of tenants (>90% of the properties held by Investis are residential). For years, Investis has taken into account all specific cantonal regulations in Geneva (such as SABRA, LDTR or LCI) and Vaud (LPPL, LATC) as well as local initiatives (Eco21) in its annual renovation programmes. We will further sharpen the renovation strategy per property through a partnership with the organisation Signa-Terre, which annually monitors the CO₂ impact and energy consumption of the buildings in our portfolio. The transparent tracking of CO₂ and energy-saving options drives the issue of sustainability further and is important to Investis. Our portfolio consists almost exclusively of older properties in city centers. Based on concrete targets and measurable results, we strive for a significant improvement in values. In doing so, it is important to take a holistic view and broadly support sustainability activities with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders in the sense of structured process integration. Investis will inform its stakeholders accordingly at the appropriate time.

By participating in the Sustainable Real Estate Index from 2022, Investis will also contribute to promoting transparency and comparability in the Swiss real estate market in order to promote sustainability investments throughout the industry.

2021 was punctuated by periodic restrictions in Switzerland but was not dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic to quite the same extent as the previous year. With our high degree of digitalisation and measures that had been put in place in the year before, Investis could ensure the health and safety of all employees, while ensuring and guaranteeing business continuity at all times.

Investis combines the strengths of a privately owned company with the financial clout of a listed group. Its organisation is characterised by lean structures with short decision-making paths, trust, transparency, and dialogue. This allows Investis to react swiftly to changing market conditions and seize opportunities as they arise. During the pandemic, this setup has proven to be very efficient.

Committed, well-trained employees are a key prerequisite to the Company’s future success. Investis believes that sustainable growth can only be achieved if talents can be attracted and retained. During the reporting year 2021, Investis continued its efforts to position itself on the job market as a progressive employer with an open corporate culture and development opportunities. Investis’ employees contribute to the overall success of the Group with their high degree of specialisation. All employees are entitled to at least five weeks of annual leave. Plus, an attractive working time model with a set number of hours to be worked during the year allows staff to flexibly plan their work time. Pandemic aside, Investis offers all employees with office jobs the chance to work from home. However, in all our locations, each employee still has a dedicated workspace of his own.

As at 31 December 2021, headcount stood at 2,299 employees corresponding to 1,507 full-time equivalents. 37 apprentices are completing their training in various professions at Investis.

Indicators

DIVERSITY

Investis’ goal is to promote equal rights and opportunities for all gender identities across all levels and career paths. The equal treatment of all people in an organisation and in society is a crucial prerequisite for all individuals to be able to deploy their personality, their strength and unique abilities to thrive business for our Group and to drive innovation. Equality between all gender identities is just one important example of the considerations we also make regarding other aspects of diversity.

ATTRACTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Investis’ prime objective is to acquire and retain the best employees for the Group. It sees itself as an attractive employer with an open entrepreneurial culture that offers development opportunities. Investis strives to implement reasonable work requirements, fair wages, above-average social security benefits and overall attractive working conditions.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Privera and hauswartprofis, have a Code of Conduct implemented. These set out the rules of conduct to be observed by each internal and external employee at all times, thereby contributing to the protection of the integrity of the Company and its social and ecological environment. Investis strives for diversity and promotes equal opportunities irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, skin colour, age, religion and nationality.

GUIDELINE ON THE REPORTING OF MISCONDUCT EVIDENCE

Our success and solid reputation are based on the trust of our clients, business partners and employees in the integrity of the Group. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that unlawful actions, violations of the Code of Conduct or other misconduct can be reported accordingly. Investis manages to attract and retain qualified employees for the medium and long -term by providing an open-minded, safe and healthy environment.

PARENTAL LEAVE

Investis applies the currently applicable legal framework conditions. It attempts to find solutions that are as suitable as possible for the affected person and their team.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

No discrimination or harassment of employees, clients or business partners on grounds of their sex, race, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disabilities or political or trade union activities are being tolerated.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN TIMES OF COVID-19

In response to the pandemic, the Investis Management Team has drawn a plan, which has been adjusted in line with any changes to the government guidance. This was used by every subsidiary as a basis for implementing several measures. 

Clean room – rohr AG