Sustainability Report 2012 - Generali Versicherung AG

In order to make innovation an integral part of theproduction system of the business, some sectionsdedicated to innovation projects identified on the basisof criteria defined and agreed at Head Office level haverecently been introduced to the business plans of theindividual countries and respective companies. This hasencouraged the creation and development of a largeportfolio of innovative projects which, starting from 2013,will permit effective and diversified management of the riskgenerated by investments in this innovation.CommunicationThe Generali Group defines and promotes an integratedcommunication strategy, targeted at all stakeholdersat global level, based on transparency and the utmostcommitment to guaranteeing promptness, accessibility,accuracy and completeness of information.Internal communication spreads the strategy and thecorporate culture, supporting the transformation processof the Group with the engagement of employees. Inthe second half of 2012, the strategic investment incommunication with employees increased through moreincisive and diversified dialogue. For example, the AskGroup CEO e-mail address was activated, a channel fordialogue and debate opened at the wish of the Group CEOin order to acknowledge the observations and commentsfrom employees, understand their priorities and answertheir questions directly and promptly.External communication activities through the media, incompliance with the relevant regulations, concern all areasof Group operations worldwide. Press releases are issuedregularly and presentations and events are organised,to guarantee full disclosure in relation to the Group’slatest operational and strategic developments, to thepresentation of the economic and financial results and tobusiness and social responsibility initiatives. Media relationswere strengthened in 2012 and meetings were encouragedbetween management and the media, in order to illustrate,in particular, the Group’s new strategy and present newguidelines aimed at creating more value for all stakeholders.The Group avails itself of various communication tools toestablish contact with its stakeholders and, in particular,to allow a continuous, comprehensive, up-to-dateand transparent exchange of information. Traditionaltools like press releases, articles, company magazines,e-mails, newsletters are supported by opportunitiesfor direct interaction, such as conferences and themebasedmeetings, and digital channels take on specialsignificance (first and foremost, the company intranetfor employees and the institutional website) within thecontext of widespread use of mobile internet devices andan increase in the expectations of users as regards thequantity and quality of information provided.In order to offer key information on the Group to all thoseusing mobile internet devices (smartphones and tablets),Generali corporate app was also launched on the marketat the start of 2013.Conceived as a concise butimmediate source of informationfor professionals and stakeholderswho keep up-to-date via mobiledevices, in off-line and on-linemode, this institutional app allowsaccess in optimised and simplifiedmode to the main financial, institutional and multimediainformation, augmenting the website www.generali.com,which remains the main source of content for morein-depth searches. Only available in English, hence designedfor an international audience, it can be downloaded freefrom the AppStore (Apple Operating System) and Googleplay (Android Operating System). An e-mail address(corporateapp@generali.com) was also set up, to whichpeople can send comments and suggests on ways toimprove the app to ensure optimum user satisfaction.The Group also handles image policies, promotes itsvalues and its culture, and avails itself of sponsorships -selected on the basis of standing and effectiveness criteria- to reach actual and potential customer targets, with aview to increasing commercial value.Human rightsThe Group undertakes to guarantee and promote respectfor fundamental human and labour rights in all its spheresof influence, especially concerning its employees andcontractual partners. As proof of this commitment, itspolicies and practices are in keeping with the UN UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights and the core internationalstandards of the International Labour Organisation. TheGroup also supports principles 1 and 2 relating to thehuman rights of the UN Global Compact initiative.The Generali Group Code of Conduct guaranteesemployees a working environment free of all types ofdiscrimination, harassment, intimidation or mobbingand promotes diversity and inclusion in the belief thatcooperation between people from different culturalbackgrounds, with different skills, opinions andexperience, is an essential prerequisite for guaranteeingbusiness growth and innovation. In this way, individualityis recognised and personal differences are respected, keyvalues for maintaining working conditions where everyonefeels valued and supported.Owing to the importance attached to promoting diversityand inclusion, the Group decided to establish the role ofthe Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, who is responsiblefor developing policies and guidelines, as well as trainingprogrammes on these issues.36 | Assicurazioni Generali - Sustainability Report 2012