Annual Report 2012 - APG|SGA

38 Corporate GovernanceHuman ResourcesOptimization of HR toolsand processesMarcel SeilerHead of Human Resources“Competent, dynamicstaff provide forthe success of ourcustomers.”HR foundation is establishedLast year was once again the focus of sustained development of our HR processes.Many of the processes in recruiting, support, remuneration and promotion associatedwith modern HRwere firmly established and standardized. Payroll services have beenperformed internally since January 1, 2012, thus allowing for cost optimization andan increase in quality. The administrative and operational HR matters are now bundledin Zurich, based on auniform schedule of tasks using new, modern HRtools. The statedaim of providing as much optimal support for the line functions as possible and toprovide greater assistance to management and staff onlocation has been achievedthrough the development of human resources and reorientation in HR. Staff satisfactionshould also thus be increased. In this regard, acomprehensive survey was conductedat the end of 2012. The results will be communicated to our staff and the necessarymeasures formulated in the spring of 2013. Our newly conceived performance managementwill be implemented on the basis of tools by the spring of 2013.Changes in pension fund arrangements as of January 1, 2013The new retirement plan (defined contribution) within the scope of external pensionfund management (Avadis Vorsorge AG) was put into effect as scheduled as of January1,2013. The review of the past retirement arrangement revealed that the long-termfinancial feasibility of the mandated entitlement to benefits and the financial security ofthe pension fund in the current market environment would have been jeopardized inthe medium term and that it needed to be put under professional management. Theaim of the new concept is to strengthen the financial stability of the fund, whose newretirement plan continues to contain an attractive and competitive benefits package.In addition, the employee contributions were made more flexible.Attractive employerOur stated aim is to position APG|SGA on the job market as an even more attractiveemployer. This includes interesting jobs and opportunities for development. Throughtargeted advanced training with generous financial participation and on-the-jobmeasures, justice is done to the professional knowledge and management knowledgeof our staff asimportant competitive factors. The new apprentice concept includesswitching to the field of communications (up to now service/administration) and hasbeen realized with corresponding external courses. This should make it more attractivefor our apprentices. Atotal of 15 apprentices are trained and, wherever possible,they are then employed given agood performance review after they complete theirtraining.APG|SGA Annual Report 2012