The early detection and prevention of work-related illnesses and the promotion of employability are also important components of 50Hertz’s approach to occupational health and safety. To support these, 50Hertz provides employees with occupational healthcare, which focuses on individual protection and the prevention of health conditions. In addition, 50Hertz provides staff with regular medical check-ups, flu vaccinations and advice regarding ergonomics in the workplace. Confidential counselling provided by external, qualified therapists is available for employees at any time in the event that they should suffer from stress or experience drug addiction. Furthermore, employees can participate in various public sports events. Another service made available to employees is an app that offers personalised coaching in the areas of exercise, mindfulness and nutrition (and includes workouts, physiotherapy sessions, meditation and recipe ideas). Since July 2021, the app has provided users with support for finding the right medical care and booking appointments to address specific medical concerns. This offer includes individual advice from a professional doctor who can help to swiftly and safely find medical specialists for and make appointments for staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had - and continues to have - an impact on the private and professional lives of 50Hertz’s employees. The virus and its spread have been constantly monitored and measures were implemented in accordance with the requirements of the nationwide SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulation. In addition, all employees were able to undertake rapid antigen tests across all 50Hertz sites at least twice a week between February 2021 and June 2022. Many meeting rooms at company sites were equipped with measuring devices to ensure that they were being regularly ventilated. All employees were offered COVID-19 vaccinations on site until June 2021. Vaccinations (including booster shots) were then again offered to employees from November 2021 onwards. These measures helped to ensure that no major infection events occurred amongst staff in 2021. In addition, 50Hertz participated in the German advertising campaign “Get vaccinated now!” (“Impfen. Jetzt!”) to raise awareness of the need for getting vaccinated against the virus. According to the Handelsblatt Media Group, part of the total revenue invested in the campaign by different organisations was donated to projects and organisations supporting the fight against COVID-19. The campaign, which included posts on social media, will be broadened 2022.