Advancing our people

We believe that every employee should have an individual development plan. We therefore launched in spring 2019 an initiative that allows employees at all levels to define their own development objectives under the annual appraisal process and to discuss them with their managers in dedicated development conversations. The aim is to ensure that we are investing effectively in the advancement of each individualʼs strengths and preferences.

Global trends such as demographic changes, a limited availability of specialist talent, and the need to adapt quickly to shifting markets highlight the importance of a proactive staffing strategy for Sonova. We strongly believe that developing talent with the goal of ensuring internal succession is vital to sustainable success. Appointing internally to key positions while retaining and developing skilled employees helps to ensure that Sonovaʼs specialist knowledge and intellectual property remain within the company, sustaining our competitive advantage.

As a leading provider of innovative hearing solutions, Sonova stands for equal opportunity: it is our vision to create a world where everyone – without distinction – enjoys the delight of hearing. By offering the most comprehensive range of solutions to treat all major forms of hearing loss, we aim for our consumers and employees to feel fully included in society. To help us reach this challenging goal, our workforce and work culture need to reflect the values of diversity and inclusion.

As an employer, Sonova actively fosters diversity and inclusion. We value the diversity of languages, background, ethnic origin, disabilities, culture, beliefs, gender identity and/or sexual orientation among our employees, which reflects the diversity of our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is included in our Code of Conduct and is binding for all our employees.

We know that diversity and inclusion is essential for our success and for our employees to thrive. We are committed to providing equal hiring, development, and advancement opportunities. We strive to create an environment in which all employees feel safe, valued, included, and empowered to do their best work, realize their full potential, and bring innovative ideas to support our customers and businesses. We know that each employeeʼs unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints enhance our ability to deliver the best possible medical devices, services, and support to our customers, consumers, patients, and business partners.

At Sonova, our workforce is made up of over 100 nationalities. The largest proportions of our employees come from Germany (15%), United States (13%), Vietnam (10%), China (6%) and Switzerland (6%). Other exemplary key D&I indicators are as follows:

• 49% of all positions involving staff responsibilities are held by women
• 34% of key positions are filled by women
• 57% of lower and middle management positions are held by women
• 32% share of women in management positions in revenue-generating functions
• 24% of STEM positions are held by women

Sonova promotes and provides a safe and healthy workplace. Occupational health and safety are integral to our activities. Sonova has established an effective occupational health and safety culture that supports and protects our employees. We regularly monitor and analyze the potential health and safety risks of our operations and implement both legally-required and voluntary occupational health and safety programs.

Sonova is committed to foster employeesʼ health and wellbeing. Our Group companies and operation centers take specific prevention and health promotion measures to help maintain and enhance each employeeʼs capacity for productive and fulfilling work. Sonovaʼs global Body & Mind initiative aligns and supports its various prevention measures.