Milan is a city through which approximately 5.5 million people transit daily, and it is not exempt from the problems that affect major European cities: overpopulation, high cost of living, deteriorating air quality, urban heat islands, limited housing availability, and more. Our policy aims to address and mitigate these issues as much as possible. This not only helps our employees maintain a more balanced work-life rhythm and reduce their living costs, but also allows us to contribute to combating climate change and tackling environmental challenges. About 55% of our employees live outside the city of Milan, which makes commuting necessary to reach our offices located within the city. As a result, many rely on public transportation or use private vehicles.

Our policy aims to reduce the use of the latter. Furthermore, the limited availability of affordable housing and rising inflation —currently a global challenge— are pushing more and more people to move their residence outside the urban perimeter. Following the 2020 pandemic and resulting social isolation, there has been a growing awareness of the need to better balance work and personal life, while also increasing opportunities for social interaction. Lastly, the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT) data on parenthood show that the lack of support measures disproportionately affects women in the workplace. In fact, one in five women does not return to work after pregnancy, often due to factors such as inflexible working hours, lack of childcare facilities, and limited social and financial support. Work-life balance is governed by the Three-Year Positive Action Plan (PTAP), a document drafted annually by our organisation’s Unified Guarantee Committee and published in accordance with current transparency regulations.