Social responsibility
Within the scope of our donations and sponsorship activities, we strive to make a positive impact on society and the communities in which we are active. In the strategy related to sponsorships, RBA places special emphasis on projects of sustainable development, entrepreneurship, digital economy and digital progress.
Sponsorship of high-quality projects and events in the mentioned categories ensures positive effects on the reputation of Raiffeisenbank, and on the other hand, with our sponsorships, we popularize entrepreneurs as drivers of the economy, raising awareness of the importance of sustainable development at the individual and organizational level, thus contributing also to the development of society.
As a committed partner to the community, we have initiated, implemented and supported numerous programs, initiatives and projects in cooperation with our partners. At the end of each year, the Bank evaluates all sponsorship projects in accordance with the reports received regarding the implemented projects and, based on the achieved results, it decides on continuation of cooperation in the following year. For every project, it is extremely important to us that it has fulfilled its purpose and that it has had a positive impact on the stakeholders.
Sponsorships
Volunteering
During 2023, RBA officially introduced corporate volunteering. Corporate volunteering is a form of socially responsible business and implies the employer’s encouragement of employees to volunteer that helps the non-profit sector and contributes to the development of the community. As such, it can take place within or outside the working hours.
The main benefits of corporate volunteering for the Bank, employees and the wider community are:
- strengthening the team spirit within the bank and developing interpersonal relationships,.
- enhancing the bank's image and the community's trust in it,
- improving communication skills and empathy and enhancing inner satisfaction and motivation,
- developing solidarity, humanity and sensitivity to the needs of others,
- active and responsible citizenship and increased participation in social events.
The Bank supports corporate volunteering of employees through the possibility of involvement in one-time volunteer team actions that are organized by the Bank and invites employees to join as volunteers (e.g. Boranka) and through the possibility of individual volunteering according to an employee's choice and affinities.
Employees are allowed up to three (3) days of paid leave per year so that they can commit to the corporate volunteering program.
Social responsibility projects
Luka Mak scholarship
In memory of the good spirit of digital channels, Luka Mak, every year, RBA awards a scholarship for the entire undergraduate studyprogram of digital marketing, and so far, the scholarship has been awarded four times.
Luka was a remarkable person, and his character and spirit contributed to our mutual well-being and a pleasant working environment based on friendship and mutual help and encouragement. Therefore, through this project, we found a way to keep his spirit alive in our daily work and to help young professionals on their way to education and later in building their careers.
Christmas donations
In its donation strategy, RBA focuses on humanitarian projects related to children and young people with special needs, projects aimed at sports, education, culture, ecology and other initiatives that contribute to the betterment of communities and society. By donating, we demonstrate our responsibility for the advancement of the society in which we are active, or socially responsible corporate behaviour.
The Christmas donation project allowed our employees to be involved in the donation process, in which they suggested the associations that would be worth donating to and, through their votes, selected the associations to which the bank would direct its donation.
In 2023, a total of 60,000.00 euros was distributed and the associations that received the donation are: Vukovar Butterflies (16,000.00 EUR); Nova budućnost [New Future] (14,000.00 EUR); Udruga PUŽ – Put u život [PTL Association – Path to Life] (10,000.00 EUR); Croatian Guide Dog and Mobility Association (8,000.00 EUR); Udruga KAS [TROT Association] (6,000.00 EUR); Udruga za autizam Zagreb [The Autism Association Zagreb] (4,000.00 EUR) and Udruga Tata je tata [Dad is Dad Association] (2,000.00 EUR).
Financial Primer
Financial literacy is a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to make the right financial decisions for achieving individual well-being. In simpler terms, it is the basic financial knowledge necessary to function in everyday life.
To make financial topics more accessible, we have presented them in a way that is easily understandable for everyone. In collaboration with Tisja Kljaković Braić, an artist known for her humorous illustrations on everyday life topics, we identified situations that everyone can relate to, which are linked to financial concepts we often encounter.
We believe that with this approach, learning about finances will become more enjoyable for everyone and that the knowledge gained will be better retained.
Sustainability reports
Sustainability statement 2024
We consider our annual sustainability reports to be a key tool for transparency and communication with stakeholders. With the publication of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Sustainability Statement has become an integral part of the annual report.
Memberships
- HR PSOR
- UN Global Compact
- IICA
The Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development (HR PSOR) is an independent private-sector association that brings together leading Croatian companies committed to sustainable development and responsible business practices. As a leading business platform for sustainability in Croatia, HR PSOR promotes the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategies, governance frameworks, and day-to-day operations.
Through advocacy, education, research, and the exchange of best practices, HR PSOR supports organizations in creating long-term value for the economy, society, and the environment. As the national partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), HR PSOR connects the Croatian business community with global sustainability trends and initiatives, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the transition towards a climate-neutral and competitive economy.
UN Global Compact Network Croatia is part of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, encouraging businesses to operate responsibly and ethically while actively contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, the Network supports organizations in integrating sustainability into their business strategies, governance practices, and day-to-day operations.
The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together more than 20,000 participants across over 160 countries, supported by more than 60 Local Networks worldwide. As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is mandated to mobilize the private sector and support organizations in aligning their operations and strategies with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global economy that creates long-term value for society, the environment, and business alike.
The International Institute for Climate Activities (IICA) is an independent international organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development, mitigating climate change, and strengthening climate resilience. Through collaboration with businesses, public institutions, academia, and civil society organizations, IICA promotes innovative solutions and partnerships that support the sustainable transformation of economies and societies.
Operating at both national and international levels, IICA provides expert support to organizations in integrating sustainability and ESG principles into their strategies, governance frameworks, and operational processes. Through education, research, professional programmes, and collaborative projects, the Institute contributes to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, helping to build a more competitive, resilient, and climate-neutral economy.
Diversity policy
RBA Group actively promotes equal opportunities for all employees regardless of age, gender, nationality, sexual orientation and identity, disability, religion or belief. We are aware of our role as a large organization and of our responsibility to influence the lives of employees, customers, other stakeholders and the society as a whole. We take our social responsibility seriously by systematically addressing diversity and inclusion. An inclusive work culture also implies taking measures to combat discrimination, abuse and sexual harassment. This standpoint is also presented in our Code of Ethics and describes the general principles of ethical conduct to which all our employees must adhere.
We consider raising awareness of the importance of protecting human rights, inclusiveness and recognizing discriminatory practices extremely important in order to build a safe and supportive working environment. Therefore, all our employees have access to numerous trainings in the form of e-learning through an internal learning and development management platform (BeeSmart).
Our organization boasts experts of diverse social characteristics, age, education and expertise, worldview, etc. Looking at the age structure of our organization, the predominant age category is between 30 and 50. In terms of sex or gender structure, we are proud to be an organization that can say that its success is based on the expertise and dedication of a significantly higher number of women than men on our teams. We're also one of the few banks in the Croatian market to have a female CEO.
We pay special attention to our shareholders whom we assessed as potentially vulnerable groups, such as employees, pregnant women, parents with young children, people with disabilities.
Diversity charter
o Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d. is a signatory of the Charter on Diversity in Croatia. European Diversity Charters help public and private sector organizations across the European Union to design and implement effective diversity and inclusion policies.
By signing the Charter, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace as well as to:
- Create a policy of diversity and non-discrimination, in order to develop an organizational culture based on mutual respect and appreciation of individual differences.
- Develop a diverse work environment by promoting the integration of employees of all profiles, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and other.
- Develop the skills and competencies of management, employees responsible for recruitment, training and career development, related to the policy of diversity and non-discrimination.
- Use the policy of diversity and non-discrimination in hiring management in order to enable a better understanding of management decisions and be more open to innovative ideas with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the organization. Raise awareness and educate our employees about political diversity.
- Promote the application of diversity policies among customers and suppliers. o Create and regularly update an action plan for the promotion of diversity and non-discrimination policies, which will include measurable indicators and the development and implementation of which will involve employees.
- At least once a year, report on the implementation of the diversity and non-discrimination policy including the measures and internal procedures that we apply to achieve our objectives.