Solidarity in action through volunteering

Employee volunteering activities

Every year, many CSS employees take on voluntary assignments and together make an important contribution to society. And this year too, a number of teams were once again out and about, ready to lend a helping hand.

Apprentices clear pastures on the Ahorn Alp

The day starts with much anticipation: 22 apprentices and a small team of CSS vocational trainers take the train to Luthertal. At Hofstatt station, shuttles are waiting to take them to the Ahorn Alp, right in the heart of nature at 1,100 metres above sea level. Their task: clearing pastures of stones and branches so that the land can be cultivated. Alpine herders Otto and Ädu show them how to do this. Amid much laughter they carry out their task, and even have a chance to drive the tractor for a short while.

The storm boosts their bond

Everybody gathers in the stables for lunch. The plates of spätzle warm them, but outside it's getting cold and rainy. The job is turning into a challenge, the group draws closer together. "Such experiences sometimes have a better outcome than team development events," says Manuel Waldisberg, Head of Vocational Training. Everybody is left with the feeling of having achieved something together – and a new perspective of their own everyday lives. "You get to know a very different world, far from office life at CSS".

Cleaning up the neighbourhood

The Portfolio Operations & Enabling team swaps keyboards, mice and headsets for gloves, tongs and rubbish bags. Together with Trash Hero Luzern, ten employees collect litter in the vicinity of their Lucerne office. Despite the unsettled weather, spirits are high: After all, litter can be gathered and sorted in rain gear if necessary.

Several bags of rubbish collected

The effort paid off: By the end of the day, the team has gathered approximately 10.5 kilograms of waste. Among the contents are around 800 cigarette butts, dozens of bottles and cans, and even a hockey puck.

Helping out at the Brändi Foundation

The Brändi Foundation’s products are well-known and appreciated across Switzerland. The Client and Market Communications team spends an afternoon helping out at the foundation’s production site in Sursee, where people with mental health challenges work in a protected environment.

Different steps of the process

The team sorts marbles and bevelled boards for the Brändi Dog board game. Another group is busy putting orders together and packing the games. Under expert guidance from the foundation’s staff, they also help process customer orders. The foundation provides services across 14 different sectors.

Behind the scenes of a long-standing partner

“CSS has been collaborating with the Brändi Foundation for many years. It’s all the more exciting for us to use our voluntary assignments to see behind the scenes of our partner and make an active contribution,” says Caroline Emmenegger, Specialist in Client Communications. “The experience has not only given us new perspectives but also reinforced the importance of solidarity for CSS.”