As part of this year's team activity, we made a joint contribution to environmental protection through a cleanup initiative on the Old Danube. The event was organized in collaboration with the Time Bank, and we are especially proud to have been the first team in Vienna to take part in this format.

“Aprons on!” was the motto for a small group from Recruiting on July 23 as they joined the Samariter Suppentopf initiative. Under the guidance of the head chef, the team worked together to prepare lunch for the guests of the social market in Vienna's 12th district.

Some days are simply checked off on the calendar. This definitely was not one of them.

Together, as Group Audit (Audit Retail Non Lending and Audit Asset Management), we had the opportunity to attend the second day of the Special Olympics, with Vienna serving as this year's host city. After just a few minutes, it was clear that this would be a very special day. During an engaging tour, where we were introduced to the various sports and athletes, it quickly became apparent how much dedication, passion, and organization go into making this event possible.

Last week, as part of a social impact project, we had the opportunity to support Haus Jaro, a Caritas Vienna facility. For one day, we swapped our usual work routines for paintbrushes, paint, and protective covering materials—and worked together where help was needed most.

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to volunteer for the Community Cooking initiative together with members of the Transformation Office. The idea of combining team time with helping people in need really motivated us to take part. It felt especially fulfilling to know that our efforts would directly support a good cause while also being an enjoyable shared experience.

My grandma always expressed her love in the most delicious way possible - through cooking. It made me realise early on that a nice meal can nourish far more than just hunger. So when a teammate suggested we cook for Die Gruft in Vienna, a few of us decided to trade our Valentine’s Day plans for aprons and see if we could pull off a lunch menu for 150 people.

Last week, on a grey and cold day, we had the pleasure to cook jointly in the Caritas Community Kitchen.

It was a pleasure, first and foremost for the people we met. Colleagues from all different Group Market areas joined. From Sales, Trading, FI, Quants and Relationship Managers. As usual at such occasions, one realises the many diverse and interesting colleagues, we only might know from Teams calls and emails there are.

We from the Ressort People had the special opportunity to welcome Franz Haberl. For three hours, he shared his story with us—and we were all deeply impressed.

Franz has had an extraordinary career: he worked in Austria, Russia, China, and Germany, built companies, and led large teams. Yet, at some point, gambling addiction cost him everything—his job, money, and home. In 2018, he was homeless. This moved us greatly because it shows how quickly life can change.

Our Statutory Reporting AT 4100 team in EGS had the special opportunity to prepare a complete meal for the children at the Ute Bock House – an initiative that not only brought us joy but also strengthened our team spirit and made a valuable contribution in line with ESG principles.