Staff

The number of staff employed by the Group on an annual average rose to 17,457, an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year (17,178). The growth was attributable in large part to the foreign acquisitions in Ukraine (255 staff) and Chile (163 staff). It contrasted with a reduction of the German labor force as a consequence of integration activities.

The number of staff as at 31 December 2008 stood at 17,734; translated into full-time positions this is equivalent to 16,541 personnel capacities. Of the total workforce of 17,734, 11,705 (66%) were employed in Germany and 6,029 (34%) worked abroad. Female employees accounted for 48% of the German labor force, a figure very close to the industry average of 46%. The proportion of part-time employees stood at 15%, which is exactly in line with the industry average.

The integration-related manpower reductions in the primary sector, especially in the Property/Casualty Primary Insurance segment, were implemented in the most socially responsible manner possible. Extensive use was made of partial retirement arrangements and termination agreements. Under the social compensation plan staff who left the Group received fair termination payments. Numerous employees also took the opportunity to join an employment and placement company; new employment was found for two-thirds of these staff within a year. Employees who were mobile and willing to work at a different location received generous assistance benefits.