Changing for the better.

The process of our materiality analysis

In our 2022 materiality analysis, we identified the sustainability topics that are most important for EOS. These material topics still build the basis of our sustainability reporting.

To create a long list of potential material topics, we examined the status quo and did a benchmark analysis which included relevant international reporting standards, guidelines, rules and regulations (Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitskodex (DNK), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS*)). In a workshop with internal and external experts we then narrowed down, summarized and prioritized our material topics. We rated them according to their relevance for both EOS (x-axis) and our external stakeholders (y-axis). In assessing the material topics for EOS, we considered the inside-out and outside-in perspective, also known as double materiality. GRI 2-29 GRI 3-1

^{* We used the ESRS standards dated April 2022 to create the long list.}

Responsible Collection

• Ethical Collection by Treating Customers Fairly
  We create individual solutions and use transparent and simple processes to help defaulting consumers pay back their debts. We always treat them fairly and respectfully.
• Tech-driven Transformation & Innovation
  We use technological innovations and data-based success forecasts to optimize the debt reduction processes. For example, we offer client- and consumer-oriented digital services.

Joint Progress

• Societal Impact through Financial Literacy
  With our numerous education initiatives, we advocate greater financial literacy in our society. For example, the non-profit finlit foundation, which was founded by EOS, educates children and adolescents in many European countries on the subject of finances. We thereby contribute to a sound economic system and help prevent excessive private debt.
• Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
  At EOS, all employees are treated equally, regardless of e.g. their gender, religious orientation or background. In our everyday work we practice inclusion and integrity and observe a strict anti-discrimination policy.
• Talent Attraction, Development & Retention
  To be able to offer excellent service, we need well-trained and motivated employees. We want to retain and promote talented people in our company. We offer regular training opportunities in the form of courses and practice sessions, attractive employee benefits and flexible work models.
• Local Community Engagement & Participation
  EOS wants to be part of the local communities and actively supports them. We back education initiatives and promote social engagement by our employees during working hours. We try to help strengthen the local community by way of specific measures.
• Employee Satisfaction & Well-Being
  Employee satisfaction is our top priority. Through our appreciative working atmosphere, we increase employee satisfaction and support measures to promote our staff members’ mental and physical health.

Financial Sustainability

• Digital Responsibility & Cyber Security
  Because we work with sensitive data from our defaulting consumers and clients, we take digital responsibility seriously. Our top priority is ensuring the highest data privacy standards and cyber security.
• Business Ethics & Safeguard Compliance
  Fair business practices are part of our DNA. We have defined our standards regarding integrity, ethical conduct, and a respectful way of dealing with one another in our Code of Conduct.
• Responsible Acquisition of Portfolios & Partnerships
  Our business decisions are determined not only by economic metrics but also by social and ecological criteria. When selecting portfolios and partners we apply specific exclusion criteria.
• Strengthening Liquidity of our Clients
  We create financial added value for our clients by taking over their receivables while making our processes simple, digital and accessible to them. Our work makes it possible for our clients to focus on their core business. At the same time, we boost their liquidity and return money to the economic cycle.
• Trustworthy Stakeholder Relations
  Because our relations with stakeholders are crucially important to EOS, we maintain an ongoing dialog with them. Through satisfaction surveys, participation processes, dialog formats, round-tables and industry events, we regularly invite our stakeholders to become involved, express their opinions and discuss matters with us.
• Industry Leadership & Best Practice
  As a role model within our sector, we advocate fair and transparent debt collection business. We use our membership in industry associations to engage in dialog and to advance our efforts to establish binding ethical industry standards.

Environmental Protection

• Reduction of Environmental Footprint
  As part of the Otto Group, we contribute to achieving our parent company’s Science-Based Target, specifically, the reduction of group-wide absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent by the end of fiscal year 2031/2032*. By calculating our carbon footprint, we show our reduction potential and can take specific measures.

^{*Compared to fiscal 2021/22, according to the Science-Based Target (SBT) and to the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Agreement; the official wording of the target is shown on the SBTi website.}

GRI 3-2

Global responsibility: The UN Global Compact

The EOS Group joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest pact for corporate responsibility, in 2021. As a member, we pledge our commitment to the compact’s 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Each new member first must derive its own goals from the 10 principles. We did so in the past year, identifying our goals from the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which we can make the most effective contribution. The SDGs we selected, along with the associated key figures and goals are important benchmarks in our corporate responsibility strategy. As required by the Compact, we will report on our progress once a year in our “Communication on Progress” (COP).