Ringier and RASCH have received EDGE certification for the first time. EDGE stands for «Economic Dividends for Gender Equality», and is a globally recognized certification standard for evaluation of equality of opportunity within companies. The certification measures and evaluates companies in various areas, including recruitment, flexible working models, parental leave and management’s strategic prioritization of gender issues.
«At Ringier, we believe strongly in diversity and inclusion, because our employees are our greatest asset. Equality is of central importance – within the organization and at our media outlets. We see EDGE certification as both confirmation and motivation,» says Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier AG.
«EDGE certification confirms that we are on the right track with issues such as equality and diversity in the workplace. For us, diversity and inclusion are success factors,», says Alexander Theobald, CEO of Ringier Axel Springer Schweiz AG
EDGE certification is one of a range of measures driven by the Diversity & Inclusion Board of Ringier and RASCH. «We want to see gender equality become a reality. With EDGE certification, we know where we stand and what our next steps are,» says Annabella Bassler, CFO of Ringier, who chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Board.
Both Ringier and RASCH were certified at the EDGE Assess level. They are additionally EDGEplus-certified. That means that further intersectional dimensions beyond gender equality were included in the analysis, including gender identity, age and nationality. Ringier and RASCH are the first Swiss media companies to be EDGEplus-certified. Certification is issued by one of the EDGE-accredited independent certification authorities – SGS, Intertek or FloCert – and remains valid for two years.
Aniela Unguresan, founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation: «EDGE certification reflects Ringier and Ringier Axel Springer Schweiz’s commitment to gender equity, intersectional equity, diversity and inclusion. Ringier AG is also leading by example in its pursuit of gender equity in the workplace, and using its EqualVoice initiative and EqualVoice United 2025 to encourage other Swiss organizations to do the same.»
Ringier AG, Corporate Communications
About EDGE
EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender and intersectional equity. EDGE Certification involves a rigorous third-party review of representation across the pipeline, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices, and inclusiveness of an organization’s culture. As an integral part of the assessment, statistical data is analysed, policies and practices are reviewed and employees’ experiences of career development opportunities in the current workplace are accounted for. Depending on the specific results of each organization, an action plan is formulated, and firm commitments towards its implementation.
EDGE Certification is built around the independent third- party certification of data and information and is distinguished by its rigour and focus on impact granted by one of the EDGE accredited independent third-party certification bodies – SGS, Intertek or FloCert, it remains valid for a period of two years. EDGE’s current customer base consists of over 200 large organizations in 50 countries across five continents, representing 30 different industries.
About Ringier
Ringier is a Media- and Technology Company Swiss by nature. The Group includes over 130 companies operating numerous leading media brands, digital platforms and marketplaces. Ringier addresses every walk of life and touches the lives of millions of people – every day around the globe in 19 countries. 73 percent of operating profit comes from the digital sector. This puts Ringier in the group of leading European media companies. The family-owned enterprise believes in entrepreneurship, collaboration, innovation, trust and courage for nearly 190 years. In a world that’s becoming ever more complex and challenging, Ringier`s mission is to keep interest alive and to ensure that customers, users or readers never lose sight of what connects them: We create interest in the world around you – and beyond. www.ringier.com