App Santander
Health and safety
We promote a culture of health and wellness among our professionals and we strive to provide everyone with the necessary work-life balance.
What we do
A healthy lifestyle enhances employee engagement, generates positive energy in the workplace and strengthens social ties. According to data from Santander's Global Engagement Survey, 80% of our teams create an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle and 82% believe that the organization offers conditions to promote a positive work-life balance.
See below for what we have been doing to achieve the goal of making Santander the healthiest company in the world.
See below for what we have been doing to achieve the goal of making Santander the healthiest company in the world.
Health, safety and wellness
A global incentive program for employees to adopt healthier living habits, with a focus on prevention and holistic health promotion.
- Know your health numbers: Encourage regular monitoring by conducting exams or participating in preventive campaigns. Examples of initiatives: influenza vaccination campaigns, which are offered to all staff; and availability of laboratories to collect blood and urine tests at the Administrative Centers.
- Eat well: Educational campaigns on the importance of healthy eating habits. In the administrative buildings, all the floors count on two vending machines to dispense snacks, one of them having only natural, wholemeal and light options.
- Move: Encourage physical exercise. In addition to providing fitness centers within our administrative buildings, we have a partnership with GymPass, a discount coupon that can be used in 18,000 gyms in Brazil. Employees can choose one of the four plans available and part of the cost is subsidized by Santander. We have about 9,600 employees enrolled in gyms and we also extended this benefit to family members. Last year, 2,900 employees practiced some regular physical activity with this incentive.
Another initiative is the push for participation in street races. In 2018, we subsidized employees’ expenses in 47 running races in the country through Santander Track & Field Run Series.
- Be balanced: The PAPE (find out more below) is one of the main initiatives of this pillar.
During the Be Healthy Week 2018, a global week of health promotion and Santander´s employee engagement, we worked the benefits of physical activity, with functional fitness classes in the main capitals, street racing, as well as a talk with Fernando Fernandes, a paraplegic athlete of extreme sports and canoeing. We had more than 30,000 people impacted by the communication from day one. Also, we gained over 53,000 likes on social networks.
In addition to these initiatives, employees were encouraged to donate blood. Just this week 3,301 employees have made donations all over Brazil.
- Know your health numbers: Encourage regular monitoring by conducting exams or participating in preventive campaigns. Examples of initiatives: influenza vaccination campaigns, which are offered to all staff; and availability of laboratories to collect blood and urine tests at the Administrative Centers.
- Eat well: Educational campaigns on the importance of healthy eating habits. In the administrative buildings, all the floors count on two vending machines to dispense snacks, one of them having only natural, wholemeal and light options.
- Move: Encourage physical exercise. In addition to providing fitness centers within our administrative buildings, we have a partnership with GymPass, a discount coupon that can be used in 18,000 gyms in Brazil. Employees can choose one of the four plans available and part of the cost is subsidized by Santander. We have about 9,600 employees enrolled in gyms and we also extended this benefit to family members. Last year, 2,900 employees practiced some regular physical activity with this incentive.
Another initiative is the push for participation in street races. In 2018, we subsidized employees’ expenses in 47 running races in the country through Santander Track & Field Run Series.
In addition to these initiatives, employees were encouraged to donate blood. Just this week 3,301 employees have made donations all over Brazil.
- Be balanced: The PAPE (find out more below) is one of the main initiatives of this pillar.
In addition to these initiatives, employees were encouraged to donate blood. Just this week 3,301 employees have made donations all over Brazil.
Santander provides health care to employees and their dependents. The companies that operate health plans vary according to the city where the employee works.
In addition, in the seven units of the Santander Medical Centers (located in Santander buildings in Recife, Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) we offer emergency, occupational, psychological and social assistance services. A dental office for dental care is also available at Santander's headquarters in São Paulo.
In partnership with one of the best Brazilian hospitals, we also offer four primary care units, with family doctor assistance and multidisciplinary teams.
In addition, in the seven units of the Santander Medical Centers (located in Santander buildings in Recife, Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) we offer emergency, occupational, psychological and social assistance services. A dental office for dental care is also available at Santander's headquarters in São Paulo.
In partnership with one of the best Brazilian hospitals, we also offer four primary care units, with family doctor assistance and multidisciplinary teams.
Promoted annually, the influenza vaccination campaign immunized 33,000 employees, trainees and apprentices in 2018.
Promoted annually, the influenza vaccination campaign immunized 33,000 employees, trainees and apprentices in 2018.
Annual campaigns for the prevention of breast cancer and prostate cancer, including incentives for conducting preventive examinations and lectures about the subjects.
Annual campaigns for the prevention of breast cancer and prostate cancer, including incentives for conducting preventive examinations and lectures about the subjects.
The Birth Program offers hospitality and information to our employees, trainees and dependents. Through the Specialized Personal Support Program (PAPE – “Programa de Apoio Pessoal Especializado”), a multidisciplinary team offers guidance on health during pregnancy or on adoption processes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The follow-up continues until the return to work.
Pregnant women are also exempt from co-participation for prenatal consultations and exams, from the date of enrollment in the program until the expected date of childbirth.
Santander employees can choose to extend maternity leave for a further 60 days, totaling 180 days. Male employees are entitled to 20 days paternity leave. Maternity leave for female employees adopting children is 120 days, regardless of the child's age, and for male employees, the leave is 20 consecutive days, with a minimum of three working days. Homosexual couples with adopted children have the same benefits.
We also encourage continued breastfeeding after returning to work. Nursing mothers can choose between 1 hour less work until the 9th month of the baby's life or 10 calendar days after the end of maternity leave. In addition, we provide lactation support rooms in four administrative buildings, which have microwaves to sterilize baby bottles, a freezer to store bottles of milk and a kit to transport the collected milk.
As a remembrance of this special moment in their lives, they also get a personalized book. In 2018, the program assisted more than 2,500 participants.
Pregnant women are also exempt from co-participation for prenatal consultations and exams, from the date of enrollment in the program until the expected date of childbirth.
Santander employees can choose to extend maternity leave for a further 60 days, totaling 180 days. Male employees are entitled to 20 days paternity leave. Maternity leave for female employees adopting children is 120 days, regardless of the child's age, and for male employees, the leave is 20 consecutive days, with a minimum of three working days. Homosexual couples with adopted children have the same benefits.
We also encourage continued breastfeeding after returning to work. Nursing mothers can choose between 1 hour less work until the 9th month of the baby's life or 10 calendar days after the end of maternity leave. In addition, we provide lactation support rooms in four administrative buildings, which have microwaves to sterilize baby bottles, a freezer to store bottles of milk and a kit to transport the collected milk.
As a remembrance of this special moment in their lives, they also get a personalized book. In 2018, the program assisted more than 2,500 participants.
The Internal Week for the Prevention of Labor Accidents in 2018 (SIPAT- “Semana Interna de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho”) had more than 16,000 interactions through the Santander Events application, with tips and security challenges. More than 13,000 employees have received visits in their work places for customized ergonomic guidance.
In 2018, more than 10,000 employees replied to the Health Profile questionnaire and received feedback on their numbers. We also recorded the participation of 411 employees in a Scape group dynamic and 861 in mindfulness sessions.
In 2018, more than 10,000 employees replied to the Health Profile questionnaire and received feedback on their numbers. We also recorded the participation of 411 employees in a Scape group dynamic and 861 in mindfulness sessions.
Aimed at providing rehabilitation to professionals who return to work after sick leave, the assistance is performed by a multidisciplinary team, including a doctor, psychiatrist, orthopedist, physiotherapist, psychologist and social worker, at no cost to the employee during the rehabilitation period. In 2018, the program supported the return of 900 employees.
Aimed at providing rehabilitation to professionals who return to work after sick leave, the assistance is performed by a multidisciplinary team, including a doctor, psychiatrist, orthopedist, physiotherapist, psychologist and social worker, at no cost to the employee during the rehabilitation period. In 2018, the program supported the return of 900 employees.
Developed to support and guide employees and family members on a wide range of issues, the PAPE (“Programa de Apoio Pessoal Especializado”) counts on professionals and specialists in psychology, social work, financial guidance, pedagogy, nutrition, physiotherapy, law/legislation and a personal trainer.
For managers, the program also supports work-related issues and provides information to optimize their work and results, with handy tips for team management, internal conflict management, interpersonal relationships, team monitoring, and psychological support.
The PAPE also operates actively, contacting employees on medical leave who are participating in institutional health and wellness programs, such as pregnancy, anti-smoking and Life and Career Maturity. Whenever necessary, it accompanies cases of hospitalizations and carries out home and hospital visits. The service is confidential, free and available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays. In 2018, 12,600 people, including employees and dependents, were covered by the PAPE.
For managers, the program also supports work-related issues and provides information to optimize their work and results, with handy tips for team management, internal conflict management, interpersonal relationships, team monitoring, and psychological support.
The PAPE also operates actively, contacting employees on medical leave who are participating in institutional health and wellness programs, such as pregnancy, anti-smoking and Life and Career Maturity. Whenever necessary, it accompanies cases of hospitalizations and carries out home and hospital visits. The service is confidential, free and available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays. In 2018, 12,600 people, including employees and dependents, were covered by the PAPE.
A free service of vans between administrative buildings. The ride-friendly practice is also encouraged, with parking spaces available at Santander headquarters for employees who adopt this practice. The details and registration of those interested in giving and receiving a ride are available on the company intranet.
There is also a transportation voucher for the employees who request it, and parking for bicycles in administrative buildings. In some of them, we offer cabinets and changing rooms for those who use this means of transport.
There is also a transportation voucher for the employees who request it, and parking for bicycles in administrative buildings. In some of them, we offer cabinets and changing rooms for those who use this means of transport.
Work-life balance
Employees can count on a wide range of services, at below-market prices, at exclusive locations in the administrative headquarters buildings: restaurants, snack bar, hairdresser, masseuse, shoemaker, seamstress, laundry and gym.
Employees can count on a wide range of services, at below-market prices, at exclusive locations in the administrative headquarters buildings: restaurants, snack bar, hairdresser, masseuse, shoemaker, seamstress, laundry and gym.
Program of balance between personal and professional life, with the following practices:
- Staggered Hours - Adequacy of working hours according to personal preferences and needs of the area of operation, always respecting the hours of customer service, support for the areas and full compliance with the working day. After agreement with the management, the employee can choose the start of work between 7am and 10am and leave between 4pm and 7pm.
- Flexible Holidays - Installment holiday plan, respecting the reference period. Holidays can be enjoyed in 1, 2 or 3 rest periods, always within a maximum period of 12 months after the due date. If the installment option is for 2 or 3 periods, one of the installments must have a minimum of 14 days and the rest must not be less than 5 days each, according to legislation. The practice was adjusted at the end of 2017, in accordance with the new labor law.
- Birthday Day Off - Employees are entitled to a paid day off on their birthday. The day off must be scheduled and enjoyed within the 12 months following the birthday date.
- Prolonged Bank Holidays - Possibility of free rotation on national and/or state holidays that occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Pro-Quality of Live Lock - Santander takes care of employees’ workday. The hours for eating and rest must be fulfilled and overtime should not exceed two hours a day, according to the law. In order to support managers and staff in time control, an internally developed system gives a notification for the end of the employee's daily working hours.
- Flexible Workstations (HUB) - In administrative buildings there are flexible workstations that can be shared by employees to perform their activities using their notebook or mobility kit.
- Staggered Hours - Adequacy of working hours according to personal preferences and needs of the area of operation, always respecting the hours of customer service, support for the areas and full compliance with the working day. After agreement with the management, the employee can choose the start of work between 7am and 10am and leave between 4pm and 7pm.
- Flexible Holidays - Installment holiday plan, respecting the reference period. Holidays can be enjoyed in 1, 2 or 3 rest periods, always within a maximum period of 12 months after the due date. If the installment option is for 2 or 3 periods, one of the installments must have a minimum of 14 days and the rest must not be less than 5 days each, according to legislation. The practice was adjusted at the end of 2017, in accordance with the new labor law.
- Birthday Day Off - Employees are entitled to a paid day off on their birthday. The day off must be scheduled and enjoyed within the 12 months following the birthday date.
- Prolonged Bank Holidays - Possibility of free rotation on national and/or state holidays that occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Pro-Quality of Live Lock - Santander takes care of employees’ workday. The hours for eating and rest must be fulfilled and overtime should not exceed two hours a day, according to the law. In order to support managers and staff in time control, an internally developed system gives a notification for the end of the employee's daily working hours.
- Flexible Workstations (HUB) - In administrative buildings there are flexible workstations that can be shared by employees to perform their activities using their notebook or mobility kit.
Benefits and other financial support
All staff receive a food and meal allowance, and trainees receive a food allowance.
Reimbursement of expenses for nannies, daycare or private schools for employees who have children, guardianship or judicial custody of children up to 5 years and 11 months of age. The amount to be reimbursed varies according to the collective agreement.
Reimbursement of expenses for nannies, daycare or private schools for employees who have children, guardianship or judicial custody of children up to 5 years and 11 months of age. The amount to be reimbursed varies according to the collective agreement.
Allowance of 70% of the expenses for education and special care for the employees’ children, limited to R$600 monthly. Currently, about 60 employees use this benefit regularly.
Allowance of 70% of the expenses for education and special care for the employees’ children, limited to R$600 monthly. Currently, about 60 employees use this benefit regularly.
Special conditions when contracting banking products and services, such as a differentiated rate for investments and account administration, reduced interest for contracting loans and financing, among others.
Special conditions when contracting banking products and services, such as a differentiated rate for investments and account administration, reduced interest for contracting loans and financing, among others.
Through partnerships, Santander encourages cultural, sports and leisure activities. There are exclusive discounts for employees in travel agencies, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms, cinemas, theaters, parks, sport advisors and even in car purchases.
Through partnerships, Santander encourages cultural, sports and leisure activities. There are exclusive discounts for employees in travel agencies, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms, cinemas, theaters, parks, sport advisors and even in car purchases.
An addition of 100% -150% on top of the employee’s contribution, depending on the contribution time to the private pension plan.
An addition of 100% -150% on top of the employee’s contribution, depending on the contribution time to the private pension plan.
Carried out by the Santander Foundation, the program provides financial support to employees and their families, including fathers and mothers in emergency situations such as procedures not covered by the health plan, purchasing of medicines, nursing services, funeral allowance, purchase of hearing aids, wheelchairs, orthopedic prostheses and orthotics, as well as alternative treatments such as equine therapy.
In these cases, the bank reimburses up to 90% of the amounts spent, limited to 10 minimum wages per year. In 2018, with an investment of R$1.2 million, the Santander Foundation provided 1,537 cases of aid, including therapies, orthopedic prostheses and medicines.
In these cases, the bank reimburses up to 90% of the amounts spent, limited to 10 minimum wages per year. In 2018, with an investment of R$1.2 million, the Santander Foundation provided 1,537 cases of aid, including therapies, orthopedic prostheses and medicines.
Find out more
How we take care of our employees’ health and safety
See this infographic for a summary of what we are doing to achieve the goal of being the healthiest company in the world. Look here