WORKSMART

WORKSMART: AUTONOMY OVER WORKING TIME

At Dolder, we distribute specialty products in the fields of plastics, specialty chemicals, and filtration media — but at the heart of everything we do are our people. Their energy, expertise, and dedication are our greatest strengths.

That’s why we place a high value on autonomy. One of the ways we foster engagement and motivation is through the flexibility we offer in where, when, and how our people work — a principle we call WorkSmart. While local legal frameworks mean some differences from country to country, the foundation of WorkSmart is shared across the Dolder Group.

FLEXIBILITY FROM PART TO FULL TIME

Whether you work three days a week or five, we are convinced that you bring quality and commitment to your work. We understand that your needs and availability may evolve over time — especially since our average employee tenure is around 10 years. That’s why we offer a wide range of working arrangements, from 40% to 100% positions, and even hourly contracts. We also make it easy to adjust your workload as your personal or professional situation changes.

AUTONOMY OVER WORKING TIME

Of course, certain timeframes are shaped by business needs and legal guidelines — clients as well as suppliers need timely responses and additionally, labor regulations influence how working hours are distributed. But within these boundaries, there’s ample room for personalization. Are you most productive in the early morning? Prefer a longer midday break for a workout? Do your best thinking in the late afternoon? At Dolder, you have the freedom to tailor your working hours to suit your rhythm — just make sure that it aligns with team and business needs..

THE BEST PLACE TO WORK

The right setting can make all the difference. For some tasks, your home office — or even your kitchen table — may be the perfect place to focus. For others, being in the office with your team allows for better collaboration and quicker decision-making. Some days may be spent meeting with clients or attending external training sessions. That’s why we encourage our people to choose the environment that supports the task at hand. Most of our employees move fluidly between home, the office, and external locations to stay effective and connected.

WORKING SMART

WorkSmart is not just about when and where we work — it’s also about how we work. We aim to be thoughtful and innovative in everything we do. Continuous learning, process improvements, and the adoption of new tools are central to our approach. We regularly train in both core skills and smart work methods, always looking for ways to work more effectively and efficiently.

WORKSMART IN ACTION

Across all Dolder locations, WorkSmart is adapted to local needs, but the core idea stays the same. In general, employees come into the office at least twice a week:

• One day is a team day, where everyone gathers to collaborate, connect, and strengthen team spirit.

• The second day is flexible, chosen individually based on workload, meetings, or personal preference.

This setup balances team connection with individual flexibility — a practical expression of working smart.This is how Dolder Group puts WorkSmart into practice. While certain aspects are consistent across all locations, there are country-specific differences. For instance, in Italy, employees have two office days: Monday and Thursday. On these days, those not engaged with clients or suppliers congregate in Saronno, often having lunch together.

In Switzerland, staff members also come into the office at least twice a week, with one of those days being the official team office day, where everyone gathers and enjoys the bustling environment. The second office day is flexible and can be chosen by the colleagues themselves.

Similarly, Spain also has two office days, with Friday being the designated day for the entire team to come together and share breakfast. The second day is flexible and is usually for back-office workers. Meanwhile, in Turkey, the team comes into the office three days a week, with Monday being the team day. There are also two smart working days per week.