Code of Conduct of the TIMETOACT GROUP

Contents of the Code of Conduct:

  1. Purpose
  2. Scope of application
  3. Guidelines
  4. Implementation of the Code of Conduct
  5. Training and awareness raising
  6. Monitoring and continuous improvement
  7. Responsiblities
  8. Implementation and compliance
  9. Change management

1. Purpose

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP aspire to be modern and sustainable companies that provide excellent services and are committed to the fundamental values of society. The TIMETOACT GROUP has a responsibility to create and maintain a corporate culture in which the relevant legal provisions and regulations as well as ethical principles are best maintained.

Due to the large number of laws and official requirements, it is hardly possible to offer a ready-made solution for every conceivable situation. However, in order to ensure that they act in accordance with the law and ethical values as far as possible, the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP have formulated this Code of Conduct. It defines the general standards for conduct in business, legal and ethical terms and is decisive for dealing with colleagues, customers and business partners. We are also committed to using artificial intelligence (AI) ethically, transparently and comprehensibly.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP would like to thank their employees for their cooperation in complying with this Code of Conduct. This is the only way we can meet our own high standards in our dealings with each other and with customers and business partners. In this way, each individual employee contributes to ensuring the basis for a successful future for the Group companies.


2. Scope of application

The Code of Conduct is aimed at all employees of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP, including the management. Each individual is expected to consistently adhere to this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct must be complied with even if the applicable laws or regulations are less far-reaching. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that stricter laws and regulations may apply than those laid down in this Code of Conduct. In this case, these stricter laws and regulations take precedence.


3. Guidelines

TIMETOACT GROUP is committed to the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and expects suppliers and business partners to share these values and commit to upholding them.

The rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in accordance with applicable laws and regulations are granted without exceptions. Inhumane practices such as forced labour, child labour, all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking as well as any form of exploitation are prohibited at the TIMETOACT GROUP and strict compliance with the relevant laws is ensured.


3.1 Human rights

TIMETOACT GROUP is committed to the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and expects suppliers and business partners to share these values and commit to upholding them.

The rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in accordance with applicable laws and regulations are granted without exceptions. Inhumane practices such as forced labour, child labour, all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking as well as any form of exploitation are prohibited at the TIMETOACT GROUP and strict compliance with the relevant laws is ensured.

3.2. Subject-specific regulations

3.2.1. Fair competition
3.2.2. Insider trading
3.2.3. Privacy
3.2.4. Protection of third-party intellectual property (e.g. copyright, trademark, design and patent rights)
3.2.5. Compliance with anti-money laundering laws
3.2.6. Accounting and documentation
3.2.7. Dealing with the media

3.3 Conduct in the workplace and business environment

3.3.1. Discrimination- and harassment-free workplace

All employees, customers and business partners have the right to fair, respectful, dignified, courteous and indiscriminate treatment. We are committed to this principle and want to guarantee this right in our companies.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP observe the principles of equal opportunities in the workplace. Personnel decisions (e.g., recruitment, selection, training, promotion, and compensation) are based on qualifications, experience, and other work-related criteria. The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP do not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

It is the responsibility of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP to uphold the right of employees to a working environment free of sexual harassment or other undue discrimination. Any form of sexual harassment or other inadmissible discrimination on the basis of gender or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation will not be tolerated and must be avoided.

Sexual harassment is unwanted, sexually determined behaviour, which also includes unwanted sexual acts and requests for them, sexually determined physical touching, remarks of a sexual content as well as unwanted showing and visible display of pornographic images that have the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the person concerned, in particular if a person is intimidated, hostile, humiliated, degraded or insults. Sexual harassment is illegal. Examples of illicit sexual harassment include:

  • Solicitation of sexual acts or an offer of sexual acts in exchange for benefits in the workplace;
  • cornering, patting, pinching or touching or other unwanted physical contact with sexual content;
  • public conjectures about or repeated inquiries about a person's sex life;
  • jokes, remarks, or innuendos of a sexual nature about a person or men and women in general; or
  • visible display of pornographic images in the workplace.

Examples of other inadmissible discrimination that is prohibited because of the reference to gender, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability or sexual orientation are:

  • violation of the dignity of an employee through insulting or degrading remarks or behaviour (e.g. because of foreign origin);
  • Threats or insinuations that a continued employment relationship depends on the toleration of a certain behavior;
  • to force an employee to perform degrading or degrading acts, such as harassment because of sexual orientation.

In the event that an employee has been sexually harassed or otherwise inadmissibly disadvantaged, he or she should report this to the company's management or the local HR department. For this purpose, the TIMETOACT GROUP also provides the possibility to submit corresponding reports via online form (see also the chapter "Whistleblowers" of this Code of Conduct).

The TIMETOACT GROUP assures all employees that complaints will be treated as confidentially as possible and that no employee will suffer disadvantages as a result of a report, provided that there is no abuse by the employee.

It is the responsibility of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP to take all reasonable precautions to prevent all kinds of sexual harassment and other unacceptable disadvantage and to take immediate action if they are informed of an unacceptable disadvantage.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP reserve the right to take disciplinary action against employees who treat or harass other employees, customers or business partners in an impermissible manner. The disciplinary measures may also consist of the pronouncement of an ordinary or extraordinary dismissal.

3.3.2. Dealing with property and rights of the company
3.3.3. IT-security
3.3.4. Use of operating resources
3.3.5. Use of resources
3.3.5. Storage of documents and records
3.3.7. Confidential information
3.3.8. Gifts and benefits
3.3.9. Dealing and cooperating with public authorities and clients
3.3.10. Drugs, alcohol and cannabis

3.4. Conflicts of interest

Conflicts of interest can raise doubts about the quality of business decisions made and the integrity of the people who make them. Conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of them, must be avoided at all times. If such conflict avoidance is not possible, it must be dealt with actively, openly and honestly. In the event of possible conflicts, employees are encouraged to actively approach their supervisor and coordinate the further course of action. In particular, the following conflicts of interest must be avoided:

3.4.1. Part-time work

The commencement of any secondary employment is subject to the provisions of the employment contract. If the employment contract does not contain any provisions on secondary employment, the employee is required to obtain the written consent of the HR department responsible for him. The Human Resources Department will approve a secondary activity if such activity does not conflict with the legitimate business interests of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP and can demonstrably have no influence on the activity for the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP.

Employees of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP are not permitted to take on a managerial position (e.g. as managing director, member of the board of directors, supervisory board or advisory board) at another company without permission if this other company is either in competition with a company of the TIMETOACT GROUP or does business with a company of the TIMETOACT GROUP.

3.4.2. Political activities

3.5. Dealing with artificial intelligence (AI)

We make decision-making processes and algorithms transparent to ensure that they are understandable and comprehensible. We respect the privacy of our users and customers. When using AI, we comply with applicable data protection laws. Control of critical processes remains in human hands, and human decision-makers have the ultimate responsibility. We do not blindly rely on AI, but act responsibly in the application of this tool. Accordingly, we check all content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) for accuracy. We ensure that our employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to use AI systems responsibly and efficiently. We communicate clearly and transparently with our employees, customers and the public about the use of AI. We actively involve external stakeholders in the dialogue to promote a comprehensive understanding and trust in AI. We continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of AI systems.

3.6. Environmental, social and corporate governance

We focus on environmentally friendly practices in order to conserve resources and minimise emissions. Through sustainable innovation and processes, we continuously strive to reduce our environmental impact.

We promote a respectful and inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and all employees are treated fairly. We also support social projects and respect human rights in all areas of our business.

Transparency and integrity characterize our actions, while upholding correct and honest business practices. Bribery, corruption and other unethical behaviour are zero tolerance in our country.

4. Implementation of the Code of Conduct


4.1. Questions and instructions

This Code of Conduct cannot provide detailed instructions for each individual situation. Additional regulations and guidelines of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP offer employees further assistance. The application and implementation of the standards set out in this Code of Conduct and in the other internal guidelines of conduct in day-to-day business may require clarification in some cases.

If employees are unsure about correct behavior, they are encouraged to contact their supervisor or the responsible management.

4.2. Reporting violations (“whistleblowing”)

If an employee becomes aware of conduct that violates the accounting, financial and banking rules contained in this Code of Conduct or other laws and regulations and/or constitutes a criminal offence (e.g. bribery, prohibited insider trading, environmental offences) ("Violation"), he or she should inform his or her supervisor or a member of the Executive Board or another appropriate person of the Company.

In the case of employees who are in the position of a director or board member (executive officer), chief financial officer (CFO), head of accounting (principal accounting officer) or a controller, or who hold a similar function, the term "violation" also refers to conduct that otherwise violates the provisions of this Code of Conduct.

An online form is also available for information, which employees can use to find more detailed information on the intranet. The issuance of information should be made with the disclosure of the identity of the person making the notification. Anonymous tips are generally not welcome, but will also be noted and investigated.

Employees should cooperate in any investigation of an alleged violation. If, as a result of the investigation, it becomes clear that there has been a corresponding violation, the person who committed it (and, if applicable, his or her superior) will be subject to labour law sanctions. The sanctions can consist in particular of a warning or the pronouncement of an ordinary or extraordinary termination.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP shall ensure that the identity of a contributing employee is treated confidentially as far as it is known to the company and as far as this is legally permissible. Reported violations will initially be made available exclusively to our Legal Team and the Integration & Improvement Officer. This will examine the allegations and, if necessary, carry out further investigations. If a suspicion is substantiated, the legal team informs the management. In the further course of the investigation, it may become necessary to disclose the identity of a participating employee to persons involved in the further investigations, in particular to investigating authorities. The same applies to possible subsequent court proceedings. If a collaborator has concerns about such disclosure, they must report this when reporting the violation. A corresponding note is then added to the system.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP ensure that no action is taken against an employee for reporting a violation or participating in an investigation, provided that there is no abuse by the employee.

The companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP will comply with the applicable data protection regulations, in particular the rights of the participating employee and the accused. Notices are only used for the purpose of investigating and possibly punishing violations.

The accused will be informed of any allegations against him as soon as this no longer jeopardizes the investigation. Data that is no longer needed will be deleted within two months of the conclusion of the investigation.

4.3. Part of the employment relationship

This Code of Conduct is an integral part of the employment relationship and is indispensable for the business operations of the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP. Violations of binding provisions of this Code of Conduct cannot and will not be tolerated. Failure to read or acknowledge this Code of Conduct does not relieve employees of their responsibility for compliance with it.

Depending on the severity, violations of this Code of Conduct can lead to consequences under employment law up to and including extraordinary termination of the employment relationship. If a violation of this Code of Conduct is also a violation of applicable law, then there may also be a risk of claims for damages and/or criminal prosecution.

In light of the above, the companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP call on employees to act responsibly and to follow this Code of Conduct for their own benefit and for the benefit of all companies of the TIMETOACT GROUP.

5. Training and awareness raising

The respective companies ensure that all employees are informed about the policy. Training and awareness-raising activities are carried out to increase awareness of the issue and promote understanding of the importance of the issue.

6. Monitoring and continuous improvement

The policy is regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure that it is effective and meets the requirements. The responsible business function identifies opportunities for improvement and implements appropriate measures to continuously improve the effectiveness of the policy.

7. Responsibilities

The responsibilities for this policy are as follows:

  • Employees are responsible for complying with this policy.
  • The responsible GROUP Function is responsible for verifying, updating and monitoring compliance with this policy and conducting training.
  • The leaders and managers of the respective companies are responsible for ensuring that all employees are aware of the policy and promote its compliance within their teams
  • The management is responsible for the content and implementation of the policy.

8. Implementation and compliance

All employees and relevant stakeholders are required to follow this policy. Management is tasked with ensuring that the policy is implemented, understood, and adhered to. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

9. Change management

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. Changes are communicated and documented appropriately.