Stakeholder engagement

Sonova is committed to active and ongoing engagement with its stakeholders. We foster open and meaningful dialogue, recognizing the essential role stakeholders play in creating shared value and supporting sustainable growth across our business, products, and services. Insights from stakeholder engagement are reviewed regularly and inform both operational and strategic decision‑making. Key stakeholder engagement topics are reported to Group Executive Management and the Board of Directors through designated committees or leadership teams at Group or business level.

Key stakeholders	Engagement methods and purposes	Engagement outcomes
Employees	Regular employee surveys twice per quarter to gather feedback on workplace and employee experiences Performance management to better execute strategy by aligning and elevating individual performance Cross-functional team workshops for continuous improvement input and to facilitate collaboration Town halls, intranet, and employee resource group exchanges to promote open dialogue and connect to Sonova’s business context Dialogue with employees' representatives and unions to support fair labor practices	Improve workplace and update talent management practices Better business outcomes and improved talent retention and succession Improved processes and better understanding of Sonova's operating model Transparent communications and better alignment to Sonova strategy and priorities Compliance with local labor law
Consumers and end-users	Direct consumer support via several channels (e.g., phone, in-store and sales representatives, apps, and online) to gather feedback and address inquiries or issues Surveys to improve consumer satisfaction and product and service experiences Community interactions such as HearingLikeMe.com, HearingJourney™, and mentorship programs with cochlear implant mentors to provide supportive communities and inspire consumers	Improve product and service quality Influence product design and feature Identify trends and leverage data for new products and services
Customers and insurers	Satisfaction surveys and customer loyalty programs to improve customer satisfaction Product and service training programs to equip and train customers Customer support via several channels (e.g., phone, sales representatives, apps, and online) to gather feedback and address inquiries or issues Advisory board initiatives to support product development across various domains Engagement with governmental and social institutions, including participating in tenders	Improve product and service quality Influence product design and features Improve product and service training resources Improve accessibility approaches
Suppliers	Communication of Sonova’s sustainability expectations throughout the supply cycle, and integration of these in supplier selection, evaluation, and contract terms Supplier engagement, capability building, and corrective action plans for relevant suppliers on priority topics (risk, decarbonization, responsible sourcing) Remote audits combined with on-site visits to drive focus and improve supplier sustainability performance	Track ESG improvements, and corrective and risk mitigation action plans Enhance supplier engagement and sustainability performance Improve product quality and feedback mechanisms
Shareholders and financial communities	Publication of semi-annual and annual report as well as investor media releases to ensure transparency of current financial performance and other relevant developments Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting to foster governance, accountability, and dialogue Roadshows, conferences, events, investor questionnaires, emails, and meetings to engage with existing and potential shareholders ESG rating participation to communicate sustainability strategy and performance	Improve transparency and reporting Address questions and concerns Identify ESG trends and priorities
Academia and opinion leaders	Participation and collaboration in research projects and scientific publications to advance scientific knowledge and clinical best practice Internships and thesis project opportunities for students to support academic growth and research Serving on academic advisory boards to contribute to, and engage with, the scientific community	Integrate outcomes into product and service strategies Build long-term partnerships Assure valid evidence for solution performance Apply findings to clinical practice Support skills development
Regulators	Compliance reporting and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to safeguard product safety and effectiveness Sharing specialist knowledge in industry working groups and committees to support regulators to ensure high product quality	Ensure alignment with regulatory standards Generate improvements based on feedback Improve internal processes and influence policy

Additional important stakeholders include media, competitors, community representatives and NGOs. In addition, Sonovaʼs SpeakUp platform allows stakeholders who know of or suspect a violation of applicable laws, regulations, the Code of Conduct, or internal policies and procedures, to report it.