In April 2023, CME introduced its long-term sustainability strategy "CME
Cares," which is based on four pillars: Responsible Content, Sustainable Producer, Ethical Business Practices, and Inclusive Teams & Communities, the company informs. During the internal rollout of the strategy, CME leadership pledged to continue engaging in meaningful community outreach and in line with this commitment, CME announced that all CME employees will be entitled to four, fully compensated workdays per year to volunteer for a community effort of their choice.

Effective immediately, employees will be grated two workdays off for participating in volunteer initiatives for the duration of 2023. The only exception to this rule is Slovenia, where Pro Plus employees can use the full four full volunteer days in 2023. CME and Pro Plus made this exception as a result of the devastating floods in the country and with the intention that employees will be able to contribute time towards community efforts. Effective January 1, 2024, each employee will be entitled to four fully compensated days per year for volunteer work. This option is extended to all CME and station employees, regardless of their length or rate of employment.

"As a pilot project, we assessed the level of engagement between staff and volunteer work, and the results were phenomenal. At CME, we believe in encouraging actionable steps from everyone within the firm, regardless of their position within the organization. We promote a collective sense of responsibility and are unafraid to ask our employees if they care too. The response has been resounding, and our employees truly do care, which is why CME's senior leaders fully endorse this initiative. I am proud to see that our sustainability strategy is more than just words on paper; it's a reflection of our commitment to making a real difference," said Soňa Schwarzová, CME Chief People & Sustainability Officer.

By providing employees with the opportunity and support to engage in volunteer work, CME aims to further strengthen its ties with the communities it serves and create a positive impact on society. Through CME Cares, the company strives to live up to its principles of responsible and ethical practices while promoting a culture of compassion and involvement among its workforce.