The panel marking the launch of the call for “Most Inclusive Employer” award, which brought together media representatives, the civil sector, socially responsible companies, and last year’s award recipients who shared their experiences, was held on Friday, October 11, at the Youth with Disabilities Forum. This panel also presented the call for “Internship Program for Young People with Disabilities“, aimed at improving employability and creating new opportunities for the professional development of young people with disabilities.
The Responsible Business Forum and Smart Kolektiv announced the call for the 2024 Most Inclusive Employer Award, through which awards and recognition will be given to enterprises that demonstrate a strategic commitment and excellence in implementing practices that foster diversity, equal opportunities, and inclusion in the workplace.
“The call is opened to enterprises that have integrated diversity and inclusion into their business strategies and are actively working on initiatives and projects contributing to an inclusive work environment. The award is given in two categories—the most inclusive employer for persons with disabilities and the employer of the year—with applications for large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) considered separately,” stated Neven Marinović, Director of the Responsible Business Forum and Smart Kolektiv.
Last year, USAID, Smart Kolektiv and Responsible Business Forum, awarded this recognition for the first time to companies focused on creating a work environment where all employees have equal opportunities for advancement and feel included and accepted in all areas of work. The main award for a strategic approach, implemented practices, partnerships, and leadership went to Delhaize Serbia. IKEA Serbia received a special recognition for its strategic approach to developing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace, while Delta Holding received special recognition for leadership and partnership.
“We are very proud that our continuous efforts and initiatives in inclusion are recognized. Our collective constantly strives to create and support a work environment where every voice is heard while creating a setting that encourages and motivates each individual to advance. For us, inclusion is not merely a checklist item in our strategy—it’s a value we live by every day. We will continue to provide our colleagues with a safe work environment where everyone can be authentic, advancing inclusive practices in our organization,” said Marko Babić, Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Development and member of the Executive Board at Delhaize Serbia.
“For Delta Holding, collaborating with Youth with Disabilities Forum on employing people with disabilities has been ongoing for 15 years. Together, we worked on employment strategies and team training for integrating people with disabilities. We believe that we can collectively contribute significantly to the development and career success of people with disabilities,” stated Milica Topalović, Talent Programs Manager at Delta Holding.
“For us at IKEA Serbia, everything begins with our vision to create a better everyday life for as many people as possible. This includes creating an inclusive work environment where every employee feels welcomed and respected. This is our number one priority. We are glad it has been recognized, as we believe that collaboration between the private sector and civil society is essential for creating a better everyday life for all,” said Emina Mujkanović from IKEA Serbia, adding, “Such awards and recognitions are a positive signal for other companies working on creating a more inclusive work environment.”
The award and recognition for the Most Inclusive Employer will be presented at this year’s CSR&ESG Forum on December 12, 2024. All economic entities implementing inclusive employment policies may apply by filling out the application form by October 31 and submitting it to the email address: kancelarija@odgovornoposlovanje.rs. The application form for large legal entities is available HERE, while the application form for small and medium-sized enterprises is available HERE.
A jury comprised of esteemed civil, public, and private sector representatives will evaluate applications, emphasizing the integration of inclusivity principles. “The principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace relate to the company’s efforts to create a work environment where all employees have equal opportunities for advancement, feel included and accepted in all areas of work, regardless of who they are and where they come from,” stated the competition announcement.
“The Youth with Disabilities Forum supports employers in developing inclusive hiring procedures for people with disabilities, with one such program being the “Internship Program for Young People with Disabilities”. Through this program, employers, whether large companies or small and medium-sized enterprises, can support young people with disabilities on their path to professional development and improve their competitiveness in the labor market,” said Slađana Lević, Program Director of the Youth with Disabilities Forum, adding that the call for “Internship Program for Young People with Disabilities” is currently open, with employers able to apply until November 7 HERE.
The “Most Inclusive Employer” award and the “Internship Program for Young People with Disabilities” are part of “Job Fit: Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Youth with Disabilities Forum. Other project partners are the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, Caritas of Serbia, Smart Kolektiv and the Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities.
