LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer 2020 Awards

LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer Award acknowledges, motivates and makes visible employers that introduce measures leading to better inclusion of LGBTQ+ employees in the Czech Republic. The award assesses the strategic approach to this area, specific projects and tools, as well as the way of supporting the topic by the top management and communicating it both internally and externally.

Champion: IBM

The jury praised IBM’s comprehensive approach to LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, including setting internal rules against discrimination and homophobic / transphobic bullying, a proactive approach to recruiting and retaining LGBTQ+ talent, active work by internal employee resource group and strong support for LGBTQ+ people in Czech society. In particular, the jury praised the active role that IBM’s management played in the country’s debate on equal marriage in 2019.

Champion: Vodafone

Vodafone has won the award for the third time, which proves their long-term and deep commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in the Czech workplace. Vodafone is a true champion in this area and can serve as an example of best practices in the Czech market. Vodafone won for creating the perfect mix of all elements, resulting in a workplace that is inclusive and open to all. The jury especially appreciated the fact that Vodafone does not rest on its laurels, but is constantly trying to improve. In 2019, the company adopted new employee benefits for people in transition and extended parental benefits to all parents, including same-sex parents.

2nd Runner Up: Accenture

Accenture has long been at the forefront of this award and rightly so. The jury praised Accenture’s comprehensive approach to LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. From setting internal regulations to working with employees, the jury highlighted the work with rainbow lanyards for opening up the work environment. The jury appreciated the internal employee resource group’s activities: Accenture traditionally excels in supporting management in this area and in active internal and external communication.

Employee-driven initiatives: ExxonMobil

This is third time that ExxonMobil has received an award in this subcategory, which proves that its LGBTQ+ internal employee resource group is one of the best in the Czech market. Its proactive approach to promoting LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace is unique, and is a shining example showing that voluntary activities by employees can influence the workplace culture and the behavior of the whole company. The jury was impressed by the Ally Engagement Project, which the group started in 2019 and which attracted the attention of many employees to the group’s activities.

Big Step Forward: ČSOB

ČSOB only recently began to address the topic of LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, but from the very beginning it focused heavily on this area and has taken a huge step forward in such a short time. Its LGBTQ+ internal employee resource group was only established in 2019. ČSOB joined the Pride Business Forum and began to change its employee benefits to make them the same for LGBTQ+ employees. All this is possible only thanks to the unique cooperation between the LGBT lead, the HR department and the company’s management. Thanks to this synergy, ČSOB has now received the Big Step Forward 2020 award.