LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer Award

Is it important to you that your company or organisation treats its people fairly? If so, you can shine in our annual awards.

Become Employer of the Year

We are the only organization in the Czech Republic that annually recognizes employers who actively support inclusion and create safe, fair workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees.

Our evaluation looks at how companies address LGBTQ+ issues, what projects, policies, and measures they implement to promote a respectful work culture, and how they communicate inclusion both internally and externally.

Why apply

It’s not just about the diploma. By participating, you also:

Show that you care about equality.
Improve your company’s reputation and attract talented people.
Learn how to improve working conditions to make them truly fair.
Inspire other companies.

How to Apply

Are you in? Then register your company by filling in our form. Along with your answers, you’ll need to submit several supporting documents — so we recommend starting early to gather everything.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer 2025 awards

LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer award is a prestigious award that serves as recognition and motivation for employers in the Czech Republic who actively contribute to creating an inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees. We carefully evaluate the strategic approach of companies to this issue and assess specific projects and tools focused on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace.

This award not only rewards and motivates companies that have successfully implemented measures to support LGBTQ+ employees but also serves as a model for other organizations that want to actively contribute to equality and inclusion in the workplace. We believe that an environment that respects and supports diversity not only creates better working conditions for individuals but also contributes to overall success and innovation in business.

GOLD: Vodafone Czech Republic

Vodafone has long been a leader in supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion on the Czech market, and this year again confirmed its exceptional position with an overall score of 94.5 points. It excels across all evaluated areas, earning the maximum possible score in the category of policies and benefits. Vodafone provides exceptionally strong support for trans employees and achieved the highest score of all participating companies in the area of support for trans individuals.

Gold: MSD

MSD has long been among the most progressive employers and this year rightfully earned a Gold Award with a score of 90.5 points. It stood out particularly for its top-tier policies and benefits, as well as its high-quality support for employees. The jury also praised the active involvement of leadership, which supports internal LGBTQ+ groups, participates in public events, and introduces innovations such as reverse mentoring.

Silver: Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson participated in the awards for the second time this year and once again achieved a very high score, coming close to the Gold tier with 88 points. The company stands out particularly in the areas of HR and employee care, earning high marks for its sensitive approach to job applicants. Another strong point is its high-quality onboarding process, which clearly introduces new employees to the company’s values.

Silver: Novartis

Novartis once again confirms its commitment to LGBTQ+ diversity, improving by 6 points since last year and securing a solid Silver tier score of 86. The company stands out for its employee resource group, previously awarded the Employee Driven Initiative, which actively organizes various internal and external activities, including collaboration with the Škoda Proud ERG. The jury also praised the new Pride Ambassador Program, boosting engagement across the company.

Silver: SAP

This year, SAP once again demonstrated its strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, earning a total score of 80.5 points. It stands out for its support of trans employees, offering high levels of security and care. SAP also earned the Employee Driven Initiative award for its active employee resource group, which organized a variety of events—from networking sessions and expert workshops to leadership training—throughout the year.

Silver: IKEA

This year, IKEA rightfully earned a Silver Award with a total score of 81 points, thanks in part to achieving full marks in the category of policies and benefits. The company stands out for its clear and well-structured Code of Ethics, and the jury praised its open approach to revising internal processes based on the real experiences of employees. Specific support tools were also evaluated very positively, such as the Guidelines for Trans and Non-binary Inclusion document and the thoughtfully developed Gender Transition Planning Tool.

Silver: Accenture

Accenture is a long-standing participant in the competition, regularly applying and consistently achieving high scores. This year, it once again earns a Silver Award with a total of 81 points. The jury highly values the company’s regular training sessions focused on microaggressions and the support provided to employees in addressing them. Accenture actively adapts its policies for individuals in registered partnerships, civil unions, and unmarried couples in response to changes in legislation. Notably, the company also provides meaningful support for trans employees, including a gender-neutral dress code.

Bronze: ČSOB

ČSOB is a long-time supporter of inclusion in the banking sector and once again affirms its commitment this year—earning a total score of 77.5 points and securing a place among the awarded companies. The jury was particularly impressed by the bank’s consistent support for LGBTQ+ individuals, reflected in both its internal policies and public initiatives. Special recognition goes to ČSOB’s long-term partnership with the counseling service sbarvouven.cz, which the bank supports as a general partner—contributing to greater safety and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across society.

Bronze: Škoda Auto

Since joining the competition in 2022, Škoda Auto has made impressive progress. After winning the Rising Star award last year, the company advanced again this year, firmly placing in the Bronze tier with 75.5 points. Škoda Auto shows balanced results across all areas, reflecting its growing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The jury also praised its active employee resource group, which strengthens inclusion internally and collaborates with other organizations like Novartis.

Bronze: Honeywell

This year, Honeywell received a Bronze Award with a total score of 71 points. The jury was particularly impressed by the company’s frequent and high-quality internal communication on LGBTQ+ topics, as well as the training programs that contribute to a safer and more inclusive workplace—especially the original Unconscious Bias Training program. Honeywell can also take pride in its well-established internal employee resource group, whose membership continues to grow.

Bronze: Tesco

Tesco is a newcomer to this year’s competition and one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. In its very first participation, the company achieved a solid score of 71 points, earning a Bronze Award. The jury particularly highlights Tesco’s well-established policies and benefits, as well as its active and effective employee resource group, which helps build an inclusive environment throughout the company.

Big Step Forward: T-Mobile

The LGBTQ+ employee group at SAP has been a stable pillar of corporate inclusion since its founding in 2016. Over the past year, it grew by 63 members, bringing together LGBTQ+ people and their allies, offering support, and creating a safe environment for everyone at SAP.

Throughout the year, the group organized a variety of events — from the World of Food networking event celebrating diversity, to participation in Fun&Run and Queer Games, as well as a summer BBQ with personal stories and involvement in Prague Pride. Notable highlights included the professional workshop Coming Out Stars and leadership training Intentional Inclusion for Leaders. The group continues to be an inspiration both inside and outside SAP.