LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer Award 2025
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.
The award also includes an assessment of how the top management of the company actively supports the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. It is monitored whether effective strategies are implemented, whether specific steps are taken to achieve an inclusive work environment and whether this effort is communicated both internally and externally.
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
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: 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: 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: 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
As part of the LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer 2025 awards, T-Mobile made significant progress, increasing its score by 28.5 points compared to last year, reaching a total of 53.5 points. This result clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment and strategic focus on building an inclusive workplace.
The biggest improvements were made in key areas: strengthening support for trans colleagues and introducing more inclusive HR practices in recruitment, onboarding, and training. The most important step is the creation and activation of a local employee resource group (ERG), which is already delivering tangible results and has great potential for further positive change.
Employee Driven Initiatives: SAP
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.
Pride Business Forum Hero Award 2025
Pride Business Forum Hero Award acknowledges individuals and highlights the role of members of the top management of organizations/companies, members of employee resource groups, or employees in HR who actively advocate for equal conditions for LGBTQ+ employees in their organizations/companies, or work towards improving the status of LGBTQ+ people in society, all beyond their professional agenda.
This award represents special recognition for those individuals who excel in promoting equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees. It is focused on these heroes who dedicate their energy and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues in their organizations, going above and beyond their professional duties.
The Pride Business Forum Hero award aims to emphasize the key role of these individuals in supporting equality and diversity in the workplace. This may include not only the implementation of specific measures and projects but also active leadership in dialogue and awareness for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, both within the organization and in society.
Category: Top management
Monika Ladmanová, Head of Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic
Monika co-founded the Pride Business Forum 15 years ago and the PBF Foundation. She has long promoted LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace and society. In the cabinet of EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, she focused on equal opportunities and helped include LGBTQ+ equality in the EU strategy.
Now, as Head of the European Commission Representation in Czechia, she supports marriage equality and works to change institutions from within. On PBF’s 15th anniversary, we honour her as an inspiring advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Czechia and Europe.
Matthijs Welle, CEO, Mews
Matt helped found Pride Business Forum 15 years ago as Sales Director at the Hilton hotel. Today, he is the CEO of the fast-growing technology company Mews and an open advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which he actively promotes within his company.
In 2025, he supported Mews joining the Pride Business Forum. He publicly speaks out in favor of DEI, criticizes companies moving away from these values, and stresses that DEI is key to success. His courage and focus on inclusion make him an exceptional leader we want to honor.
Pavlína Kalousová, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Asahi
Pavlína has supported LGBTQ+ inclusion since the founding of Pride Business Forum. As Director of Business for Society, she helped shape the platform and brought new ideas for lasting change in Czech workplaces.
At Plzeňský Prazdroj, she helped build an inclusive environment, supported creating an LGBTQ+ employee group, the company’s Pride participation, and introduced educational programs. On PBF’s 15th anniversary, we honor her consistent work to foster a more inclusive culture.
Category: Member of LGBTQ+ employee resource group
Marian Kramařík, Procurement Category Expert, T-Mobile
Marian has actively supported LGBTQ+ inclusion in his company for over ten years. Regardless of the level of support, he has always been the one to steadily push things forward — often on his own, without much visibility, recognition, or resources.
He has been involved in organizing Prague Pride activities, initiated awareness campaigns, participated in the employee resource group, and contributed to building an open and inclusive company culture. Marian also speaks publicly, leads workshops, and has developed anti-hate speech training. His long-term efforts and contributions, often unseen, truly deserve recognition.
Michaela Švarcová, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, MSD Czech Republic
Michaela leads DEI efforts at MSD. Building on her master’s thesis about LGBTQ+ employee groups in the Czech Republic, she created the ERG toolkit, now used by many companies. In 2025, she became Global Co-Lead of the Rainbow Alliance.
Her achievements include organizing panels, co-hosting the MSD DEI Festival and MSD Voices, leading MSD at Prague Pride and EXPO, and working with the Pride Business Forum. She shares research, works with leadership, and promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion widely.
Aleš Bernášek, Strategist, Vodafone
Aleš is a role model for all employee resource group leaders. Since 2019, he has led Pride in Vodafone, consistently raising awareness of LGBTQ+ topics. He helps organize participation in events like Fun&Run and Prague Pride and oversees Vodafone’s tech support for the Prague Pride festival.
Last year, Aleš helped localize and implement two major global programs: Allyship and mentoring. He manages internal LGBTQ+ platforms, provides education, and shares Vodafone’s best practices to support other companies on their inclusion journey.