GOLD: Vodafone Czech Republic

With 90 points, Vodafone continues to excel, reaching the maximum score in nearly all categories, and sets the standard for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion in Czech and international markets. This year, the jury especially honors Vodafone for its proactive efforts to improve LGBTQ+ lives in our country, mainly by initiating an open letter to the Prime Minister advocating for marriage equality.

SILVER: MSD Czech Republic

With 86.5 points, MSD has shown outstanding performance across all scoring areas. The jury commends MSD for its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, noting its compulsory training on microaggressions and the inclusion of gender identity topics in mandatory training sessions for all employees. MSD is also praised for its effective internal and external communication on LGBTQ+ issues and the high activity of the company’s LGBTIQ Employee Resource Group.

SILVER: Johnson & Johnson

With 86,5 points, Johnson & Johnson performs brilliantly in all ranking categories, earning top points in several areas. The jury praises its strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, highlighted by comprehensive policies and progressive benefits for trans employees. Johnson & Johnson also actively supports employee-driven initiatives, leading to significant growth in its LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, reflecting the company’s empowering and inclusive culture.

SILVER: Accenture

With 83 points, Accenture not only reached maximum points in several categories but also serves as an example for many companies in a few areas. The jury would like to highlight exceptional care for trans employees, shown by the comprehensive Gender Transition Guidelines. The company ensures that all employees, including newcomers, are informed about its core values, which include a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment, and bullying. The jury also praises Accenture’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and its activity.

SILVER: SAP Group

With 82 points, SAP’s consistent participation in the Awards highlights its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. The company stands out for its Employee Resource Group, showing strong internal support for LGBTQ+ employees. SAP is also praised for its effective training system and setting and monitoring goals, scoring maximum points for using comprehensive impact measurement tools.

SILVER: Novartis

With 80 points, Novartis exemplifies what proactive and comprehensive workplace inclusion looks like. The jury was impressed by Novartis’s campaign ‘One Family’ public campaign promoting marriage equality as well as the ‘Guide on Trans Identity at Novartis’ which supports trans employees with targeted information for different stakeholders: managers, HR staff, all employees, and those undergoing transition. 

BRONZE: Deloitte

With 77,5 points, Deloitte particularly excels in impact monitoring, a critical area where their efforts surpass other Bronze level recipients. Deloitte’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified through its outstanding support for transgender employees and their comprehensive training programs. Using large screens in the office for internal communications has effectively enhanced employee engagement and awareness of diversity initiatives.

BRONZE: ČSOB

With 76.5 points, ČSOB impressed the jury with its strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, highlighted by several notable initiatives. These include prohibiting discrimination within the collective agreement and offering high-quality internal training on LGBTQ+ topics. The active PROUD employee resource group is also praised for promoting LGBTQ+ awareness and advocacy within the company.

BRONZE: Clifford Chance

With 72,5 points, Clifford Chance excelled in different ranking categories. Clifford Chance has been recognized for its comprehensive policies protecting employees from discrimination and harassment, showing a proactive approach to safeguarding workplace rights. The firm’s high-quality training on LGBTQ+ topics is also exemplary, helping staff create an inclusive environment.

BRONZE: Honeywell

With 70,5 points, Honeywell is praised for its frequent and high-quality internal communications on LGBTQ+ topics. It also offers top-notch training on LGBTQ+ topics, empowering its workforce to create an inclusive environment. The jury has also noted Honeywell’s efforts to spread inclusivity beyond the capital, organizing events at its branches in Brno and Olomouc.

BRONZE: MONETA Money Bank

With 70 points, Moneta Money Bank shows proactive efforts in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion both internally and externally. The jury praises the active role of Moneta Money Bank’s leadership in advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace equality as well as the bank’s external communication, which extends beyond internal policies to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in the broader community.

BRONZE: WPP

With 70 points, WPP shows its dedication to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion through strategic impact monitoring. The jury was impressed by WPP’s efforts to evaluate LGBTQ+ inclusion for continuous improvement. Additionally, WPP’s leadership actively engages in diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, highlighting their commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.

Big Step Forward: Škoda Auto

In the annual LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer ranking, Škoda Auto has achieved a remarkable leap, improving its score by an impressive 16.2 points from its previous application, bringing its current rating to 56.5 points. This advancement, up from 40.3, is a testament to the company’s dedicated efforts and strategic focus on creating a genuinely inclusive work environment.

Škoda Auto’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is reflected in several key initiatives:

• Škoda Proud: This LGBTQ+ employee resource group has been particularly effective, receiving robust support from the company. It plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive community and driving internal change.
• Comprehensive Training Programs: The company has implemented a high-quality system of training sessions focused on LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring that all employees understand and appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion.
• Inclusive HR Practices: Škoda Auto has developed detailed and high-quality HR materials that respect and promote relational and gender diversity, setting a benchmark for the industry.

In a sector where the focus on diversity and inclusion is not commonly embraced, Škoda Auto has not only adopted such policies but has excelled in implementing them effectively. The company’s proactive approach and visible improvements in this area are commendable and serve as a leading example for others in the industry.

Employee Driven Initiatives: ČSOB

Since its establishment in 2019, PROUD, ČSOB employee resource group, has not only flourished within ČSOB, but has also set a benchmark for other ERGs within the KBC group. Over the past five years, PROUD has exemplified how employee-driven initiatives can spearhead significant cultural shifts within a corporate environment. The jury was particularly impressed by PROUD’s proactive and dynamic approach to transforming the corporate culture at ČSOB and across the KBC group. This group’s activities and strategies demonstrate a deep commitment to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and included. A standout aspect of PROUD’s work has been its focus on including allies in its initiatives. By engaging a broader community within the company, PROUD has enhanced the understanding and acceptance of diversity, extending its impact beyond the immediate LGBTQ+ community to influence the company’s overall culture positively.

Hana Součková, Country Manager, SAP Czech Republic

Hana has consistently championed diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees at SAP Czech Republic with tremendous enthusiasm. The year 2023 was particularly notable as she showcased Pride@SAP and DEI initiatives at SAP’s largest customer event in the country. Additionally, Hana was instrumental in confirming gender-neutral toilets at the Prague office and actively supported marriage equality by signing an open letter to the Prime Minister.

Beata Borer, Executive Director, GBS Prague Site Lead, MSD Czech Republic

Beata is a passionate advocate and leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion at MSD. As an executive sponsor of MSD’s employee resource group, Beata actively promotes and supports participation in workshops, events, and various initiatives. Her engagement during Town Halls and conferences, as well as her interaction with the Country Council, underscores her dedication to understanding and addressing the needs of all employees. Beata’s efforts exemplify her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Bohumil Říha, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson

Bohumil is a dedicated ally and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ employees at Johnson & Johnson.  He has been the executive sponsor for the ERG at Johnson & Johnson for two years now. His commitment has significantly increased the budget and sponsorships for LGBTQ+ initiatives. As a top executive, he actively supports inclusivity through the ‘Open & Out’ initiative, promoting equal opportunities and prioritizing the personal and professional growth of all employees.

Martina Zimmermann, Expert Coordinator for Diversity, Škoda Auto

Martina is a remarkable leader at Škoda Auto, dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. She fosters a safe and inclusive environment for all staff, recognizing their individual needs and challenges. Thanks to her work Škoda Auto facilitated tangible progress in the area of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Martina is a true champion of equality at Škoda Proud.

Barbora Vachová, former ČSOB Diversity Lead

Barbora is an exceptional visionary thanks to whom ČSOB is a leader in LGBTQ+ workplaces inclusion in the financial sector. After coming back from maternity leave, Barbora took a position of Diversity Lead at ČSOB and worked tirelessly to spreadhead diversity, equity and inclusion on all levels of the organization. During her tenure, the local ERG was established and today serves as an example for many other ERGs in the group, repeatedly winning the Employee Driven Initiatives award. She introduced equal benefits for LGBTQ+ employees in the ČSOB and brought attention and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion from the leadership of the company.

Barbora Šikolová, Operations Manager, Amazon

As the GLAMAZON President, Barbora spearheaded impactful LGBTQ+ initiatives, co-created Amazon’s transgender policy, and invited NGOs to engage with local management. Barbora’s leadership in organizing last year’s LGBTQ+ meetings, including “Jsme Fer,” showcases her dedication to diversity and inclusion, making her a true trailblazer at Amazon Czech.

Garrett Dibon–Smith, Associate Director Talent Enablement, Novartis Czech Republic

Garrett is a pioneer of Pride Czechia ERG Chapter, he is the one who took the hardest part of ERG – its creation. Garrett is unique person, who is driving LGBTQ+ agenda from his heart, he doesn’t do it for a sake of visibility, is passionate about it and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ people. He is also part of the Global LGBTQ+ leadership at Novartis and his bold objective is the creation of inclusive, safe workspace.

Stanislav Švec, Communication, University Relations, Manufacturing Support, Honeywell

Stanislav Švec is the founding member of Honeywell CEE LGBTQ+ ERG and the driving force of its activities in the Olomouc chapter. He translated the Honeywell Trans Inclusion toolkit into Czech. He also works hard to support local activists. In the past, he connected Honeywell with a local LGBTQ+ non-profit in Olomouc – Ollove, inviting the activists and young graduates to talk about their expectations from employers as LGBTQ+ people.