The award makes a decisive contribution to improving the situation of LGBTIQ+ people in business and the world of work in Austria. Austrian companies and organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a diverse workforce and inclusive communication. Pride Biz Austria presents the Meritus award every two years to highlight initiatives in this area. The award was presented for the first time in 2009. It recognizes companies and organizations for their outstanding diversity management in the area of sexual orientation and gender diversity. This year's Meritus trophies were presented on November 9 in the presence of WKÖ President Harald Mahrer at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna.
"We are delighted with the record number of submissions for the Meritus and it clearly shows the importance of the 'sexual orientation and gender diversity' dimension in diversity management. After all, individuality is the greatest asset that employees can bring to the table and must be recognized accordingly. Many have already recognized this and we would like to thank all those who submitted entries and our supporters for their commitment," says Astrid G. Weinwurm-Wilhelm, President of Pride Biz Austria.
Main prize "Large Company" deservedly goes to EBCONT Group GmbH
But what were the criteria for winning?
EBCONT has a Diversity Charter, which is implemented by a dedicated Diversity Team, and 6 Dimensions Teams are constantly working on a wide range of services for all EBCONT colleagues. In addition, the company is strongly committed to competence building on diversity-related topics such as unconscious bias and active exchange with the LGBTIQ+ community and also offers coaching and anonymous advice.
Straight Allies as a support and multiplier
But nothing works without the help and open support of straight allies, such as those at EBCONT, who show understanding and solidarity for the rights and equality of LGBTIQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and actively fight against discrimination and campaign for the recognition and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people in society.
Carina Skladal, co-initiator of the EBCONT Diversity Initiative, is proud of what has been achieved so far: "I am delighted that our work and the tireless energy that drives our EBCONT Diversity Team have been recognized and awarded in this way."
Leopold Machacek, Managing Director of EBCONT, is delighted: "Winning the Meritus, probably the most important award for outstanding commitment in the dimensions of sexual orientation and gender diversity, is on the one hand confirmation that we have embarked on a sustainably good path in diversity management, but much more of an incentive to act even more confidently as a pioneer in the economy and beyond."
