A total of eight Croatian companies have received certification for implementing responsible human resource management practices in line with sustainability principles, focusing on inclusivity, gender equality, work-life balance, and equal pay. This recognition was awarded through the advanced MAMFORCE© Standard and the first Diversity and Inclusion Award in Croatia – the Inc.Q BEST Inclusive Employer Awards.
The advanced MAMFORCE© Standard for family-friendly and gender-conscious organisations were formally presented to KONČAR D&ST, Privredna banka Zagreb in the highly rated GROW category, and Podravka in the CHANGE category by Diana Kobas Dešković.
Photo: Vedran Peteh / CROPIX
The standards were awarded after an independent certification process that assessed numerous indicators of gender equality, including work-life balance, employee well-being, the representation of women in managerial positions, and pay equality. This is a key element in achieving the European Union’s Gender Equality Strategy, which the Republic of Croatia supports through various legislative adjustments in the area of work-life balance, which is a precondition for equality in the labour market.
“Balancing family and work life is not just about employee satisfaction – it is a strategic issue that contributes to economic growth, enhanced competitiveness, and increased productivity. When organisations invest in such practices, they not only create a happier workforce, but also become more resilient and successful in the market,” said Ivan Vidiš, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, during the award ceremony.
Blagica Petrovac Šikić (PLIVA Croatia), Ivan Vidiš (Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy)
“We need to continue encouraging employers to support their employees, both mothers and fathers, in exercising their parental rights, but also to offer additional rights and benefits, regardless of the national legal framework. In this sense, I welcome the awarding of the MAMFORCE Standard, which affirm family-friendly and gender-aware management policies, especially regarding the uninterrupted career development of employees, regardless of parenthood. It is also encouraging to see that positive initiatives from employers aimed at socially responsible behaviour towards employees and their families have been recognised and supported,” said Željka Josić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Demography and Migration.
The importance of the topic and methods of implementation through regular business operations were discussed by the recipients of the MAMFORCE Standard.
“Gender equality, the high representation of women in leadership positions, and the absence of gender bias in pay are values we nurture and goals we set high and mostly achieve. The new MAMFORCE Grow standard confirms that we are advancing and pushing our targets forward,” said Vanja Barul, CEO of KONČAR D&ST.
“Privredna Banka Zagreb, through a range of socially responsible practices, confirms its commitment to employees, with a focus on developing flexible working conditions and initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being. This recognition further motivates us to continue developing good practices that help employees achieve a balance between work and family life while simultaneously supporting their professional development,” said Darija Anić, Director of Internal Communications and CSR.
Darija Anić (Privredna banka Zagreb)
The Inc.Q BEST Inclusive Employer Awards for diversity and inclusion were presented for the first time in Croatia, based on the most important criteria – the work experience of employees across four categories: Diversity and Inclusion (DEIB), Millennials, Well-being, and Women.
Photo: Vedran Peteh / CROPIX
The most awards this year went to the companies Ina and KONČAR D&ST, each winning three categories. Ina was awarded for Best Large Company for Women, Best Energy Company for Diversity and Inclusion, and Best Energy Company for Well-being. KONČAR D&ST was named Best Technology Company for Well-being, Best Technology Company for Women, and Best Technology Company for Diversity and Inclusion. JANAF received recognition as the Best Large Company for Millennials and the Best State-Owned Company for Diversity and Inclusion. Micro-link was named the Best SME for Well-being, while PLIVA Croatia won Best Large Company for Well-being and Best Large Company for Diversity and Inclusion. Privredna Banka Zagreb was recognised as the Best Bank for Women, and Solvership was awarded Best SME for Millennials and Best IT Company for Diversity and Inclusion.
PBZ, Mirco-link, JANAF, Ina, PLIVA, KONČAR D&ST, Solvership
The award ceremony was significant, not only for the companies but also for the wider impact on the business community, which is working to adapt to corporate governance standards. This is particularly important in the area of gender balance on economic decision-making positions, a concern confirmed by the recently published EU Gender Equality Index.
“The recently published EU Gender Equality Index clearly shows the regression of Croatia in terms of the representation of women in economic decision-making positions. Therefore, the successful companies recognised today are incredibly important as examples for others, showing that investing in gender equality, diversity, and inclusion is also a pathway to good business results,” stressed Diana Kobas Dešković.
The European Union, through new directives, emphasises the importance of corporate responsibility and the creation of sustainable business models, such as those on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD), women in boards and supervisory bodies, and pay transparency. These directives require large companies, and indirectly smaller ones, to transparently report on their environmental and social impact, including issues of diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
The MAMFORCE Standard© and Inc.Q certifications are fully aligned with the requirements of these directives and serve as concrete examples of how Croatian companies can actively contribute to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and successful society, as diverse and inclusive companies are more innovative, productive, successful, and attractive to top talent.