As a holder of the MAMFORCE GROW standard, the Agency proves once again that size is no barrier to setting high standards in human resource management. With just 22 employees, this public organization stands out as a leader in fostering a supportive and flexible work environment, officially recognized through the latest MAMFORCE assessment.

The GROW standard plaque was presented to Agency Director Karolina Barilar by Diana Kobas Deskovic, CEO of Spona Code, the consultancy responsible for conducting independent evaluations and certifying organizations committed to building inclusive and sustainable workplace cultures.

For years, the Zagorje Development Agency has invested in cultivating a positive work atmosphere, and the results speak for themselves. Employee satisfaction has reached a remarkable 86%, while satisfaction with work-life balance has improved by an impressive 37 percentage points since the first evaluation. Satisfaction with talent management also rose by 24 percentage points, and staff turnover has dropped significantly.

“We’re proud that the MAMFORCE certification not only validated what we already practice, but also gave us a valuable framework for further development. This evaluation showed how far we’ve come and where we can continue to grow. Our results reflect the effort of the entire team and prove that investing in people pays off, because without satisfied employees, there are no successful projects,” said Karolina Barilar.

The Agency has been especially recognized for creating working conditions that support employees in different life stages, including young families. Satisfaction with parental policies stands at 92%, while flexibility and systematic support for employees received a strong 91%. These results make the Agency an especially attractive employer for young professionals seeking career growth in a balanced environment.

“Zagorje Development Agency is a brilliant example of how strategic thinking is just as vital for small organizations as it is for large ones. Identifying needs, securing expert support, and staying committed to goals leads to real change, reflected in employee satisfaction, talent retention, and overall organizational resilience. In a sector often under pressure, the Agency proves that consistent work on culture makes all the difference,” emphasized Diana Kobas Deskovic.

The MAMFORCE certification serves as a developmental tool, enabling organizations to objectively assess their practices, benchmark against top performers, and systematically improve their work environments to promote fairness, flexibility, and inclusion.

Zagorje Development Agency shows that driving change isn’t reserved for large systems, it comes from those with vision, commitment, and a genuine belief in people.