HBLF Diversity Award Applications Expected

Twenty years ago, the European Union launched the European Diversity Charter, an initiative to promote an inclusive, diverse and fair workplace culture. In Hungary, the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF) is the exclusive representative of the Charter. HBLF is now re-launching its Diversity Awards, open to both large companies and SMEs, the organization says in a statement.

The initiative is active in 26 countries across Europe to raise awareness and ensure that more and more workplaces are equal and that no one is discriminated against because of their gender, age or any other group. The initiatives, known as DEI programs, are a combination of the first letters of the words diversity, equity and inclusion, which ensure equality in the workplace, contribute to a healthy organizational culture and provide value that employees and potential employees can relate to.

The HBLF Diversity Award will be announced in three categories this year. In the DIVERSE ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR category, the progress and achievements of applicants in diversity management will be rewarded in three sub-categories based on the length of time a company has been involved in DEI programs. Three companies are eligible for the award this year. The DIVERSITY for SOCIETY award recognizes organizations that use their external communications or volunteering activities to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. One large company and one SME will be awarded in this category. In the third category, companies and organizations can nominate individuals for the DIVERSITY AMBASSADOR, which is given to individuals who have actively promoted diversity through their social engagement beyond their job duties and responsibilities.

HBLF, which brings together more than 100 leading large companies and NGOs, first launched the Diversity Awards in 2018, and each year the winners can join the 85 organizations that have signed the Charter so far and demonstrate their commitment in front of Hungary's top leaders, decision-makers and recognized experts.

"Diverse and inclusive workplaces are more successful, flexible and responsive to business challenges. They are also able to retain the best workers and provide value to the socially responsive Generation Z that is entering the labor market," HBLF President Andrea Istenes Solti said. "I encourage all companies to apply for the HBLF Diversity Awards if they have measurable results in the areas of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities," she added.

The jury is chaired by Szilvia Krizsó (Krizshow Business & Art), and its members are Zsuzsa Gárdus, HBLF Board Member for Diversity (Jobsgarden Kft., Managing Director), Beáta Czinke (Morgan Stanley, Head of Budapest Finance), Péter Kemény (E.ON Hungária Plc., diversity expert), Gergely Tóth (HR Fest, Business Fest, founder) and Róbert Ormódi (Skilly, operations manager).

Companies that have already achieved measurable results in diversity have until October 1, 2024 to register and October 15 to submit their applications. The application is free of charge and the award ceremony will take place on November 27, the statement says.