Index of Workplace Equality in Poland 2017 is open for submissions

For the first time in history, Polish companies will have a chance to self-evaluate their LGBT workplace inclusion. The Index is free of charge and open to any organisation in Poland. Dead-line for applications is 14th of May 2017.

Index of Workplace Inclusion in Poland is run by Pro Diversity Foundation. The organisation raises awareness and promotes benefits of LGBT diversity in the workplace, for both companies, and employees. Pro Diversity regularly organize meetings, workshops, researches and campaigns which aim at introducing and promoting the idea of LGBT inclusiveness in business.

The Index of Workplace Equality in Poland (IWEP) is a powerful evidence-based benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) equality in the workplace. Each participant must demonstrate their expertise in 8 distinct areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, career development, training and community engagement. Criteria for the IWEP will be revised every two years.

Researches from all over the world, Poland included, show that creating an open workplace is a key factor of growth and success in XXI century.

Though in Poland the concept is quite fresh, many multinational organisations have already started the journey and are willing to move forward. The international environment is also constantly changing and this complex pictures means multinational companies cannot simply apply a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, while some countries may have progressive employment protections for lesbian, gay and bi people there may not be any in place for trans people, or vice versa.

We are excited that Poland has joined many European countries that already run similar indexes. We’ve been working closely with our partners from Great Britain, Ukraine, The Netherlands and many other to make sure that our IWEP is professional and accurate. We strongly encourage companies to take part in this year’s edition as it is the first ever to be conducted in our country. Being a leader in LGBT workplace inclusion means also being the first to take part in IWEP – says Jej Perfekcyjność, Pro Diversity Chair of the Board.

After submission deadline, Pro Diversity experts will work on the submissions to mark them. This is how the list of 3 most LGBT-friendly employers will be created and then announced.

The information on Index of Workplace Equality in Poland 2017 along with the submission form and guidance book can be found at prodiversity.pl/iwep2017.