German “Inclusion Award for Economy 2019” awarded

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More and more employers recognize the inclusion of people with disabilities as an opportunity. Among them are the winners of the prestigious German “Inclusion Award for the Economy 2019”, which have now been awarded in Berlin: automotive group Daimler, telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom, online retailer Zalando Logistics, transport service provider Quickline and tool shop Schär.

“Companies thrive on the strengths and diversity of their employees,” explained Olaf Guttzeit, CEO of the UnternehmensForum, for the circle of initiators. “The fact that people with disabilities represent a particular potential here is clearly demonstrated by the winners of the Inclusion Award 2019.”

Daimler, winner in the category “Group”, integrates inclusion as part of its corporate culture and implements accessibility in digital applications as well. The company is particularly committed to reducing unconscious prejudices at executives and to training for young people with disabilities. Deutsche Telekom, winner in the same category, set up an action plan to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, created its own expert department as an in-house advice center for inclusion and started innovative activities for employees with hearing impairment.

Zalando Logistics in Erfurt convinced in the category “Big Company”. With an inclusion agreement, the company increased its employment rate of people with disabilities in a short space of time. A team of employer and employee representatives implements strategic measures such as social goals for managers. The courier and transport service Quick Line won in the category “Small Company”. 20 percent of its employees have a disability, workplaces and processes were individually adapted to their needs. In addition, the small tool and machine trade Schär convinced in the category “Micro-Company”. With an inclusive, strength-oriented recruitment process, the micro-enterprise has made its way out of the shortage of skilled workers.

The Inclusion Award has been awarded for the seventh time by the Federal Employment Agency, the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations, the Charter of Diversity and the UnternehmensForum. More information (in German): www.inklusionspreis.de