LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey
This May Albania became the first country in the Eastern Europe region to officially launch the LGBTIQ Employment Equality Index, a ranking system which objectively ranks how well companies protect and uphold the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ job-seekers and employees. The Index rewards those who have put a commitment to workplace diversity into practice. It also represents a great opportunity for companies, consumers and legal authorities to promote best practices in the employment sector.
Launched by the Albanian human resources company HeadHunter, the index attracted the attention of 71 companies and organizations from multiple industries which voluntarily took part in the research. Through a standardized format and methodology, the process included on-site interviews and verification of policies and practices. Out of 71, five companies achieved rankings of bronze, silver or gold recognition.
More specifically the awards went to:
Gold Vodafone (telecommunications) and the British Council (NGO)
Silver Top Albania Radio (Media)
Bronze Europe Agency (Human Resources) and Neptun (Retail)
Analysis of the findings shows that workplace diversity policies, practices and programs are generally lacking in Albania. If they do exist, they generally do not include LGBTIQ job-seekers and employees. Companies lack policies, practices and trained human resources managers on the topic of workplace diversity.
Considering the findings, the HeadHunter suggests that there is a tremendous need and demand for trainings on workplace diversity for companies in Albania as well as standardized policies and practices which companies can adopt.
In light of the findings HeadHunter CEO Mr. Elton Ilirjani added that “we see a tremendous opportunity and interest of companies to adopt policies and train staff on this topic. We stand ready to offer this support to companies, building on their willingnes and offering our technical skills.”
Source: http://headhunter.al/lgbtiq-index