Inclusion as practice
For Markas, inclusion is far more than an intention, it is a practice. For years, we have been actively committed to equal opportunities, striving to be a role model both internally and within society. Therefore, we promote openness and sympathy to recognize the full potential of every individual. How? We offer awareness workshops for managers and employees, we integrate inclusion topics into our onboarding processes, while we also partner with organizations that support us in breaking down barriers and providing equal access to opportunities for everyone, such as NEBA-Betriebsservice and myAbility.
In addition, as a Group, we are convinced that diversity enriches us all. Therefore, we promote a decentralized team structure, an open and inclusive corporate culture, language courses as well as training initiatives or workplace adjustments to support people of various backgrounds and include people with disabilities.
Equal opportunities for all: a few of our success stories
In 2023 and 2024, Markas Italy partnered with GWB Sozialgenossenschaft, who helped with the preparation and packaging of corporate Christmas gifts. Based in Bolzano, GWB Sozialgenossenschaft is an organization dedicated to supporting workplace inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with cognitive, mental and physical disabilities.
When it comes to breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers, an inspiring example of the potential of an inclusive work environment is that of Jasminka and Markas Austria. Jasminka, who originally comes from Bosnia, moved to Austria back in 1993. Seeking new opportunities, she began working as a cleaner at Markas. Today, nearly 21 years later, she is a Regional Manager and she manages a team of over 700 employees. This impressive career development showcases what is possible when people find a work environment in which they can find support and grow.
But our commitment does not stop there.
During Pride Month, we conducted interviews with employees from the LGBTQI+ community and internal workshops to better understand their perspectives on gender diversity, how we can raise awareness around this topic and the importance of Pride celebrations for an open society.
In addition, we organized a talk with members of AGEDO, an association of parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals that promotes inclusion of those who find obstacles or hesitate to openly declare their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Promoting a diverse and balanced workplace beyond cultural origins and gender identities
Diversity at Markas goes beyond cultural origins or gender identities. We also view generational diversity as a success factor.
Although a significant amount of Markas' people are over the age of 50 - and prove day by day, that age is just a number- we also invest in newly hired or younger employees who can benefit from the know-how of older or more experienced staff. In return, older colleagues can get inspired by fresh ideas.
In this way, we better support inclusive team dynamics that make it easier for new team members to integrate into our diverse work environment.
Also, through flexible working hours, remote work, and flextime work arrangements, when possible, we support better work-life balance.
In addition, taking into consideration that 83% of Markas' employees are women, for us, enabling women in challenging life situations to find employment and achieve financial independence is crucial.
That's why, we are especially proud of our collaboration with women's shelters and domestic violence centres as well as with female empowerment networking groups such as Thrive, who aim at promoting gender equality and combating unconscious biases.
Last but not least, to address and prevent incidents of violence or discrimination, Markas Group has implemented a safe, anonymous whistleblowing system to report any disrespectful behaviour.
Shared successes and awards
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity has been recognized multiple times. Markas Austria received the ALC Special Award for Inclusion in 2021; Hermes Business Award in 2022; and both 'Trigos Lower Austria Award' in the Employee Initiatives category, and the 'European Cleaning & Hygiene Award' for our "Commitment to Diversity in the Workforce" a year later.
At the same time, Markas Italy, obtained the Family Audit certification in 2022 followed by the 'Gender Equality' certification in 2023; while in 2024, was among 'Italy's best Employers for Women' based on an independent survey conducted by the 'Istituto Tedesco Qualità ITQF' in collaboration with 'La Repubblica Affari&Finanza'.
In addition, Markas Italy was the winner of the 'European Cleaning & Hygiene Award 2024' in the category 'Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector' with our training project 'Markas People Academy - The Cleaning Masterclass' which gives individuals the opportunity to enter the cleaning business and develop their career in it.
Each of these awards confirms that we are on the right path and encourages us to continue investing in inclusion. And while awards are important, our primary focus is always on people and their well-being.
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