Could you tell us on the basis of your experience whether respect for diversity and inclusiveness additionally motivates employees and leads to improved results?
– Work on inclusivity and diversity are imperatives at our company, because we really believe that nurturing diversity is precisely what creates the best teams, in which every member has an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their gender or origins. Nestlé is a fundamentally multicultural environment, and diversity and inclusion are integral parts of our daily reality. Moreover, gender equality raises a fundamental question about fairness and morality, and we are very proud that 63% of our company’s management positions are held by women, which testifies to us promoting equal opportunities for advancement.
Being part of a company that supports a diversity of ideas, regardless of gender, and that provides its employees with strong support, is key to achieving success and progress. My experience tells me that when people are appreciated that has a significant positive impact on their motivation at work, sense of job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
What’s included in the company’s Gender Balance Acceleration Plan and what are the results and effects of its implementation to date?
– Under the scope of our Gender Balance Acceleration Plan, I would emphasise in particular our support for parents, because we recognised the importance of harmonising work and family life. With the aim of improving this approach, we’ve implemented a global policy of support to parents that was launched in early 2021. This policy brings additional benefits and international standards that exceed local regulations in Serbia.
We devote special attention to supporting fathers and secondary caregivers, who are entitled to four weeks of paid leave in the first year following the birth or adoption of a child. The results of the implementation of our initiatives to date have been very positive, given the pleasant reactions of our employees and the fact that we create an inclusive working environment with this approach.