6th title competition for Saxon companies 2020

Patron Petra Köpping: “The best place to work is still where there is diversity.”

The “Companies for Tolerance” title competition is being held for the 6th time. The title is an award for companies and branches in Saxony that stand up for values such as diversity and tolerance as well as against discrimination.

This is the third time that Petra Köpping, Saxon State Minister for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion, has taken on the patronage of the title competition. Particularly in view of current political developments, she knows that building an open-minded corporate culture is associated with hurdles. “Diversity is a positive element of society that needs to be promoted. All the more reason why a diverse workforce is a success criterion for companies.”

However, it is not just about labour market integration, the conditions must also be right: “Fair and equal working conditions must apply to all employees,” emphasizes Markus Schlimbach, Chairman of the DGB Saxony district. “Equal treatment regardless of origin, religion or sexual orientation must be a matter of course. The trade unions, works councils and staff councils are campaigning for cohesion and against discrimination on the ground in companies. We are therefore expressly calling on members of works councils and youth and trainee representatives in Saxony to submit applications.”

There is an increasing shortage of skilled workers in various sectors and regions. “In order to counteract the growing shortage of skilled workers, a labor market-oriented and controlled immigration of skilled workers is necessary in addition to the promotion and qualification of the long-term unemployed and young people without qualifications,” explains Joachim Otto, Vice President of the Saxon Business Association (VSW). The Saxon economy stands for openness to the world and tolerance. This can also be seen in the internationally successful cooperation of companies and their employees with business partners worldwide.

With the awarding of the title, the initiator of ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen wants to show how the intercultural opening of the working world can succeed for the benefit of all those involved. “We know from our many business contacts that there is already a great deal of commitment in companies. This motivates us to hold the award ceremony for the 6th time since 2012,” says Frank Schott, Managing Director of ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen.

Together, companies and civil society are making a contribution to a humane and non-discriminatory society. We at the Kulturbüro are delighted to be able to recognize this as part of the award ceremony. That is why we are happy to be a cooperation partner in the “Companies for Tolerance” competition, says Grit Hanneforth, Managing Director of Kulturbüro Sachsen e. V.. The prize is awarded to particularly committed companies that dismantle structures that promote discrimination within their corporate culture, strengthen the intercultural skills of their employees and create access for socially disadvantaged groups.

In 2020, the award winners will once again be selected by the Saxon State Minister for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion, the DGB district of Saxony, the Saxon Business Association, the Saxony Cultural Office and ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen.

This year, for the first time, this jury will be reinforced by the association “Wirtschaft für ein weltoffenes Sachsen e.V.”, an association of Saxon companies and business organizations that are committed to an economically strong, cosmopolitan and international Saxony.

Applications can be submitted to ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen by 29.02.2020 at the email address toleranz@arbeitundleben.eu. The award ceremony will take place on 21.04.2020 in Plauen.