Today, on May 29, 60 companies, public sector organizations, and NGOs operating in Estonia were awarded the “Respecting Differences” diverse workplace label. The label is issued by the Estonian Human Rights Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

According to Helen Talalaev, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Human Rights Centre, this record number of 70 applications for the label demonstrates that employers understand the importance of a diverse and inclusive work culture. “Competition for labor is real, and today every employer must think about how to appear more attractive to job seekers. An employer who notices and values their employees, regardless of their differences or peculiarities, creates a work environment that meets the expectations of today’s job seeker,” said Talalaev.

The list of recipients is diverse, including ministries, large corporations, smaller businesses, and NGOs. It is a quality mark and also an opportunity for development for organizations that share a common value system – the belief that recognizing and valuing differences strengthens not only the workplace but also the organization and society as a whole. “We have masters in their fields working with us, and the result is what counts. The more diverse we are, the better the result. Differences make us stronger and more flexible and help the country better cope with the current challenging times,” said Ave Kala, Head of Human Resources at the State Chancellery.

Representatives from companies Lidl and Wise noted that while the recognition is gratifying, the “Respecting Differences” label motivates them to work even more purposefully towards diversity and inclusion. “The ‘Respecting Differences’ label shows us that we are on the right track in creating a fair work environment that values human diversity. For us, a diverse team is a great asset because the more diverse our employees are and the better we understand each other, the more motivated our employees are and the more satisfied our customers are,” commented Liina Kippasto, Board Member of Lidl Estonia and Lidl Latvia. “The label is an important milestone, but it also reminds us that we can always do more. We are dedicated to making Wise a place where everyone can thrive,” added Brett Lemsalu, Senior HR Advisor at technology company Wise.

The “Respecting Differences” label is open to all Estonian companies, public sector organizations, and NGOs that value their employees regardless of their differences and strive to create an inclusive work environment. The label, issued since 2018, is valid for two years.

Organizations receiving the “Respecting Differences” label for the first time today include BB Finance, Bolt, CMA CGM Global Business Services, Creditstar Group, Estonian Refugee Council, Bank of Estonia, ERGO Insurance | ERGO Life Insurance SE Estonian Branch, Glia, LHV Bank, Lidl Estonia, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Orkla Estonia, Philip Morris Estonia, State Chancellery, Saku Brewery, Scoro Software, Solita, Sonepar Estonia, Social Insurance Board, Tallinn University of Technology, National Institute for Health Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wise, and YFU Estonia.
Organizations that extended their label include ADM Interactive, birkle IT Estonia, Breakwater Technology, Checkout Technology Ltd Estonian Branch, Compensa Life Vienna Insurance Group SE, Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund, Ellex Raidla Law Office, Fujitsu Estonia, GPV Estonia, Emergency Response Centre, Education and Youth Board, Interconnect Product Assembly, IPF Digital, Kaubamaja, National Foundation for Civil Society, Lantmännen Unibake Estonia, Manpower Estonia, Maxima Estonia, Nordea Bank Abp Estonian Branch, Pipedrive, Playtech Estonia, Primend, Riverty Tech, SEB Bank, SOL Baltics, Ministry of Social Affairs, Stell Estonia, Swedbank, Tallinn University, University of Tartu, Telia Estonia, Tietoevry Estonia, Labour Inspectorate, Transport Administration, Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations, and Vanalinna Ehitus.

For more information: Helen Talalaev, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Estonian Human Rights Centre (helen.talalaev@humanrights.ee)