Towards Employee-Friendly Work Environment, Diversity Charter in Poland

Abstract

Motivated by ethical, legal and economic considerations, Poland’s employers are slowly beginning to embrace diversity management. It is a consequence of perceiving the high potential of teams diversified in terms of gender, age, ability, personal views or even family status. Diversity Charter—an initiative (present in 16 European Union states) grouping employers who commit to non-discrimination and introducing policies that promote openness and tolerance in the workplace, plays a crucial role in disseminating diversity management and equal opportunities on the job market. By the end of 2015, the Diversity Charter was signed by over 120 Polish employers from various sectors and industries. Research reveals that approaches to managing diversity in Poland focuses mostly on gender equality, age management and activation of people with disabilities. Among the most widely quoted benefits of diversity management are brand image, employee engagement and team creativity. The Diversity Charter in Poland is coordinated by the Responsible Business Forum. This chapter will discuss the implementation of the Diversity Charter in Poland.