Press Release 11th October 2024

Strong together: BILLA and NEBA Betriebsservice promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace

As part of an impressive initiative, BILLA and the Netzwerk Berufliche Assistenz joined forces to organise the Inclusion Week in seven BILLA stores in Styria from 7 to 11 October 2024. This week offered young people with support needs the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the multifaceted working world of food retail. The visit to stores in Seiersberg-Pirka, Wagna, Voitsberg, Leoben-Leitendorf, Judenburg, Kapfenberg and Graz was not only an opportunity to get a taste of the world of work, but also a step towards a self-determined professional future.

Two people standing outside a store with a "Billa Plus" sign. They are dressed in formal attire and are next to a poster advertising "Inklusions Woche" from October 7-11, 2024.

Peter Gschiel (BILLA Sales Director for Styria and Southern Burgenland) and Provincial Councillor Doris Kampus. / Copyright: © BILLA AG, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

In collaboration with the Netzwerk Berufliche Assistenz, BILLA actively supports the professional integration of young people with support needs in Styria
The Inclusion Week from October 7 to 11, 2024, provided young people with valuable insights into the working world of food retail

“As one of the largest employers in Austria, we see inclusion not just as a societal responsibility but as an essential part of our corporate culture,” emphasizes Peter Gschiel, BILLA Sales Director for Styria and South Burgenland. “Our commitment is reflected not only in this Inclusion Week but also through numerous initiatives throughout the year.”

Inclusion as part of our DNA

BILLA has committed itself since 2015 to a comprehensive strategy to provide employment and development opportunities for people with disabilities. Beyond legal requirements, BILLA focuses on innovative measures such as the “Quiet Hour” to make shopping easier for sensitive individuals. Additionally, the online shop is being optimized in collaboration with the Blindenverband to ensure accessibility for all.

Social Minister Doris Kampus personally experienced the Inclusion Week at BILLA PLUS on Graz's Annenstraße and was impressed: “It is remarkable to see how committed inclusion is practiced here. Such initiatives play a key role in breaking down barriers and providing people with disabilities real opportunities. The commitment to an inclusive work environment sends a strong signal for solidarity in our society.”

Together to break down barriers

The collaboration between BILLA and the Netzwerk Berufliche Assistenz is a prime example of how companies and social organizations can work together to create solutions for an inclusive work environment.

Wolfgang Pammer, Deputy Head of Professional Inclusion at the Social Ministry Service Styria, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives: “The Inclusion Week is an excellent example of how targeted collaboration can create concrete, sustainable solutions for the labor market. Initiatives like these help implement inclusion in practice and break down barriers, allowing for long-term employment relationships.”

Inge Stöger, business contact for NEBA Operational Service in Graz and Graz-Umgebung, adds: “The close collaboration with BILLA allows us to give young people with support needs practical insights into the food retail sector and open up realistic perspectives for their professional future. Such experiences are invaluable for the young people and essential to actively promote inclusion in the labor market. The labor market integration of this group is significant not only for the young individuals themselves but also for society and the economy, which urgently require well-trained skilled workers.” Sandra Schimmler, Managing Director of Jugend am Werk Styria, adds: “The BILLA Inclusion Week showcases impressively how we can build bridges together – between people with support needs and an inclusive labor market. Diversity matters, creating real opportunities for all involved and enriching our working world sustainably.”

A call to participate

In Austria, over 15 percent of people live with disabilities, often facing prejudices and barriers. BILLA sees it as its duty to actively contribute to inclusion and promote the participation of all people. “We want to act not only as an employer but also as a role model and inspire other companies to commit to an inclusive society,” says Gschiel. Through initiatives such as the Inclusion Week and a variety of programs for professional integration, BILLA demonstrates that inclusion is not only a societal responsibility but also a true enrichment for the entire community.