Press Release 30th April 2025

Inclusion Week: BILLA promotes career opportunities for young people with disabilities

Everyone deserves the chance to fulfil their potential - BILLA is convinced of this and has been acting accordingly for many years. More than 800 employees with disabilities are already part of the BILLA family and enrich the company every day. In order to give more people with disabilities practical insights into the world of work, BILLA is once again organising Inclusion Week in Vienna and Burgenland this year together with the ‘Netzwerk Berufliche Assistenz’ (NEBA) - supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs. From 28 April to 2 May 2025, young people with support needs will get a taste of the food retail industry and get to know various departments. 11 people are taking part in the inclusion week at BILLA PLUS at Spetterbrücke 2 in Vienna and 11 people at the store in Neusiedl am See. The aim is to get them interested in training or employment at BILLA.

A group of employees in uniform stand in front of a BILLA PLUS store entrance. They are smiling and giving thumbs-up gestures. The building has a modern, glass-front design.

/ Copyright: © BILLA / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

From 28 April to 2 May, the Inclusion Week 2025 will take place in the BILLA PLUS stores at Spetterbrücke 2 (Vienna-Ottakring) and Wiener Straße 120 (Neusiedl am See)
In cooperation with the ‘Netzwerk Berufliche Assistenz’, BILLA is actively committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace
22 young people with support needs gain valuable insights into the working world of food retailing
BILLA is focussing on a more inclusive shopping experience in its stores and online shop

“Inclusion and diversity are central values that have been lived at BILLA for years. Together with the ‘Network for Professional Assistance,’ we have created new pathways during Inclusion Week to facilitate the entry of people with disabilities into the workforce and to make their talents visible,” says Hamed Mohseni, BILLA Sales Director in Vienna. Eric Scharnitz, BILLA Sales Director in Burgenland, is also convinced of the advantages of the initiative and adds: “Inclusion Week shows how much is possible when we break down barriers and create opportunities. We are particularly proud that since its introduction in 2024, we have been able to inspire 13 participants for permanent employment at BILLA afterwards.”

Sabine Knopf, Head of the Social Ministry Service in Vienna, emphasizes: “People with disabilities possess diverse qualifications, talents, and experiences that enrich the labor market. Targeted support in labor integration makes participation in the workforce possible. A more inclusive work environment is thus a benefit for all involved.”

BILLA lives diversity as an employer and for its customers

Since 2015, BILLA has been committed to providing good development opportunities for people with disabilities through numerous measures. To this end, the grocery retailer works closely with regional providers, organizations, and associations throughout Austria. It regularly conducts training sessions and leadership workshops and informs and raises awareness among its employees in the stores.

But BILLA thinks further about inclusion – not only as an employer but also in daily contact with its customers. In the stores, this includes the "Quiet Hour," during which shopping is made more pleasant for people with sensory sensitivities and those on the autism spectrum. This offering is complemented by special shopping carts for children with disabilities, enabling an inclusive shopping experience for the whole family.

BILLA is also focusing on accessibility in the digital realm: In close collaboration with the Association for the Blind and the Aid Community for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the BILLA Online Shop is continuously developed to allow all people to shop independently. Additionally, customers with a disability ID benefit from free delivery from a reduced minimum order value.

NEBA Operational Service for inclusion in the labor market

In Austria, there are numerous support offerings for the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market. The NEBA operational service plays a crucial role in involving companies in this integration process. It offers free advice for businesses as well as support regarding the employment of people with disabilities. Companies can receive assistance in the recruiting process, e.g., help in formulating job profiles and advice on workplace design. The goal of the NEBA operational service is to break down barriers and raise awareness among companies about the potential of people with disabilities.