Press Release 2nd February 2026

BILLA honoured with special award for inclusion in the workplace

Since 2015, BILLA has been implementing a number of initiatives to enable people with disabilities to participate on an equal footing and gain access to work and everyday life. The food retailer currently employs over 900 people with disabilities, thereby fulfilling the statutory employment quota of four per cent since May 2024. This commitment was recognised last Tuesday evening at the oe24 ‘Next Generation Award’ 2026 in Vienna's Sofiensäle. BILLA received the ‘Gemeinsam Stark Award’ (Strong Together Award) as a special prize, which was proudly accepted by Lisa Köb, BILLA Head of People & Culture.

Three women smiling and posing at an award event. The first woman is wearing a purple patterned suit, the second is in a red outfit, and the third is in a black and white plaid jacket holding a bouquet and a trophy. A large sign displaying "Next Generation Awards" is in the background.

(from left to right): Barbara Meier, Jenny Magin and Lisa Köb (BILLA Head of People & Culture) with the ‘Gemeinsam Stark Award’ (Strong Together Award). / Copyright: © Philipp Lipiarski, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

BILLA receives the ‘Gemeinsam Stark Award’ for its commitment to creating a barrier-free working environment
With more than 900 employees with disabilities, the food retailer meets the 4% employment quota
BILLA implements targeted measures for its employees and customers with inclusion weeks, regional cafés and the ‘quiet hour’ in selected stores

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, as it recognises what is truly important to us at BILLA: our approach, our teamwork and our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive working environment. The milestones we have achieved so far would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees. Their daily commitment makes all the difference. A heartfelt thank you for that," says Lisa Köb, BILLA Head of People & Culture.

Diversity in practice at BILLA

To improve development opportunities in the workplace, BILLA works closely with regional institutions, organisations and associations throughout Austria. Under the title ‘Café Regional’, regular workshops are held to bring managers together with external cooperation partners to discuss the topic of inclusion. BILLA has initiated inclusion weeks and days. As part of this, young people with disabilities gain valuable insights into the world of food retail – with the aim of sparking their interest in an apprenticeship or job at BILLA. To date, eight inclusion weeks have taken place in over 20 stores with around 450 participants. Since 2020, the ‘Haus Aktiv’ in Vienna has had rooms with real cash registers and shelves. These are set up for training purposes and are intended to encourage people with disabilities to take up internships at BILLA, which can subsequently lead to permanent employment.

“Quiet hour” and customer awareness at BILLA and BILLA PLUS

BILLA also aims to make inclusion a tangible experience in its daily contact with customers. In 2021, BILLA launched the “quiet hour” for people on the autism spectrum and those who are sensitive to stimuli, with the aim of creating a less stimulating shopping experience. During this time, acoustic and visual stimuli are reduced in around 50 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores. In stores where employees with visual or hearing impairments work, the food retailer provides information via posters and voluntarily worn buttons. These measures help to raise customer awareness.