Novartis Austria & Sandoz GmbH featured in the 2022 Responsible Care Awards Gallery “supporting Ukraine and a sustainable EU society”
The war in Ukraine and the challenging situations associated with it are currently occupying the whole world. At Novartis, a group of experts from the Human Resource department is committed to enable refugees from Ukraine to work at their company. To help identify where resources are needed, each department of the company is called upon to share their needs directly with HR. As a result, a new colleague started in May and communicates in several languages – German, English, Ukrainian and Russian. Other initiatives include:
EfL – Energized for Life (Wellbeing @novartis):
The ‘Energized for Life Program’ is a global corporate initiative rolled out by Novartis to provide employees and their family members living in the same household with the best possible support around three pillars: Mental, Physical & Emotional Wellbeing. A very important focus within the corporate initiative for the individual wellbeing of the company’s employees and their families is the war in Ukraine. As such, in coordination with experts the company offers support to mental challenges caused by stressful situations like relatives still residing in Ukraine, or settling in in Austria after fleeing.
Establishment of an Employee Resource Group* (ERG):
According to the motto “People help people”, the Employee Resource Group (ERG) “Caring for…Ukraine” has set itself the goal of providing assistance to refugees from Ukraine.
ERGs are voluntary networks linking people with a shared set of interests, experiences and perspectives. ERGs make the different aspects of diversity and inclusion more tangible to everyone and connect people with a similar vision. Additionally, ERGs support work-life balance and personal development. They are cultural initiatives with global impact promoting the organisation’s values & behaviours by playing a critical and important part in driving business results.
Helping new colleagues from Ukraine integrate into the company
Novartis provides several initiatives to make the transition into the company and the country for new employees as smooth as possible. This includes:
- A buddy system: pairing up existing employees with new arrivals to help get accustomed. This is on a voluntary basis.
- Support in finding accommodation by providing information.
- German courses for current employees or future colleagues.
- WALK-IN: to provide good support during the integration of new colleagues or when questions arise in the respective teams and areas, Novartis offers a walk-in at the Kundl/Schaftenau campus to answer questions personally.
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