Publications

This report examines the level of awareness and commitment of Bulgarian companies to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and their commitment to the Bulgarian Diversity Charter, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study highlights the differences in awareness and implementation of DEI among companies of different sizes and locations, pointing to the need for more targeted support for small businesses and companies in less developed regions. Furthermore, it shows that large companies play a significant role as leaders and mentors in the development of DEI, by sharing their experiences and best practices to SMEs. The survey results reveal that the implementation of DEI policies leads to higher employee satisfaction, improved innovation and better financial performance.

It has been produced in the framework of the “Diversity and Inclusion: Building Bridges” initiative, implemented by the Center for the Study of Democracy, Lidl Bulgaria, Hewlet Packard Enterprise Global Delivery Center Bulgaria, and Shell Bulgaria, with the support of the Diversity Charter Bulgaria.

This Guide is developed by the European Commission to assist companies and organisations to mark the EU Diversity Month by organising internal and external events, workshops and various awareness-training initiatives and promotional activities. 

It contains an introduction to the EU Diversity Month initiative and its goals, recommendations and suggestions for different types of initiatives, as well as relevant Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) topics and issues that can be addressed. It brings inspiration to companies and organisations through the best examples from across the EU.

The report “From Words to Actions: Enhancing Inclusive Communication in the Workplace” examines the critical intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) management with professional communication in European workplaces. It explores how public and private entities in five European countries – Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, and Romania – approach and integrate inclusive communication practices into various organisational processes.

It outlines the national frameworks, including relevant legislation, policies, activities and initiatives, of public authorities, companies, academia and NGOs aimed at enhancing the use of inclusive communication in the selected countries. Additionally, it delves into the current state of the use and perceptions of inclusive communication through a transnational survey conducted in April – June 2023, along with an analysis of interviews with national DE&I management experts from the business sector. Highlighting promising practices implemented across the European Union, this publication offers recommendations for addressing the identified gaps and barriers that currently challenge the wider adoption of inclusive and neutral communication approaches. The study emphasises the pivotal role of communication in achieving diverse and sustainable workforces while upholding the principles of non-discrimination and inclusion.

This report was developed as part of the NICE (Neutral and Inclusive Communication in Corporate Environments) initiative implemented by the Diversity Charters in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Lithuania.

The report “Inclusive communication in the workplace: Bulgaria 2023” offers the first comprehensive overview of the use of neutral and inclusive language in the Bulgarian context. The report examines the national framework, including relevant legislation, policies, and initiatives implemented by companies and NGOs operating in the country. Additionally, it delves into the current state of the use and perceptions of inclusive communication in Bulgarian professional environments through an analysis of a survey conducted between April and June 2023, along with analysis of interviews with national experts specialised in managing activities for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. Finally, the report highlights promising practices implemented in Bulgaria that promote the use of inclusive communication within enterprises. The report provides valuable insights and recommendations for fostering a more inclusive work environment through the incorporation of communication techniques that acknowledge the distinctive needs and identities of employees.

This publication was developed as part of the NICE (Neutral and Inclusive Communication in Corporate Environments) initiative implemented by the Diversity Charters in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Lithuania.

The report “Diversity management in Bulgaria: perceptions, practices and expectations” is a part of a series of studies which assess the state of play and future perspectives of diversity management in Bulgaria. This report provides a needs assessment of the local business community in relation to diversity management and diversity strategy at company and at national (collective) level in Bulgaria. The report covers the following issues: overall level of awareness on diversity management among local businesses, their perceptions of diversity as a concept, their internal diversity policies and practices, and their expectations as to the launch and implementation of a national Diversity Charter.

The report “Diversity management in Bulgaria: politico-legal prerequisites and self-regulation” provides an overview of the main regulatory, policy, and institutional parameters that impact on diversity management on the labour market in Bulgaria. Four principal thematic domains are examined: equality, non-discrimination and social inclusion; equality and equal opportunities for men and women and persons with different gender identity and/or sexual orientation; equality and equal opportunities for those belonging to an ethnic minority; and equality and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. The report reviews the national legislation in each respective domain, as well as relevant international agreements and standards, and directives and strategic documents of the European Union.

The report “Diversity Charters in the European Union” conducts a comparative overview of the existing Diversity Charters to facilitate the work on drafting the Bulgarian Diversity Charter. The overview outlines the common practices as well as the innovative approaches, implemented by other EU Member States. The review examines the texts of other Diversity Charters, the initiatives of Diversity Charter promoters, the dissemination channels used to promote their activities and the funding schemes used to maintain their sustainable operation.

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The content of this website represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.