On World Values Day, hundreds of employees of the modern business services sector and representatives of city authorities have taken to the streets in five cities to show their support for shared values. ABSL has been pointing out for years that building an innovative, competitive, and attractive economy for investors requires respect for diversity in many aspects including age, gender, experience, and cultural capital. See the video from the event!

The modern business services sector in Poland employs more than 40,300 people and is one of the most diverse in terms of employees. For example, foreigners are employed by 93 percent of business service centers operating in Poland. In addition, the sector employs representatives from five generations, and the share of women in the total workforce is 53 percent. The ability to consciously manage diversity, an inclusive corporate culture, and workplaces which have been created to respect individual differences, are essential for maintaining a competitive advantage in the international market and attracting foreign investors.

Janusz Dziurzynski, President of ABSL, General Manager BAT Digital Business Solutions Poland emphasizes: - Issues of diversity and inclusion play an important role in our sector and its development, especially in the context of talent acquisition. However, it is worth remembering that when implementing global diversity, inclusion, and equality policies, it is important to consider diversity in a broad context, including the social dimension which takes into account a wide range of experiences – including background, where one grew up, and access to education. This requires the business to be thoughtful and attentive.

The growing importance of multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is a characteristic feature of the business services sector in Poland. Foreign workers account for nearly 14 percent of all employees. They come from 50 countries and provide services in a total of 36 languages, with an average of seven languages being used per center. The age structure is also an important factor in building diversity. The largest group (46 percent) is represented by people aged 27-34.

The sector is also diverse in terms of gender. More than half of all employees are women. In the case of managerial positions at the team leader level, the share of women is 46 percent, and in the case of senior management, it is 39 percent. These levels are much higher than in other areas of the Polish economy and have remained stable over the past three years.

Communication as a key value driver

With diversity in mind, ABSL's Diversity and Inclusion Declaration recognizes the nurturing of respectful, inclusive language that does not discriminate against anyone as one of the key aspects of an inclusive organizational culture. Employers and organizations affiliated with the Association

of Business Service Leaders declare that in all their activities they are guided by the principle of equal treatment in the workplace, regardless of age, creed, disability, ethnic origin race, gender, nationality, religion, political views, sexual orientation, gender identity, form of employment or any other conditions potentially vulnerable to exclusive behavior.

Professor Adam Bodnar, who took part in a debate on inclusive language that was organized as part of World Values Day, commented: - Heinrich Boell said that language can be a beacon of freedom, but it can also become a very negative expression of humanity. This is why it is so important to take care of the language we use every day - so that it does not exclude, respects differences and is the glue that binds communities together.

Diversity that builds business

Data from the ABSL report shows that nearly 80 percent of companies include diversity and inclusivity in their business strategy. At the same time, ABSL's analysis shows that the quality of life - both the well-being of employees and the environment - plays an increasing role in investment acquisition. The attractiveness and image of cities must translate into the ability to attract employees from the country and around the world. In Warsaw, those celebrating World Values Day were joined by .Karolina Zdrodowska, the Mayor of Warsaw’s representative for Equal Treatment.

- Warsaw wants to be a city where every person is provided with good living conditions, feels at home, free and safe. Diversity is a valuable resource that brings real benefits to cities and their residents. Thanks to this, we can build a strong urban community, which is open for all - says Karolina Zdrodowska, the Mayor of Warsaw’s representative for Equal Treatment.