Socially responsible enterprises honoured in awards ceremony

In 2008, nine companies won Lithuanian National Responsible Business Awards under a new initiative to honour companies that contribute most to social welfare and responsibility. The awards are in three categories - Socially Responsible Enterprise, Workplace of the Year and Partner of the Year. Representatives of trade union and employer organisations were involved in the selection of the winning companies.

[](javascript:cb_showModalDialog('/popup.php?ru=bS9tX2ltYWdlcy9hZG1pbi9mX2ltZ19wcmV2aWV3X3BvcHVwLnBocA==&show_big_img=1&m_images_id=870', 1018, 690);void(0);)[](javascript:cb_showModalDialog('/popup.php?ru=bS9tX2ltYWdlcy9hZG1pbi9mX2ltZ19wcmV2aWV3X3BvcHVwLnBocA==&show_big_img=1&m_images_id=870', 1018, 690);void(0);)[](javascript:cb_showModalDialog('/popup.php?ru=bS9tX2ltYWdlcy9hZG1pbi9mX2ltZ19wcmV2aWV3X3BvcHVwLnBocA==&show_big_img=1&m_images_id=870', 1018, 690);void(0);)[In](javascript:cb_showModalDialog('/popup.php?ru=bS9tX2ltYWdlcy9hZG1pbi9mX2ltZ19wcmV2aWV3X3BvcHVwLnBocA==&show_big_img=1&m_images_id=870', 1018, 690);void(0);) April 2008, the first Lithuanian National Responsible Business Awards were made to nine companies, as part of a joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour (Socialinės apsaugos ir darbo ministerija, SADM) and the United Nations Development Programme in Lithuania. The awards, made in three categories (Socially Responsible Enterprise, Workplace of the Year and Partner of the Year), honour the enterprises that are considered to have contributed most to the creation and enhancement of social welfare and the tackling of social problems. ‘These are the enterprises whose activities evidence their sincere commitment to act transparently and fairly in respect of employees, society, environment and state, and which voluntarily contribute more than is required by the law’, according to a press release from the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.

Award evaluation process

Each of the three categories of the National Responsible Business Awards is divided into separate awards for: large-scale Lithuanian enterprises; small and medium-sized Lithuanian businesses; and foreign-capital enterprises and their representative offices operating in Lithuania.

Applications for the 2007 awards were submitted by 27 enterprises: 10 large-scale Lithuanian enterprises, 11 small and medium-sized Lithuanian businesses, and 6 foreign-capital enterprises operating in Lithuania. A total of 43 applications were lodged.

The contributions of the enterprises to the creation of social welfare were evaluated by an Evaluation Committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, members of the Standing Commission for the Coordination of Corporate Social Responsibility Development (a body set up by the government to promote the development of corporate social responsibility, or CSR), representatives of national trade union organisations and employer associations, and various well-known public personalities considered to have contributed to the development of CSR.

The evaluation was carried out on the basis of uniform criteria aimed at assessing how CSR is integrated in business practice, from strategy to particular actions. Criteria include the level of consistency, consciousness and continuity of CSR practice and whether this practice represents more than mere marketing or philanthropic actions. They also address: how issues/areas related to CSR are identified in enterprises; whether or not other concerned groups (eg employees, the community and non-governmental organisations) have been consulted in the process of planning and implementing socially responsible business practice; and whether or not a special strategy has been developed for socially responsible business. The Evaluation Committee also took into account information obtained from sources such as trade unions and the state labour inspectorate.

The 2007 awards were presented by Ms Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Minister at the MSSL, Ms Malin Karre, Swedish Ambassador to Lithuania, and Mr Gediminas Rainys, Secretary at the Ministry of Economy.

Workplace of the Year

Awards in the Workplace of the Year category were presented to enterprises for the creation of safe, healthy, high-quality and attractive workplaces for their employees. Employees’ satisfaction with their working conditions was taken into account, in addition to the presence of active dialogue between management and employees, and employers’ initiatives not only enabling efficient work by employees, but also making them feel safe, useful and valued.

The 2007 awards were made to AB Lietuvos draudimas, UAB Litexpo and UAB PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Partner of the Year

Awards in the Partner of the Year category were presented to enterprises considered outstanding in terms of building active partnerships with communities and non-governmental organisations. This covers not only philanthropic activities, but also: companies’ real dialogue and partnerships with local communities and non-governmental organisations in taking business-related decisions; consistent, mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships with society; and other company activities contributing to the creation of an open and strong society.

The 2007 awards were made to UAB Omnitel, UAB Microsoft Lietuva and AB Kraft Foods Lietuva.

Socially Responsible Enterprise

The main awards, in the Socially Responsible Enterprise category, were presented to the enterprises considered most progressive and active in corporate social responsibility. These enterprises have not only proved considerable progress or consistent fulfilment of their obligations to employees, society and the state, but have also: contributed to the promotion of the idea of CSR in Lithuania; actively participated in the activities of the national socially responsible business network; discussed and shared good practices on CSR; developed CSR strategies; established CSR positions; and issued public reports on CSR activities.

The 2007 awards were made to AB bankas Hansabankas, UAB Traidenis and UAGDPB Aviva Lietuva.

Inga Blaziene, Institute of Labour and Social Research