Application start for the i-work Business Award

JenaWirtschaft and the University of Jena honor intercultural companies

Off to the 7th round: companies that make an effort to recruit international team members and are committed to their integration can now apply for the i-work Business Award. The "Intercultural Business Award for Jena and the region" honors companies that specifically recruit foreign specialists and welcome them into their day-to-day operations in an exemplary manner. The prize is awarded in three categories - for large companies, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and for craft businesses. The patron of the competition is Heike Werner (Die Linke), Thuringia's Minister for Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family.

Wilfried Röpke, Head of Economic Development in Jena, knows that Jena's companies can only remain competitive with workers from abroad:

"We need immigration to ensure that Jena remains a strong business and science location in the future."

At the same time, diverse teams have many advantages for companies:

"Cultural diversity in a team promotes innovation and global competitiveness. Regardless of whether it's a small craft business or a global high-tech corporation - different perspectives help to look at challenges from different angles and thus arrive at good solutions."

Dr. Claudia Hillinger, Head of the International Office at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, also confirms that intercultural teams are often particularly productive:

"International perspectives bring a new way of looking at things. This is why the University of Jena relies on teams that are as international and mixed as possible and promotes global and intercultural exchange.The university advises its international students and supports them with a wide range of information on starting a career and career options in Thuringia in cooperation with the Economic Development Agency and Thuringian companies," says Hillinger.

Companies of all sectors and sizes with intercultural teams are invited to apply for the award from now until 01.09.2023. All information on the process can be found on the i-work website of JenaWirtschaft. The prize will be awarded on 28.11.2023.