Innovation from Poprad: A ROMA-Friendly Company

Study Visit to Share Best Practices in Inclusive and Supported Employment at Beko Manufacturing s.r.o.

Date: 25–26 March 2026, Poprad, Slovak Republic

Business for Society, in cooperation with the Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs in the Czech Republic, Lucie Fuková, and Beko Manufacturing s.r.o. (formerly Whirlpool Slovakia and Beko Europe), is organizing a professional study visit intended for representatives of companies, public administration and local government from the Czech Republic as well as the Slovak Republic. The communication partner of the visit is also Charter of Diversity Slovakia.

The aim of the visit is to share examples of best practice in inclusive and supported employment, specifically in the environment of the manufacturing plant of Beko Manufacturing s.r.o. based in Poprad, Slovakia.

The visit will offer a unique opportunity to learn about a long-term successful model for employing marginalized Roma communities. Beko etc.., not only in Slovakia, has become a leader in social inclusion, with more than 30% of its employees being people of Roma origin.

The company actively cooperates with public administration, the education sector and non-profit organizations such as People in Need and The Way Out, and through an active employment policy it gives people from socially excluded areas a chance for legal work and a dignified life.

For its corporate social responsibility activities, the company has twice received the highest Via Bona Slovakia award for responsible business. It also received the U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for a unique innovation in social inclusion and the main prize for business ethics from the Slovak Chamber of Commerce. It has also actively contributed to the development of less developed regions in cooperation with the World Bank and the European Commission.

Beko Manufacturing Slovakia s.r.o. is an active member of Business Leaders Forum in Slovakia and is among the signatories of the Charter of Diversity in Slovakia. This year, the company was awarded for the first time in its history as a Top Employer in Slovakia and in Europe.

Programme of the Study Visit:

• 25 March 2026 – opening and a full-day programme at the BEKO Europe plant (Beko Manufacturing s.r.o.), including a tour, lunch in the canteen, presentations and a joint moderated discussion with participants (programme details will be specified in the coming days)

• 26 March 2026 (morning) – conclusion of the visit, sharing takeaways and inspiration, end of the study visit

You can register for the study visit by e-mail: info@byznysprospolecnost.cz.

If you have any questions, you can call +420 607 919 028, Pavel Štern, Business for Society.

The study visit aims to help expand proven approaches to inclusion in regions with high unemployment and supports cooperation between the public and private sectors in responsible employment.

We look forward to your participation and to jointly seeking paths towards a fair and sustainable future for all!