With leading companies: LUFRA, Raiffeisen Bank, Agna Group, INCA Albania (AZ Group), R&T Group, Euronews Albania, FIX.al, Alb Academy, Alb Solution, and Alb Pastrim, along with the Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, within the framework of the regional project “Expanding Choices Through Family-Friendly Policies,” supported by the Austrian Development Agency, we evaluated the achievements so far in ensuring gender-responsive and family-friendly work environments.

During this meeting, future initiatives were also discussed, focusing on the need for sustainability and consideration of demographic changes in Albania, particularly in supporting policies and practices that enable the inclusion and well-being of employees and their families.

Meeting participants, including representatives from the private and public sectors, discussed the creation of a work environment that supports families and implements gender-responsive policies. Some of the steps to achieve this include flexible working hours, “parental leave” for fathers, opportunities to work from home, and paid parental leave. Companies presented their innovative practices to support employee well-being, including initiatives such as sports activities to prevent violence.

Raiffeisen Bank presented its paid parental leave policy for fathers, which exceeds the requirements of the Labor Code, offering one month of leave, as well as the option for flexible hours and remote work.

AZ Group highlighted scheduling flexibility for parents, celebrating employee birthdays, and allowing employees to bring their children to work.

FIX Pro and Agna also introduced initiatives to support employees, such as summer employment opportunities for youth and support for the education of employees' children.

“Given the demographic changes, both the private and public sectors need to explore and implement family-friendly policies and initiatives that ensure and increase employee loyalty, as well as provide an opportunity to reduce emigration or enable young families to feel secure and supported,” said Elsona Agolli, Program Analyst on Gender and Population Issues at UNFPA Albania.

Another important aspect is the commitment to promote these initiatives through digital platforms and to support the second phase of the project, which aims, among other things, to empower state institutions and propose legal improvements for fathers parental leave and the further inclusion of family-friendly practices.

In conclusion, participants emphasized the importance of sustainability in these initiatives and the commitment to creating a work environment that supports gender equality and enhances the well-being of employees and their families in Albania.