- In July, Disability Pride Month, Novartis in Slovenia is raising awareness about the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities and the diversity and potential they bring to the workplace.
- The company marked Disability Pride Month by raising the flag and hosting a conversation with the British Ambassador to Slovenia, who is blind. On this occasion, they also organised “speed dating” sessions to introduce people with disabilities to career opportunities at Novartis.
- At Novartis, they strive daily to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that enables everyone to reach their full potential.
Ljubljana, July 2, 2025 – This July, as in previous years, Novartis in Slovenia is raising awareness about the importance of an inclusive environment and the potential that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. The month was marked by flag-raising ceremonies at their locations in Ljubljana and Mengeš. To encourage understanding and open dialogue among employees, they hosted a conversation with the British Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms Victoria Harrison, and organised “speed dating” sessions where people with disabilities could meet with leaders to exchange views and explore career opportunities at Novartis.
At Novartis, they continuously co-create a supportive and inclusive environment where diversity and respect for different perspectives foster innovation and inspire employees to fulfil their shared mission – to improve and extend people’s lives around the world. In line with their values, they support Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities in society. This initiative helps build a fairer, more equal, and inclusive community by increasing visibility, reducing stigma and prejudice, and broadening understanding of the diverse experiences of disability. It also reinforces the awareness that everyone can contribute to a more accessible and inclusive society.
As a sign of support, Novartis in Slovenia raised a flag at their locations in Ljubljana and Mengeš. The flag, a symbol of solidarity, pride, and acceptance within the diverse community of people with disabilities, features five diagonal stripes of different colours on a black background. The stripes represent breaking through the barriers that separate people with disabilities from the rest of society, while the colours symbolise different forms of disability. The black background represents mourning for the historical neglect and abuse faced by people with disabilities.
The British ambassador to Slovenia shared insights into life with blindness
To further highlight (in)visible potential, Novartis employees engaged in a conversation with the British Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms Victoria Harrison, who shared her personal experience of living with blindness. Her story shed light on the importance of understanding both visible and invisible disabilities and the value that diverse experiences bring to the workplace. The meeting contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges and perspectives of employees with disabilities and encouraged reflection on the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment every day.
Career opportunities presented to people with disabilities
As part of this year’s activities, Novartis organised career “speed dating” sessions, inviting people with disabilities to speak with company leaders. The initiative aimed to foster mutual understanding, identify career opportunities, and promote an inclusive future of work. “Speed dating is an excellent way to exchange ideas and perspectives between people with disabilities and company leaders. It provides a clear insight into development opportunities, and the dialogue contributes to a more open and understanding environment, encouraging changes that benefit the entire community,” said Tamara Barič, head of the employee resource group for disability inclusion at Novartis.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of Novartis’ operations. Throughout the year, they strive to create an environment that opens opportunities for people with disabilities. The employee resource group plays a key role in this effort by organising events, creating guides, and promoting open dialogue to co-create a workplace where everyone feels accepted, regardless of their personal circumstances or limitations. “Inclusion is not just a principle for us. We believe that it is precisely our differences that make us exceptional, which is why we focus on recognising the unique value that people with disabilities bring to our workplace. In this way, we create a space where each individual can contribute their knowledge, experience, and perspective, building a strong foundation for sustainable innovation that enriches lives around the world,” added Tamara Barič.
