Mother Centers Appreciate Citibank’s Diversity Concept

Prague, Czech Republic – The Civil Association Network of Mother Centers in the Czech Republic honored Citibank with a Family Friendly Certificate for its support programs designed for working parents.

The certificate was awarded to Citibank Europe plc representatives in Ostrava on Friday, November 13, by the President of Moravia-Silesia region, Mr. Jaroslav Palas, and Mrs. Rut Kolínska, founder of the Maternity Centers Civic Association.

The Network of Mother Centers has operated the Family Friendly Company campaign since 2004. It is focused on strengthening the family in society and offering pro-family policy support. The certificate recognizes companies that build cultures to support and enable the advancement of women in the workplace by adapting to their specific needs.

Head of Human Resources of Citibank in the Czech Republic, Pavel Bořil, said, “Receiving the certificate shows that we continue to value diversity even in these challenging times, and that our efforts are being recognized.”

Pavel Bořil added, “Citibank is proud to accept the Family Friendly Company Certificate for 2009. We are constantly reviewing our diversity initiatives to ensure they meet the changing needs of women employees.”

What do Citibank’s women think?

Andrea Machálková, PA communications executive, takes advantage of Citibank’s flexible work hours program. “I work four days a week, two in the office and two remotely from home, which gives me a chance to look after my child. This way, I can stay connected to the workforce, keep my skills current and still do my bit as a mother. It’s important for all employers to recognize that circumstances change over time for its employees, and this affects the work they do and how they do it. A flexible workplace is one way to retain knowledge within an organization while recognizing that the employee / employer relationship is a two-way investment.”

In the Czech Republic, Citibank’s support programs for women employees include:

* Flexible work arrangements
* Mentoring
* Preparing for and returning from maternity leave and ’Keep in touch’ programs, including CitiMum magazine, informal meetings of Citibank employees on maternity leave as well as discussions with the senior management
* Babysitting allowance