A1 Hrvatska has received a Gold Stevie® Award for its project of presenting the A1 Internet zaštita app in the category Brand & Experiences - CSR Event. Moreover, a Silver Stevie® Award was presented to the company for its internal communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in this year’s special category recognizing the extraordinary efforts of both companies and individuals in internal and eternal communication during the coronavirus pandemic. In this particular category, A1 Hrvatska was also presented with a Bronze Stevie® Award for its external communication. Furthermore, the Stevie Awards were also handed out for the biggest achievements in the domain of responsible, exemplary, and desirable employers– the Stevie Awards for Great Employers – in category Most Exemplary Employer the company’s internal communication during the COVID-19 pandemic won a Silver Stevie. At the same time, A1 Hrvatska digital onboarding project received a Bronze Stevie® Award in the category of The Most Innovative Deployment of HR Technology.

When it comes to socially responsible practices, we have always been recognized as different, special, and innovative. Awards have been nothing but an additional proof of that, further motivating us to persevere in our efforts, constantly set new challenges for ourselves, and raise the bar for both us and the market. I am also pleased to see that we have been recognized globally as the leader in using digital technologies in human resource management, but our most coveted award will always be our employees’ satisfaction and the fact that we are one of the most desirable employers in the market – said Ivan Skender, Senior Director of Business Transformation, Human Resources and Corporate Communications at A1 Hrvatska.

The International Stevie Awards®, better known as the Stevies®, is one of the most prestigious business awards globally. This year, more than 250 professionals from around the world rated 3,800 nominated projects from different industries in as many as 60 countries worldwide.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize the world’s biggest achievements in human resources as well as new products and services improving working conditions and workplace environment. Ninety professionals from around the world looked at 700 entries in seven different categories from around 20 countries worldwide and chose the best ones.

Interestingly enough, the Stevie® trophies are manufactured by R.S. Owens & Co., known also for making the trophies for the Oscars and the Emmys. So far, A1 Hrvatska has won a total of 12 Stevie trophies.

About the project of presenting the A1 Internet zaštita app

According to the findings of a survey, which was carried out on behalf of A1 Hrvatska by IPSOS in February 2019, 92 percent of parents do not use apps for their children’s protection and their safety online, while as many as 93 percent of them do not even want to use such apps. Seeing as A1 Hrvatska is a socially responsible digital company, to initiate a discussion about the threats the children face while using modern technologies, the company had both experts and parents speaking at the presentation of the app in question. Moreover, an interactive exhibition was opened, with staged scenes showing situations the children find themselves in online, such as coming across inappropriate sexual and ideological content, or creating a distorted image of themselves and feeling less worthy. Over a period of three weeks, the exhibition was visited by more than 60,000 people. Furthermore, in cooperation with the relevant experts, A1 Hrvatska posted educational content on its website, talking about responsible behavior and safe use of advanced technologies.

About the internal communication during the COVID-19 pandemic

The guiding principles in the company’s business operations included caring for the employees, and their health and safety, as well as caring for the customers and their needs arising from the pandemic. A1 Hrvatska had made employee health its top priority, and after two successful stress tests decided for all employees to work from home, even before the country’s civil protection authority introduced their strict measures. This measure extended to more than 400 employees in Customer Service, and the company provided all the requirements for them to work from home. A1 Hrvatska exempted certain categories of employees under high risk of infection from work altogether but maintained their salaries at 100 percent, with special consideration for individual needs of parents; virtual storytelling for the employees’ children and a digital guide to activities for parents and their children were launched. Furthermore, to achieve higher satisfaction and productivity among the employees, and create a healthy work environment, the company started a Mind Wellness program for managers and employees, as well as a virtual fitness program to address the restricted physical activity. Also, the company organized virtual hangouts titled #StayConnected Talks, which included other Croatian companies, to discuss and share knowledge gained during those extraordinary working circumstances.

About the external communication during the COVID-19 pandemic

Having launched digital transformation three years ago, A1 Hrvatska took a noticeably short time to adapt to the new working circumstances and reacted quickly to help customers adjust as simply as possible to home stay and work. The focus was mostly on digital channels: the Moj A1 app offered customers free data, while TV service customers were provided with free-of-charge viewing and recording of distance learning and children’s programs. They were also able to view, for free, top-quality films, TV shows and music on certain channels. In April and May, the company suspended the fee for PlanetSport as there were no sporting events. During the period in question, the company also received the title of the best mobile network according to the European network testing carried out by the magazine Connect and the consulting company umlaut, with the testing extending over the crisis period in March. The company also launched a campaign with the motto Separated but Connected, showcasing the role technology plays in customers’ lives, allowing them to remain connected at all times. Additionally, A1 Hrvatska donated valuable medical equipment worth HRK 1.5 million to Zagreb’s Dubrava Clinical Hospital.

About digital onboarding

To reduce the time that its employees spend on filling out various forms and to simplify their access to information, A1 developed a special digital onboarding system, the 321GO!, aimed at primarily optimizing the process of filling out forms and some other administrative procedures. The process of getting used to and learning about new tasks can be quite stressful; however, by digitizing them, we can eventually have a better experience for both the employer and its employees.

About the Stevie Awards®

The Stevie Awards® have been presented since 2002 in seven different programs: Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, International Business Awards®, Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 countries worldwide. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace. To learn more about the Stevie Awards, go to Stevie Awards.