The beginning of the school year is one of the most important moments in the lives of children, but also of their parents. To enable employees to spend this moment with their loved ones, several years ago Coca-Cola HBC B-H introduced special benefits for its employee-parents. All parents are entitled to days off on occasions when their children begin new, important chapters in life – two days for starting kindergarten, one day off for the first day of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade of primary school, and one day off for starting high school.
“At Coca-Cola HBC we are well aware of how important it is to be with your children in special moments, and a day off is an important privilege for our employees to balance family and work obligations more easily. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to creating a supportive and flexible work environment, which is why we did not limit it only to the first grade of primary school, but also extended it to the second and third grade, as well as the start of high school,” said Ida Hohnjec, Human Resources Director at Coca-Cola HBC Adria.
Parents particularly emphasize the value of this initiative. Emir Vuk, Premium Spirits Trade Marketing Specialist and father of first-grader Arijan, said: “A day off means a lot to me because I can be fully with Arijan as he takes his first big step in life.” He added that the feelings of pride and joy are immeasurable: “As a father I welcomed Arijan’s first day of school with pride and joy, because I can feel and see how my little boy is growing and making progress. His mother’s emotions were mixed, and quite a few tears were shed at the first parent-teacher meeting held for first-graders’ parents. I will surely remember this moment for the rest of my life.”
The whole preparation experience was emotional, with special moments such as choosing a backpack and school supplies together, because, as Emir said: “His opinion was particularly important to us – we wanted him to wear his school bag and clothes with a smile, things he carefully picked together with his mom, because we know exactly what he likes. On Friday, he even had a haircut appointment to make sure his hairstyle was ready for this unforgettable, special day.” Emir added that Arijan is looking forward to new classmates, as well as old friends from kindergarten who are starting first grade with him at the same school. “Today we want to give him all the attention and support – from a family breakfast together to spending time with family after the school’s welcome ceremony – a special day, just as it should be remembered. And it’s great that I work in a company that recognizes and supports such moments, allowing us to experience them together, without other obligations or the feeling that I am missing out on one of the most important days in my son’s life.”
By continuously listening to employees' needs and adjusting its policies, Coca-Cola HBC B-H reaffirms its commitment to creating and maintain a work environment that recognizes and supports employees' needs in their most important life moments. Because their special moments deserve special attention and support.
