During this year, the company Idea-CG has already set aside 4,2 million euros for the care of its employees and continues to work intensively on the further improvement of that segment. As the largest employer and the most widespread trade chain in Montenegro, the Idea-CG company ends the last quarter of the year with additional investments, and in addition to the salary increase (5%) within the "Europe now 2" program, the contribution of PIO employer (5,5%) focused on a proportionate increase in earnings, primarily in retail.
Ivan Karadzic, CEO of Idea-CG company, talks about current increases, strategic development of the trade chain and plans for the next period.
During this year, you made significant investments in improving working conditions in the company. In what way do you additionally stimulate employees with the "Europe Now 2" program?
People are the carriers of all our business ventures and are always in the focus of our development plans, and we strive to provide our employees with the highest quality and stimulating working conditions. All the initiatives that we implemented this year are proof of our commitment and perseverance on that path. Speaking about the "Europe Now 2" program and the increase that the employees received already with their October salary, I emphasize that Idea-CG also invested the part of the funds that was left at the employer's disposal, precisely in increasing wages, mostly for positions in retail. In this regard, I am pleased to point out that the wages of our colleagues in retail increased by 17% on average. I would like to point out that we paid extra attention to the improvement of working conditions for those colleagues with the lowest incomes, and I also remind you that this is the second salary increase this year.
For 2024, Idea-CG has invested 4,2 million euros in improving working conditions for employees. What are the specific benefits that your company offers to employees?
As part of the large regional Fortenova group, we continuously monitor and analyze the working conditions in our company, with the intention of constantly and strategically growing. Thus, we started the year with an important investment, which, in addition to an increase in earnings, also included May Day, September and New Year's gifts. What is particularly important is that all our benefits apply to all 2.600 employees.
In addition to the mentioned, the company also fosters numerous other incentives for our employees, such as a bonus for each employee's birthday, as well as special benefits for employees when paying with a Super Card. There is also our sincere concern for the children of our employees, so we have provided gifts for every newborn, for the child's first birthday, as well as for starting school and for the New Year.
Using the strength and experience we draw from the synergy of Fortenova Group member companies, we have provided employees with the opportunity for further professional development through various seminars, workshops and education.
Caring for employees is only one of the components of sustainable business. What are the company's plans in that field in the coming period?
When it comes to sustainability, I am really proud to point out that our company is part of the Fortenova Group, which is recognized as a leader in the region when we talk about the ESG concept. This opens the door to a whole series of good practices, knowledge and experiences that the Group provides us, which we can also implement.
I would like to remind you that last year, through the takeover of the Franc retail chain, we became the largest employer in the country, and that was one of the important driving forces in our business. The epilogue of the takeover, which began in September 2023, is the formal rebranding process of Franc facilities to IDEA, which was recently completed. With this, we closed an important process, and opened new chapters for further growth and development, especially when it comes to caring for employees, in the context of sustainability.
Our vision of sustainability includes constant innovation and incorporating it into everyday business. One such move is the abolition of printed copies of the action catalog, i.e. the complete transition to a digital format. At the same time, following the habits and needs of our consumers, a new weekly offer at great prices awaits them every Thursday. In addition, when we talk about innovations, I would like to point out that the realization of our project Animals, which encourages children to learn more about the nature that surrounds us and the importance of its preservation, is also underway.
Therefore, we build strong pillars in the field of sustainability, ensuring the stable development of employees, thereby creating a sustainable working environment and contributing to wider social progress. We are entering the finale of a really successful year for our business, and I believe that an even more prosperous 2025 awaits us.
( Idea-CG )
