Medis, a company marketing medicines and medical devices, has won this year's German Economy Award, presented by the German-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the German Embassy and the IEDC Bled School of Management. This year the judging panel focused on good employers.

Medis markets innovative medicines, medical devices and over-the-counter products for more than 60 pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Founded in 1989, it employs almost 400 people, including staff abroad.

Accepting the award at an event in Ljubljana Castle on 12 February, Medis board member Martina Perharič said the accolade gives them a sense of pride and responsibility. "It is a confirmation that putting employees first is the right step," she said.

At Medis, she said, they believe in involving employees in decision-making processes and in listening to them. "They must always have someone in the company that they can turn to if they have a problem," she said.

This year the award sought to recognise a commitment to creating a respectable, inclusive and sustainable working environment.

Apart from Medis, the other finalists were the Slovenian subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer, lab equipment supplier Mikro+Polo and BSH Hišni Aparati Nazarje, the Slovenian subsidiary of the BSH Home Appliances Group.

Dagmar von Bohnstein, president of the German-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said integrating best human resources practices into the workplace is a central pillar of the strategic direction of modern companies. "All candidates are winners," she said.

Economy Minister Matjaž Han said the award reflects not only business achievements, but also values held in high regard by society: innovation, responsibility towards employees and creating a stimulating working environment.

Slovenia and Germany have long been linked by economic, cultural and political ties, he said. "Germany is our most important economic partner and an ally in many development projects." He is confident that with such a strong partnership, the two countries can overcome all challenges.

German Ambassador to Slovenia Sylvia Groneick highlighted this year's award theme as a very topical one, as well as one that is gaining in importance. A quality working environment that enables employees to reach their full potential is the key to a successful economy, she said.

The German-Slovenian chamber has been giving out the award since 2014 in recognition of best business results. Last year, the focus was on the green transformation of industry. The award went to Hidria, a car industry supplier, with rotational moulding group Roto and MAN Truck & Bus Slovenija as the other finalists.

The debate preceding the award ceremony heard about the many challenges facing the European economy but also that the right response should be strengthening cooperation at all levels, rather than protectionism and turning away from globalisation.