Despite all statutory regulations, initiatives and activities, people with disabilities are still not fully accepted in society, and there is prejudice regarding their ability to work and contribute to the economy. As a socially responsible company, one of whose fundamental values is sustainability, i.e. creating long-term value by caring for both social and natural environments, JGL continuously supports projects aimed at combating stigma and discrimination.
We started one of the current initiatives in that area with the company DIPlab d.o.o., which employs people with disabilities who work with the professional support of a work assistant.
“The idea to employ people with disabilities at our production sites started developing at the beginning of 2024, at the initiative of Mate Poropat, Director of JGL’s Pharmaceutical and Technical Operations”, explains Borna Bagatelj, Technology Process Manager, Svilno 1, and continues: “The entire process lasted a bit longer because we were exploring our possibilities and options and looking for the appropriate model. We decided that people with disabilities would work on unpacking tasks in the manufacturing process of Aknekutan. Since our partner company delivers a semi-finished product that needs to be unpacked and prepared for the next process, we decided to include the employees of DIPlab in these tasks.”
A few months ago, Matija Badurina was the first to arrive at JGL. “I previously worked for the company Parkovi Plus, which landscapes and maintains green areas within the Pharma Valley complex in Rijeka, so I was already familiar with the facilities and knew some of the employees. I now know almost everyone working in the department”, says Matija and adds: “As for working at JGL, I have only positive experiences. The conditions are great: I am very happy and hope that JGL is also happy with my performance. What I like best is that there is always something going on, and we are constantly productive. My favourite part of the job is the initial unpacking of the boxes: when we open them, a new process begins”, says the 33-year-old, who explains: “I am most careful when it comes to managing paperwork and keeping records. After all, we are dealing with medicinal products; it is a serious business and a big responsibility. One must be thorough and careful.”
A month ago, Matija was joined by Leon Kajba, who, with Matija’s help, quickly found his way around and got to know both his colleagues and his work assignments. “Everyone is friendly and I like working at JGL. Unlike Matija, my favourite part of the job is stacking boxes, so we complement each other very well”, says this 22-year-old, adding that he would like to be permanently employed at JGL.
Matija and Leon work at JGL based on production requirements – in practice, this means once or twice a week for four hours. They are supported by their work assistant Bojan Drakulić from DIPlab d.o.o., who completed training for work in the GMP environment: “Actually, Matija was the one who acquainted me with the business because he knows the process and the work very well”, laughs Bojan, adding that such concrete initiatives are great both for individuals and the society as a whole. “This is the model of cooperation between the business community and people with disabilities. JGL is an example of how a manufacturing company can create a win-win situation – gain productive employees but also contribute to creating an inclusive society in a tangible way.”
Matija and Leon have successfully completed the initial GMP training, and several more people with disabilities are currently in work training.
“I hope they will meet the requirements, complete the training, and start working at JGL. Matija and Leon are excited to meet their new colleagues, but I believe the entire JGL team is also looking forward to it. Inclusion and social integration are the basic prerequisites for a happier and better life for people with disabilities. However, giving them an opportunity to become active members of the workforce and the society and independently achieve their socioeconomic status contributes to a better and more equitable society”, concludes Mate Poropat.
DIPlab d.o.o. was founded by the Society for Research and Support (Društvo za istraživanje i potporu – DIP), an association working on improving the lives of marginalised groups exercising their human rights in an equitable and inclusive society.
Since 2013, DIP has been providing social services of half-day stays and psychosocial support for people with disabilities (people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and mental disorders, and who do not have motor impairments or physical disabilities). All DIPlab employees have completed an occupational rehabilitation program at DIP.
“We are proud of the cooperation between JGL and DIPlab; our employees are very happy to be able to work, and they feel valued and accepted in their work environment. JGL is an example of good practice – this is the first employer in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County that accepted our model in which people with disabilities work with the professional support of a work assistant on site. This support means a lot to us, and we hope that this successful cooperation will continue in the future”, says Karmen Vučetić from DIP’s Social Service Department.