The 2026 Inclusion Award for Business will recognise exemplary examples of inclusion in the labour market for the eleventh time. “This year’s award winners impressively demonstrate that the training and employment of people with disabilities is far more than just social responsibility in practice – it benefits everyone,” said Daniel Terzenbach, Executive Board Member of the Federal Employment Agency and spokesperson for the organisers. “The three award-winning organisations demonstrate how diversity fosters innovation, opens up new perspectives, strengthens cohesion and prepares businesses to meet the challenges of the future, particularly in the face of demographic change.” "That deserves recognition and should be emulated."
The patron of the award is Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs. She is convinced: “Companies that think and act inclusively do not merely enable people with disabilities to participate in working life. They thereby secure committed skilled workers and enhance their attractiveness through a diverse corporate culture. The annual Inclusion Award for Business highlights the added value of an inclusive workplace for everyone from a variety of perspectives. "Through their success stories, the award winners encourage other companies to remove barriers as well and to harness the potential of people with disabilities to mutual benefit."
This year’s winners are:
SMS group GmbH
In the ‘Large Companies and Groups’ category, the internationally active group of companies specialising in mechanical and plant engineering has received the award for its holistic and strategically embedded approach to inclusion. The company combines exemplary inclusive human resources management with measures to promote mental health and a working environment that is consistently designed to be accessible. The accessible campus at the group’s headquarters in Mönchengladbach offers modern working and learning environments for people with various disabilities. Inclusion is furthermore firmly embedded in the company’s structures through an ESG‑anchored framework, regular awareness‑raising measures and close cooperation with experts. With an internally data-driven inclusion management system, the company has also created a management tool that highlights and enhances the potential of people with disabilities. At the same time, the SMS group promotes inclusion through its involvement in research and innovation projects and translates new scientific findings into operational practice.
Cummins Deutschland GmbH
In the ‘Medium-sized Enterprises’ category, the German subsidiary of the international technology company Cummins has been recognised for its practical and sustainable approach to employing people with disabilities. With an inclusive work island in production, the company creates new employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and opens up the transition from sheltered workshops into the general labour market. This is made possible by individual workstations, job analyses and a tailor-made recruitment and onboarding programme. The introduction of inclusive workplaces is supported by specially trained managers and teams, as well as individual guidance during onboarding. At the same time, the company is systematically breaking down barriers – through accessible working conditions, clear communication and the gradual transition to plain language in internal communications. Inclusion is understood as an ongoing process of development that has a lasting impact on corporate culture.
Modern Floristry Steinbrecher
In the ‘Small Businesses’ category, the florist and events company from Waltrop is being recognised for its inclusive business model. A traditional floristry business evolved into an inclusion enterprise in which people with various disabilities work across all areas – including direct customer interaction. Jobs and training programmes are tailored individually to employees’ skills and development potential. To embed inclusion sustainably within the company, work processes, communication channels and team structures were purposefully further developed. The inclusive HR strategy secures the skilled and operational staff required, strengthens motivation and employee retention, and – through direct customer interaction – helps to carry inclusion beyond the company and into society. The business also serves as a prime example of how the transition from a workshop for people with disabilities to permanent employment subject to social security contributions can be successful.
Further information: www.inklusionspreis.de (available in German only)
About the organising organisations
Federal Employment Agency of Germany
The Federal Employment Agency is the largest service provider in the labour market. It advises both members of the public and businesses on all matters relating to training, employment and further education. It also offers a wide range of services aimed at preserving and creating jobs – with the aim of ensuring long-term participation in working life.
Confederation of German Employers’ Associations
As the leading social policy umbrella organisation for the entire German business community, the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA) aims to highlight the potential of people with disabilities, set out training and employment opportunities, and raise awareness of the support available to both people with disabilities and businesses. This is intended to further strengthen appreciation for people with disabilities.
Business Forum
As an employer-led initiative, the UnternehmensForum is committed to the training, employment and continued employment of people with disabilities in the business sector. The initiative sees itself as a nationwide platform for sharing experiences, developing good practice examples and generating concrete guidance for employers. UnternehmensForum has been organising the award since 2012.