Jenny í Heiðunum Named Inclusive Employer of the Year 2025
At the 50th anniversary of Almannaverkið, Eirikur í Jákupsstovu, Minister of Social Affairs and Culture, presented Jenny í Heiðunum with the honor of being named Inclusive Employer of the Year 2025.
In the reasoning provided by the jury, it was stated:
"Over many years, staff at Almannaverkið have collaborated closely and positively with her. She has been a dedicated partner in providing opportunities for citizens with reduced work capacity to gain a foothold in the labor market. From her first day in the hotel industry, she has been constructive and committed to working with Almannaverkið staff to support people with disabilities through various legally supported employment initiatives."
"Almannaverkið has seen examples of individuals who have struggled both at home and in workplaces, but who now feel secure and capable of holding onto their jobs thanks to the environment she has helped create."
Below is the full speech delivered at the event:
Inclusive Employer of the Year 2025
Many of us know the story — sometimes it’s a priest, a father, a mother, or a boss — who says: “Do as I say, not as I do.”
But of course, people don’t do that. What we do, how we do it, and for whom, says far more about who we are.
For most of us, working life plays a significant role. It gives us purpose, a sense of usefulness and importance; for many, it's a key part of our identity and self-worth. This is just as true for people facing challenges or limitations in the workforce.
That’s why it’s so crucial that employers are open and inclusive, also towards those who may need a bit more patience, flexibility, and belief. With this award, Almannaverkið wishes to recognize those who demonstrate dedication and a true sense of social responsibility through action.
Ensuring that as many people as possible can participate in working life is not only suitable for the individual—it's also essential to maintaining our shared welfare system. Too often, even in prosperous times, some people fall through the cracks in the Faroe Islands and abroad. The job market can be so demanding that employers may not have the resources to hire those who require a more flexible or supportive approach.
Today, we honor a person who has shown a clear will to create space throughout her professional life—a passionate soul who proves that inclusivity is more than just a mindset; it’s a lived practice that makes a real difference.
We know creating inclusive workplaces requires more than good intentions. It requires everyday decisions—often invisible to most—that mean everything to the individual.
We often discuss an inclusive labor market, but it doesn’t happen independently. It depends on the courage and leadership of those who lead by example.
Those who remind us what it means to be human and that giving someone a chance is also strengthening society.
That’s what we’re doing today. We’re honoring someone who, with heart, skill, and strong values, has shown that inclusion is not just an idea — it’s a way of life.
The jury’s statement:
This year’s Inclusive Employer of the Year award is given to a person rather than a workplace. The recipient has demonstrated a clear, consistent commitment throughout her career to including individuals with reduced work capacity.
For many years, she has maintained a positive and close cooperation with staff at Almannaverkið. She has been an engaged and committed partner in creating job opportunities for people with disabilities, using the various work-promoting measures outlined by law.
Almannaverkið has several examples of people who have not managed to thrive at home or in the workplace, but who now feel safe and stable in their job because of the support and structure she has helped provide.
The recipient is kind, always approachable, and skilled at working with individuals who face different challenges. She offers them space and suitable challenges and dares to address the difficulties they may have, thereby helping them move forward. She is deeply passionate about helping people.
Since August 2022, she has served as the Director of Hotel Djurhuus.