We are committed to responsible and transparent operation, dynamic response, transparent and public reporting, and open communication.
Press questions and requests for presentation materials can be sent to the contact below, and we will be happy to answer you.
DEJAN HOJNIK
Public Relations
E dejan.hojnik@mikro-polo.si
T +386 2 614 32 01
Press questions and requests for presentation materials can be sent to the contact below, and we will be happy to answer you.
DEJAN HOJNIK
Public Relations
E dejan.hojnik@mikro-polo.si
T +386 2 614 32 01
Press questions and requests for presentation materials can be sent to the contact below, and we will be happy to answer you.
DEJAN HOJNIK
Public Relations
E dejan.hojnik@mikro-polo.si
T +386 2 614 32 01
December 18, 2024
The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and seeking opportunities to help others. This year, at Mikro+Polo, we have decided to redirect funds that would traditionally be spent on gifts for our customers to support those who cannot experience the holidays in the usual way. Festive lights, Christmas dinners, and presents are often out of reach for people facing challenges beyond their control. For this reason, we have chosen to make our gift budget a source of joy for others.
Marko Podgornik Verdev, CEO, shared his thoughts: “The holiday season is an opportunity to show what it means to be part of a community that recognises its responsibility to others. By choosing to allocate funds that would have been spent on gifts to those who cannot celebrate the holidays as they deserve, we are making a real difference. At Mikro+Polo, we believe that true wealth is not in material possessions but in how we touch the lives of others.”
With a contribution of over €5,000, we have supported three key charitable initiatives:
- Društvo Upornik (The Rebel Society): We donated 200 care packages containing essential items for individuals supported by the organisation, who are navigating various life challenges. We believe even a small gesture can bring significant change to their everyday lives.
- Raising Awareness of Early Diagnosis: As part of our ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing, we distributed over 2,100 copies of the booklet “Why Did Špela Get Ill?” to preschool children. This story helps children and their parents understand the importance of early diagnosis and disease prevention.
- Radio City’s Campaign “When It’s Christmas, Let It Be Christmas for Everyone”: We joined this charitable initiative to ensure the festive season truly brings joy and warmth to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
The holiday season is not just a time for giving gifts but also for connecting with others. At Mikro+Polo, we are proud to be part of a community that understands true wealth lies not in material things but in the way we impact others’ lives.
November 22, 2024
Dear Customers and Business Partners, We kindly ask you to take note of our adjusted opening hours during the upcoming holiday season.
Working Days: We will be available on the 23rd, 24th, and 27th of December 2024.
Company Closure: The company will be closed from the 30th of December 2024 to the 3rd of January 2025. During this period, we will not be accepting orders or dispatching shipments.
Online Store Market: Our online store Market is always open. Any orders placed during this time will be processed starting Monday, 6th of January 2025.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. At the same time, we wish you a magical holiday season filled with warmth and a successful New Year!
Warm regards!
The MIKRO+POLO Team
October 22, 2024
Mikro+Polo, Slovenia’s leading provider of diagnostic and laboratory solutions, has unveiled its latest educational animation titled “Why Did Špela Fall Ill?” This innovative approach aims to raise public awareness about the importance of rapid tests in detecting illnesses and the critical role of swift diagnosis in timely treatment. Early detection of diseases can save lives.
The animation explains in a simple and accessible way how rapid tests detect pathogens that cause diseases, and how doctors can obtain accurate results in less than an hour, enabling immediate treatment. The story follows the character Špela, who visits her GP due to cold symptoms. There, she undergoes a rapid test that provides her with crucial information for timely treatment.
Key highlights of the animated film:
- It explains how rapid tests work and their significance in swift diagnosis.
- It emphasises the importance of early disease detection and timely treatment.
- The animation is designed for all age groups and is tailored for the general public to understand how rapid tests work.
Marko Podgornik Verdev, CEO of Mikro+Polo, commented: “Our mission is to care for the health and development of society. We believe that innovative and accessible solutions like rapid tests are key to the future of healthcare. With the animation ‘Why Did Špela Fall Ill?’ we aim to bring this vital information to everyone, as early detection of diseases can save lives.”
For many years, Mikro+Polo has been developing and implementing advanced diagnostic solutions, focusing on speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Their new animation is part of efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of rapid tests and to improve healthcare in Slovenia.
You can watch the animation here.
For more information on rapid tests, the animation, and a collection of booklets to help understand how the tests work, visit Mikro+Polo’s website here.
September 24, 2024
Mikro+Polo is proud to have received the prestigious HR&M award for Project of the Year 2024 for its innovative initiative, “Dogs in the Workplace”. This award, presented by Planet GV, recognises best practices in human resource management and promotes the development of the HR profession.
Innovative Project: “Dogs in the Workplace”
The “Dogs in the Workplace” project was designed to enhance the working environment and the well-being of employees. Through this initiative, employees are allowed to bring their dogs to work, contributing to reduced stress, increased satisfaction, and improved interpersonal relationships within the company. The project has been exceptionally well received among staff and brings numerous positive effects on the workplace atmosphere. The goal of this project is to enhance employees’ psychological well-being by reducing stress, strengthening relationships, and creating a more relaxed work environment. Studies have shown that having dogs in the office improves productivity and dynamics among colleagues, leading to higher employee engagement.
Handbook “Dogs at work”
For anyone interested in learning more about how to successfully integrate dogs into the workplace, Mikro+Polo has prepared a guide titled “Golden Rules for a Pleasant Work Environment with a Dog.” This guide contains essential principles for creating a comfortable work environment with a dog and is based on expert research and the company’s experiences. You can read more about the guide here.
Recognition of excellence
The HR&M Project of the Year Award is an acknowledgment of outstanding achievements in the field of human resource management. Mikro+Polo stood out among numerous submitted projects with its initiative and demonstrated that innovative practices can significantly contribute to a better working environment. “We are very proud of this recognition, which affirms our commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment for our employees,” said Dejan Hojnik, Marketing Manager at Mikro+Polo.
September 6, 2024
Project Implementation and Technological Innovations
The company Avant Car, which manages the corporate fleet of Mikro+Polo, has been selected to participate in a pilot demonstration project co-funded by the EU. The project is part of a public call aimed at promoting the development and testing of new or improved products, processes, or services with high added value and market potential in the field of green transition and circular economy. As part of the project, Avant Car is developing solutions for fleet management, demand forecasting, a user-friendly mobile application, and a keyless system for all types of vehicles. These innovations are part of an integrated sustainable and digitalized mobility system, enabling more efficient and eco-friendly vehicle use.
As part of the project, we installed four electric vehicle charging stations in front of the Mikro+Polo headquarters. The Etrel Inch PRO charging stations, with dynamic power limitation ranging from 7.4 kW to 22 kW, are equipped with connection cables and a full management system. The charging stations are mounted on twin pillars, protected with appropriate bumpers, and covered by video surveillance to ensure safety.
Environmental Aspect
The installation of electric vehicle charging stations is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable mobility. Electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources help reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles decreases reliance on fossil fuels, which is essential for achieving climate goals. This initiative is one of many (such as paperless operations, organic waste recycling, our own solar power plant, etc.) aimed at reducing our environmental impact.
With the commitment of many Slovenian companies, Slovenia ranks among the leading countries in sustainable development. According to 2022 data, Slovenia is ranked 7th out of 180 countries on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and holds 1st place in Eastern Europe. This demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The project of installing electric vehicle charging stations and implementing telematics in vehicles represents a significant step towards sustainable mobility. After the completion of the pilot project, the charging stations will become the property of the company, enabling further use and development of sustainable solutions. All employees are responsible for using the charging stations with care and diligence, as this contributes to a better future for everyone.
September 4, 2024
At Mikro+Polo, we recognize that true strength lies not only in business achievements but also in how we connect with the people around us. Our values – passion, boldness, and sustainability – are not just words on paper; they are expressed through projects that enhance the quality of life in our local community. One such project was the charity stand-up event Uporniki, where we assisted the UP-ornik association in organizing a special event that combined laughter with charity.
Our collaboration with producer David Gorinšek and a team of comedians – Tanja Kocman, Volker Renato, Klemen Bučan, and Gašper Bergant – created an unforgettable summer evening filled with laughter and a profound sense of solidarity. The laughter that echoed from our parking lot carried a deeper meaning – it was laughter for a good cause. With ticket sales, UP-ornik managed to raise over €1,000, while we contributed an additional €500 alongside providing the venue and the support of our staff. This will help UP-ornik continue their mission of supporting socially vulnerable families in the local area.
Our Commitment to Social Responsibility
The Uporniki event was yet another testament to the fact that social responsibility is not just a concept for us but a way of life. We believe that talking about change is not enough – we must actively be part of the solution. By combining laughter with charity, we demonstrated that even a simple gesture – a few hours of entertainment – can lead to tangible change. At the same time, it was an invitation to our employees, partners, and the broader community to join us in writing a story where every donation, every action, and every smile carries a deeper meaning.
Sustainable Impact Through Connection
As a company, we are committed to sustainable development, but for us, this means more than just caring for the environment – it also means caring for people. Together with UP-ornik, we will continue supporting socially vulnerable families and help create a better world for future generations. This is our mission – not just as a company but as a part of a community that believes in the power of positive change. We are already proudly planning future events where we will continue to combine fun, laughter, and social responsibility. We believe that together with our community, employees, and partners, we can create lasting positive impacts that go beyond our business achievements.
May 6, 2024
For decades, Mikro+Polo has been striving to create a better world, with education serving as one of the key pillars of our corporate social responsibility. We not only follow trends but actively set them. We believe that by fostering curiosity and creativity in young people, we can contribute to the long-term improvement of society. Our responsibility is especially reflected in scientific projects that help younger generations discover the wonders of science and research.
Chemistry is Cool: Encouraging Young Researchers
Our educational project, Chemistry is Cool, remained at the forefront of our commitment to social responsibility during this school year. Under the watchful eye of a professional committee, we once again organized our traditional competition, where elementary school students learn about chemistry through hands-on experiments.
This year, we received eight outstanding entries, with students producing videos of their chemistry experiments that surpassed all previous submissions. The excellent video content can be viewed on our YouTube channel in the Chemistry is Cool 2024 section: here.
The task for the judges was exceptionally challenging, with tight competition. Mikro+Polo’s expert jury carefully reviewed all submitted videos and rated them. After adding the points from the Facebook voting, the jury announced the winners in the following order: First place – “The Sale of Dangerous Chemicals,” 9th grade, OŠ Prežihovega Voranca, Ravne na Koroškem. Second place – “Snowy California Snowball,” 9th grade, OŠ Heroja Janeza Hribarja, Stari Trg pri Ložu. Third place – “The Evolution of Smurfette,” 9th grade, OŠ Pohorskega Odreda, Slovenska Bistrica.
The winners from Ravne na Koroškem received an exciting prize that we believe not only rewards their efforts but also motivates them to continue their research. We are proud that the winning class is already eager to enjoy their prize with a celebratory splash at the Aqualuna pools.
Periodic Tables for Future Generations
This year, we also continued one of our longest-standing traditions—distributing more than 20,000 periodic tables to Slovenian schools. This important project, which has been ongoing for over a decade, contributes to the improvement of science education by providing young students with essential learning tools for chemistry. This year, we hit a significant milestone, having distributed over 200,000 periodic tables to date, continuing to inspire curiosity and a love for science in young minds.
As a fun fact: some of the candidates applying for jobs with us today were once students who received our periodic table. One of our current employees told us that receiving this gift made him realize that our company offered something more, leaving a lasting impression. This confirms our long-term impact on future generations, not only in science but also in the world of employment.
Fun and Learning with Science Days
The Science Days we organize annually for elementary school students are more than just an opportunity for fun and learning—they are a key platform for encouraging scientific curiosity. Through practical experiments, young students discover the magic of chemistry and develop the creative thinking necessary for their future development. Each year, we ensure that Science Days are enhanced with new, innovative experiments that transform theory into inspiring practice.
In the 2023/2024 school year, we successfully organized five Science Days, offering more than 150 elementary students the opportunity to get a closer look at the company with the most chemistry. This provided them with a hands-on insight into what can sometimes seem like abstract theory, creating exciting experiences that will fuel their curiosity long after the event.
Promoter of Science: Inspiring Young Researchers
The Promoter of Science project is not just about providing material support but about giving a true boost to young researchers. Each year, we receive more and more applications, which delights us, though it certainly makes our jury’s task harder—we wish we could help every aspiring researcher! Despite our soft spot for all of them, the rules remain firm. After reviewing all the entries, we selected three Promoters of Science who truly impressed us. Their expertise and enthusiasm raised the bar for all future generations.
One of this year’s Promoters shared that the lab equipment he received really made his work easier. It wasn’t just about the lab coat and safety shoes (although those were particularly comfortable!), but the entire experience—from the chemicals to the friendly support from our team. “Collaborating with the Mikro+Polo team was an absolute delight,” he said. “Professional, friendly, and always up for a laugh—it was truly unforgettable!”
At Mikro+Polo, we believe that our projects not only encourage knowledge and innovation but also create an environment where every young talent can shine. After all—who wouldn’t want to work in a lab with a smile on their face?
January 16, 2024
In the Mikro+Polo Company, we have implemented a reorganization, optimization, and digitalization of business processes within the Laboratory sales program with the aim of maintaining competitiveness. This strategic transformation will enable us to focus on innovations, green energy, and sustainability, principles that the company has been following since its inception.
We have decided to optimize our sales programs and related suppliers, leading to a streamlining of our product offerings and the digitalization of operations in the consumables and chemicals sector. The sales of this segment will exclusively take place in digital form through the online application MARKET.
Key advantages of purchasing through the online application MARKET:
- Action price of products,
- 24/7 availability,
- Overview of the current stock status,
- Every purchase counts – gift program,
- Shipment tracking,
- Easy access to necessary information (instructions for use, brochures, certificates, photos, descriptions, …).
The online store MARKET enables more than 5,000 users to make faster and more efficient purchases, contributing to increased productivity and quicker decision-making in the business environment. In the era of digitization, it is crucial to stay current and be ready to adapt offerings to the continuous changes in the market.
We are confident that process optimization will lead to an even stronger and more sustainable future for all parties involved. We are committed to enhancing customer service and maintaining focus on the sales programs we have retained.
Thank you for your understanding.
September 27, 2023
At Micro+Polo, we are committed to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. We are delighted to introduce our new corporate social responsibility strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and compliance with applicable laws and international standards.
This strategy not only benefits our company but also ensures long-term benefits for the environment and future generations. Through focused human resource management, we will build our sustainable future and create a positive impact on the world. Together, we are building a better tomorrow.
You can read it here here. (in the Slovenian language)
July 1, 2023
With our sustainability report, we present our efforts and achievements in the areas of sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG standards) to all interested stakeholders and the public.
While we are not yet committed to reporting according to the GRI standards (Global Reporting Initiative), which are based on ESG standards, the content of our report follows their spirit and highlights our impact on employees, the environment, and the community.
You can read it (in the Slovenian language) here.
March 1, 2023
Help and a sense of fellow people are imprinted in the DNA of Mikro+Polo employees. We understand that every good deed starts with an individual, from where it is transferred to the surroundings, and thus the circle expands and returns with good.
At Mikro+Polo, we are aware that children who lie in bed and receive treatment at University Medical Centre Maribor and University Medical Centre Ljubljana love to create. That’s why we prepared 200 gift packages with coloring books and crayons for the International Day Against Childhood Cancer. With this, we want to cheer up the Heroes of the 3rd Floor Society and other brave children who are being treated at the UMC Ljubljana and UMC Maribor.
Tjaša Groznik, a graphic design student, created the coloring book, in which the main character is the world-famous chemist Miško Polo, who, through a short story, invites children to hunt for a hedgehog in his laboratory.
January 13, 2023
At Mikro+Polo, we put a lot of emphasis on sustainability. We have been a paperless company for many years; if necessary, we use recycled paper, separate waste, manage food scraps, do not use water bottles, save electricity … and we could go on and on. This year, we will become self-sufficient – a 300 kW solar power plant will reign supreme on the roof of our office building, which will cover all our electricity needs, and we will send excess energy to the grid.
The new acquisition will be built by GEN-I Sonce, one of the most established providers on the energy market, which is also a pioneer in the field of introducing solar technology. With a total of 10.5 GWh of environmentally friendly green electricity produced, they contributed to the reduction of CO2 emissions by 5.4 million kilograms. Starting this year, we will also participate in this in our company.
Because we care.
November 29, 2022
For many years, Planet GV has been awarding the prestigious award HR&M project of the year, which rewards the best practices of people management at work and encourages the development of the HR profession. With the awards, Planet GV wants to raise the visibility of the HR field and raise awareness of the importance of leadership at all levels of management in companies and organizations.
Our director Marko Podgornik Verdev is the reason for our pilot project Strong and Healthy: “With the project, Strong and Healthy, we at Mikro+Polo wanted to activate as many employees as possible for a healthy lifestyle, at work and home. We carry out and (co)finance recreational activities and eat healthily. We have already activated more than half of the employees (63 of them exercise in the fitness center), encouraged them to adopt new healthy habits, and strengthened informal socializing and participation in the Let’s Connect Through Sport campaign. We reduced working hours to 37 hours per week; and for active employees to 35 hours. We still have a lot of ideas.”
October 11, 2022
The campaign is part of the project LGBTIQ Alliance for Equality at Work – Combating Discrimination and Promoting Equality in Employment, which is co-financed by the European Union as part of the Program for Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV). The Slovenian partner of the project is Legebitra, and the Croatian non-governmental organizations K-Zona and LORI are also involved internationally.
The campaign takes place between October 11 (when we celebrate International Coming Out Day) and October 18, simultaneously in Slovenia and Croatia.
The purpose of the campaign is to draw attention to the decisive role of organizational factors (management support, protection against discrimination, concern for employee information, and interpersonal relations) in ensuring a working environment in which LGBTIQ persons feel safe and accepted.
»Equality for all! Proud of diversity in the work environment.«
September 30, 2022
At the event of the Association of Managers in Portorož, the following note was read at the awards ceremony and made us happy: A balanced management structure, an environment in which diversity is encouraged and lived, and the equal inclusion of all 150 employees are the reasons that Vključi.Vse received the award this year: MIKRO+POLO.
We are a united team, we create with passion, all together, and we know what our goal is. We work smart and efficiently, and we also know how to have fun, relax and celebrate the successes we reap.
Thank you for the recognition, and as our director, Marko Podgornik Verdev, says: “There are 1,200 managers in the Association, together we manage approximately 150,000 employees. To translate into the modern language of social networks; we are influencers with 150,000 followers. Let’s set an example.”
September 23, 2022
As part of the prestigious international scientific meeting Slovenian Chemistry Days 2022, at last night’s celebratory academy in Portorož, we received a prestigious award: “Memorial Institution of the Slovenian Chemical Society.”
The Slovenian Chemical Society celebrated its impressive 70th-anniversary last year, but due to the epidemiological situation, the Celebratory Academy was forced to be postponed until this year.
Thank you to the Slovenian Chemical Society! The recognition received is a confirmation of our past work and an incentive for the future.
We promise to be even better!
June 14, 2022
Creating quality working conditions and organizational cultures allows employees time to take care of children, the elderly, and their health. We presented our knowledge, experience, and innovative approaches in this area of organizational culture this year as part of the Men in Care project.
We are proud to be among the companies that have already introduced good practices to facilitate the balance of professional and private life.
Watch >> the video.
May 23, 2022
We received the certificate Socially Responsible Employer accession from the hands of Gašper Zakrajšek from Ekvilib Institute. We also received a thank you for 15 years of work in the field of the Family Friendly Company certificate.
Our business policy is based on sustainable development and business – both in relation to our customers, business partners and employees, as well as to the environment in which we are embedded. We are aware of our moral duty to do good, create added value for society and improve the quality of life. Social responsibility is the way of life and operation of our company. Because we care.
At Mikro+Polo, we have been focusing a lot of attention on socially responsible operations since our beginnings. Our business policy is based on sustainable development and business, both to our customers, business partners, and employees, as well as to the environment in which we are embedded.
Funds for sponsorships and donations are awarded based on strategic directions and the basis of company policy. We direct sponsorships and donations to those projects, activities, or activities that support our business goals.
Because we care.
Education and Professional Development
We are aware that today’s knowledge will be obsolete tomorrow. That is why we take care of our employees, and regardless of their position, age, or seniority in the company, we offer them various forms of training and education for their professional and personal development.
With research material, we support young researchers in the »Science Promoter« campaign, which is already in its third season.
We also support young up-and-coming natural scientists. We organize science days for elementary school students of the third triad. In three hours, we introduce the company to them, and under the expert guidance of our colleagues, they try out various chemical and biological experiments.
We are organizing a video competition »Chemistry Rules«, in which classes compete by performing chemical experiments. The best three are richly rewarded: the winners with a one-day trip for the whole class, our »goodies«, and the school with an apparatus for its chemistry laboratory. The second and third place winners receive a coupon to buy chemicals for the school, and the classes also receive products from our promotional program.
Charity
In »Our chemistry« we wrote that we are focused in our work. We can’t do everything at once, we can’t fight all the battles at once. Social responsibility is no different. No matter how much we want to, we cannot accommodate all the requests we receive. That’s why we decided to help socially disadvantaged families and children in our local environment through cooperation with the UP-ornik association, Institute 13 and Institute Mirno morje. UP-ornik customers can get free lunches from us; we also encourage our customers to donate. They can donate their loyalty points obtained by shopping in our Market online store for food from our kitchen to the socially disadvantaged.
In addition, we support activities that promote the natural sciences, especially chemistry, among young people.
Every year, we support Radio City’s campaign: »When it’s Christmas, let it be Christmas for everyone.« In 2022 we actively participated in the UP-ornik association’s campaign »6 million boats for 6 million victims of genocide.«
Social responsibility is a way of life and operation of our company, and we include it in our business strategy every day.
Community Support
We support the local community and participate in activities or support the Tezno district, local schools, firefighters, and other local associations. For example, we took part in the campaign to paint the underpass in Tezno, and we organized a workshop for making bath balls for the pensioners of Dom Danice Vogrinec, thereby implementing intergenerational cooperation, which we also strive for when working in the company.
The UP-ornik association, with which we have been closely and actively cooperating for many years, has found its free home on our premises. Together with the volunteers of the association, we try to alleviate social hardships in our local community.
We are aware that it is our job to give back to the community in which we live and work. That’s why we strive to do business in a socially responsible, sustainable manner, respecting all regulations for the health of employees, a healthy environment, and environmentally friendly operations at every step.
Children and Youth
The world depends on young people. That is why our employees’ children are always welcome in the company. We offer them the opportunity to find out where and what their parents do, to do a compulsory school internship, or to come to work during the summer months. If necessary, we also organize care for them so that their parents can be worry-free. Of course, every year, we also make them happy with a show and gifts for Christmas and New Year.
Every year, we print up-to-date periodic tables for all Slovenian primary and secondary schools and deliver them to them free of charge. From time to time, we also donate consumables for laboratories or promotional products for lucky tombola winners to schools.
We are often visited by groups of young people who want to get to know our company, and we are happy to accommodate them.
We also support young people with other actions, such as, for example, exhibitions of young artists or young musicians at our events.
For two years, we participated in the UNICEF campaign »Kids take over«.
