Munich, May 29, 2015 – The Munich-based WACKER Group has signed Germany’s Diversity Charter. The aim of this nationwide initiative is to promote diversity in companies and institutions. WACKER is intensifying its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce so as to enhance the Group’s performance.
By signing the charter, organizations agree to create a working environment free from prejudice. Every employee should be treated with respect – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or worldview, disability, age, and sexual orientation or identity. The Diversity Charter was launched in December 2006. Since then, over 2,000 companies and public institutions have signed this voluntary commitment.
WACKER sees diversity and inclusion as the key to being even more successful in the future. Take the following example of cultural diversity: over the past few years, WACKER has become more international, selling its products in 130 countries around the world. Most of the Group’s sales – 86 percent in 2014 – are generated outside Germany. The international nature of WACKER’s business is therefore reflected in its management structure more and more. Over recent years, WACKER has increasingly filled leadership positions in its regions with local employees rather than with German executives sent there on assignment. Members of the Group’s Executive Personnel now come from 17 different countries.
“We are actively promoting diversity and inclusion, because we’re convinced that it enhances our company’s performance,” says WACKER CEO Rudolf Staudigl. This commitment to diversity and inclusion applies worldwide. The company is now setting about devising regional diversity and inclusion strategies in order to reflect local cultural and legal considerations. WACKER Germany is focusing on age/experience, gender and cultural background.
As for women in leadership positions, the company already has effective HR tools in place to pinpoint and develop female employees with potential. Such tools include a groupwide Talent Management system and mentoring programs. A wide variety of working-time models makes it possible for men and women to achieve a work-life balance. “But we realize the promotion of diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process,” says CEO Staudigl. “It is a process we have to continue driving forward with resolve.”
The Charter is intensifying the debate on diversity and inclusion through a variety of projects and measures – such as this year’s German Diversity Day on June 9, which will be the first time that WACKER has taken part. At several sites, the company will be sensitizing executives to the topic of diversity and inclusion by holding presentations on, for example, how men and women behave differently in business. CCI Newswire
