Diversity and equal opportunity

We believe that if something can be imagined, it can be created – a belief that rests on having different insights, different ideas and different ways of looking at things. We therefore view diversity as one of our most important resources and put it into practice every day. In 2018, our 2000 employees comprise people from 61 nationalities working in 27 countries. Our workforce is 76% male and 24% female.

How we embed diversity and equal opportunity

We view equality, diversity and inclusion as something that should be intrinsic across our organization rather than as a separate, abstract principle. We ensure that equal treatment and social inclusion are the heart of our organization. No matter what we do. No matter where we are.
Considering multiple viewpoints and perspectives helps us effectively anticipate and address the expectations of our customers, our people, our shareholders and our communities and we believe that our commitment to diversity and inclusion will continue to produce a more innovative and responsive organization.
We also believe that there is more to diversity than age, gender, race and cultural background. It also includes different ways of thinking. A diverse workplace includes people who can offer a range of viewpoints and ideas.

Diversity and Inclusion policy

In 2018, we published our diversity and inclusion policy and launched an e-learning training module about workspace diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion principles are also included in our core leadership and management training programs. This encourages managers to demonstrate these principles in their leadership behavior. Our diversity and inclusion policy also forms part of our Safety, Health and Environment training.

How do we define diversity?

Diversity
Diversity refers to the visible and invisible differences that exist between people and to all the characteristics that make individuals different from each other, including but not limited to gender, race, age, culture, language, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, family status and in generally different ways of thinking and different ways of working.

Inclusion
Inclusion refers to encouraging practices and behaviors in the workplace to ensure that individuals feel included within workplace activities without any barriers or obstacles as a result of their age, gender, language, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious belief, family status or nationality.
Unlawful discrimination
Any practice which makes distinctions between individuals or groups to advantage some and disadvantage others, based on one or more of the following attributes: age, marital status, gender, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, employment status, disability (including illness), sexual orientation, political opinion, family status and involvement or non-involvement in the activities of a union.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity by GRI

The promotion of diversity and equal opportunity at work can generate significant benefits for both the organization and workers. The GRI standard covers an organization’s impact on Diversity and Equal Opportunity at work and how it manages these impacts.

'3 questions about...'  with Frank Sonnemans

In our series '3 questions about...', Chief Financial Officer Frank Sonnemans explains more about diversity, commitments and the Stahl vigilance team. Watch the video below: