SKODA AUTO is fully committed to diversity and inclusion 24.05.2021: – both in everyday life and in the workplace › Diversity and different cultural backgrounds are a source of inspiration, creativity and strength

– both in everyday life and in the workplace

› Diversity and different cultural backgrounds are a source of inspiration, creativity and strength


› The Czech car manufacturer supports diversity and inclusion in all areas of its business


› ŠKODA AUTO is a member of the Pride Business Forum and a partner of this year’s Diversity Charter Conference

To promote inclusion and diversity in everyday life and at work, the EU has designated May as ‘European Diversity Month’ this year. The initiative is organised by the EU Platform of Diversity Charters, which currently includes 26 nations. These charters aim to promote and support diversity in international companies, SMEs and non-profit organisations.



ŠKODA AUTO signed the Czech charter in 2019 and actively promotes tolerance, equal opportunities, cultural diversity and treating each other with respect. As a sign of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the carmaker recently joined the Pride Business Forum and became a partner of the Diversity Charter Conference.



ŠKODA AUTO CEO, Thomas Schäfer, said: “Diversity has become noticeably more important in recent years and will continue to do so. It has a measurable impact on the performance of teams and influences a company’s mindset and
culture. Diverse teams are more efficient and more likely to strike the right note when they are working together. That’s why, for us at ŠKODA, diversity is consistently promoted as one of the key success factors in achieving our company objectives.”



Maren Gräf, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Human Resources, added: “Diversity covers many aspects such as gender, ethnic origin, social background, religion, world view, sexual orientation and age. They all define an individual’s personality and how they see themselves. For people to reach their full potential at work, they need to be surrounded by colleagues who do not judge them but accept and support them as they are.


At ŠKODA AUTO, we have set ourselves clear objectives. We will resolutely continue to promote – and importantly measure – diversity across the board. We are shaping the transformation of our company and our industry together with our teams – with their full potential, commitment and passion.”



Diversity Open Talk on 13 May 2021


As part of the ŠKODA AUTO Academy OPEN TALK event series, Thomas Schäfer and Maren Gräf were joined by Jana Šrámová, Head of Operative HR Management, Digitalisation and HR 4.0 and Michal Kadera, Head of External Relations to exchange views with the workforce on how strategy and diversity are linked.



They addressed why quotas are an incentive to place a greater focus on diversity and to record and review progress. In addition to numerous other topics, they also discussed the option of establishing a diversity community at ŠKODA AUTO.



As a signatory of the EU Diversity Charter and a member of the Czech Business for Society initiative, ŠKODA AUTO is
involved in various other events. Last year, employees of the car manufacturer and other companies exchanged views
on topics such as ‘Single Parents at Work’, ‘The Future is Female’ and ‘Time Travel: Integrational Dialogue’ and
discussed best-practice examples.



Joining the Pride Business Forum on 17 May 2021


On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Thomas Schäfer and Maren Gräf
signed the 2017+ Memorandum for ŠKODA AUTO to join the Pride Business Forum. The initiative aims to promote
LGBT+ diversity in the workplace and ensure open and fair treatment of each other, regardless of sexual orientation
and gender identity. Alongside ŠKODA AUTO, numerous other major companies are members of the Pride Business
Forum in the Czech Republic.



European Diversity Day conference in the Czech Republic on 21 May 2021


On 21 May, Thomas Schäfer and Maren Gräf joined Elke Heitmüller, Volkswagen Group’s Head of Diversity, at the
Diversity Charter conference and discussed with representatives from business, politics and academia how diversity
can be anchored in the corporate world. ŠKODA AUTO signed the EU Diversity Charter in 2019.


The employers’ initiative to promote workplace equality is supported by more than 12,000 businesses and organisations across Europe. In Germany, signatories include Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and ŠKODA AUTO Germany.




Equality at ŠKODA AUTO


The basis for ŠKODA AUTO’s long-term success is a strong sense of community among its staff. They shape the
working environment and help create an open, diverse and understanding company culture. The car manufacturer’s
diversity strategy is based on five cornerstones.


ŠKODA AUTO strives for gender balance across its workforce. This includes women being fully supported in their training and career development, and when returning to work after parental leave. As part of its diversity strategy, ŠKODA AUTO staffs roles at all levels with international team members. Being a global company in a dynamic business environment requires an understanding of the needs of a diverse customer base in all markets to remain competitive in the long run.


Furthermore, the corporate culture is characterised by cross-generational collaboration within the workforce. Each age group enriches the view on current topics such as digitalisation, teamwork, leadership style and the working environment.


As a further core component of its diversity strategy, ŠKODA AUTO employs more than 350 people at its three Czech plants who need special support in carrying out their daily tasks due to their health or other requirements. The carmaker also actively promotes a diverse mindset.



A comprehensive understanding of the importance of diversity and a clear commitment to the underlying values are key to the car manufacturer’s success and the basis for stakeholder engagement with the company.



Tomáš Kotera- photos Skoda