JOY THROUGH DIVERSITY AT THE BMW GROUP.
THE FUTURE CAN ONLY BE BUILT TOGETHER.
Diversity – in every form – is one of the most important success factors for us. Because as diverse as our customers, suppliers and investors are worldwide, so diverse are our teams, which manage to put a smile on our customers' faces every day.
And we know that passion knows no differences, so we encourage diversity in all our teams. Because if you want to set standards in shaping the sustainable and individual mobility of the future, you also have to go ahead with the corporate culture. This diversity in our teams enables us to better understand, reflect and make more intelligent decisions about the various requirements of our stakeholders from all over the world. Our diversity is the cornerstone of our company's success and not only secures our innovative strength, but also our long-term competitiveness.
DIVERSITY IN ALL ITS DIMENSIONS.
GENDER.
To us, equal opportunities for men and women are not an empty promise, but a reality we live by – every day and everywhere. Because we know that it’s the varied and mutually complementary perspectives and approaches of each individual that make us strong enough to face our challenges.
The skills of our female colleagues are an essential element to the success of the BMW Group. Not only do we appreciate their expertise and dedication - but also their communicative skills which prove invaluable in creating a better togetherness.
AGE & EXPERIENCE.
The average number of years an employee works for the BMW Group is increasing. This is due to an earlier entry into the company, as well as a later exit, e.g. due to rising retirement ages. In order to benefit from the strengths and experiences of employees of different ages, we’ve introduced a variety of programmes for flexible and mobile working.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITIES.
By creating optimal, barrier-free working conditions we ensure that all of our colleagues, whether they have a disability or not, feel comfortable and empowered to shape creative processes from a variety of different perspectives. Because we know that different perspectives play an essential role in us achieving great things together, every day. In times of transformation, we use innovative digitalisation and industry 4.0 solutions to make work easier, in particular for our colleagues with disabilities. We also get involved outside of our company e.g. through cooperations with programmes for the disabled.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND.
We are proud to have colleagues from over 110 different nations in our teams, and strive to promote cultural exchange through targeted talent development, inter-cultural engagement and intensive international exchange.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION & IDENTITY.
For us, diversity means living a culture that is based on appreciation and respect, so that people of all origins can contribute and develop with their personality and identity. BMW Group PRIDE stands for exactly that. The network acts as the mouthpiece of the LGBT+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, others) where diversity, equality, trust, respect and inclusion come first. Together, we ensure a positive, tolerant and open work environment in which everyone is welcome regardless of their sexual identity.
We also send a clear signal to the outside world: in 2021, for instance, we joined the PROUT EMPLOYER network of the Prout at Work Foundation and signed the UN Standards of Conduct for Business for Tackling Discrimination against LGBTI people.
DIVERSITY CHARTER.
In 2011, we took a proactive approach to the topic of diversity by joining the Diversity Charter, a corporate initiative dedicated to making recognition, appreciation and integration of diversity a part of German corporate culture. By signing the Charter, we pledged to create a working environment free of prejudice.
MULTIFACETED INSIGHTS.
We pursue our goal of a diverse, inclusive culture not only internally. We use our voice to inspire, to convince and to stimulate dialogue, thus promoting open, appreciative togetherness.
#INTERNATIONALDAYOFSIGNLANGUAGES
Passion speaks all languages. Our aim is to offer an ideal work environment for every single team member in order to make everyone feel comfortable and empowered to shape the future of mobility.
#INTERNATIONALTOLERANCE DAY
Passion knows no difference. Diversity is an indispensable element for the future of the BMW Group. Diversity and individuality make us strong and innovative in order to lead the way to a better and sustainable tomorrow.
#INTERNATIONALMOTHERLANGUAGE DAY
As an international company, we highly appreciate the diversity of cultures and therewith multilingualism. The mother language is part of everyone‘s identity, and it is our deep-rooted identity that empowers us to create a better future. Because the more languages we speak, the more passion there is.
#NATIONALCOMINGOUTDAY
Passion knows no right or wrong. We welcome and appreciate you no matter which gender you belong to or whom you are in love with. That is why we give our colleagues the same chances and support them with individual solutions.
#WORLDAIDSDAY
At the BMW Group, we are all united by one passion. There is no room for discrimination. Just as there is no room for HIV stigma. We show our support for people living with HIV, their families and their rights.
#INTERNATIONALSTUTTERINGAWARENESSDAY
It is about what we say, not how. In order to create ideal working conditions, we ensure that all colleagues feel comfortable and are able to be part of creative processes. Only this way, we can drive transformation.
TALKING ABOUT DIVERSITY.
Diversity is a multifaceted term – especially when we talk about its dimensions and implementation in the company. Colleagues from different areas of the BMW Group answer the question of what exactly defines diversity and what it looks like in everyday life.
"Diversity is the foundation of our success. A working environment free of prejudice, combined with respectful coexistence, are important requirements for this."
—
ILKA HORSTMEIER.
Member of the Board of Management of the BMW AG Human Resources and Labour Relations.
"The BMW Group benefits from the diversity of its employees and their different perspectives. After all, our customers also differ in terms of their nationality, age and gender. Studies also show that heterogeneous teams with different perspectives are more successful. Our diversity is our strength."
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DR. STEFAN KASPEROWSKI.
Head of BMW Group Plant Landshut.
"My colleagues come from five nations and speak fifteen different languages. But it is because we take our diversity into account that our team works. On the job, we speak the same language."
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TÜNDE KIRALY.
Head of Strategy, Projects, Central Functions Purchasing and Supplier Network.
"All my colleagues know me by sight now - no one looks funny when I roll into the meeting. We have a great team spirit, everyone stands up for everyone else, just like in basketball!"
—
LAURA FÜRST.
System Designer High-Voltage Storage Systems.
