Driving Change: Škoda Auto Celebrates European Diversity Month with Focus on Inclusive Work Environment

Driving Change: Škoda Auto Celebrates European Diversity Month with Focus on Inclusive Work Environment

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto, the Czech carmaker, has actively participated in European Diversity Month, promoting acceptance, equal opportunities, diversity, and respectful collaboration. The company is committed to providing an open and safe working environment and has launched various activities to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion. Škoda Auto aims to be an attractive employer for all individuals, including those with disabilities. They have set clear targets to increase diversity in management positions and recognize the economic benefits of diversity. As part of their commitment, Škoda Auto has organized internal events, partnered with initiatives against homophobia, and signed the European Diversity Charter. They will also unveil a special vehicle, the Škoda Enyaq Coupé Respectline, to emphasize the importance of respecting individuality.

(PRESS RELEASE) MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 30-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — ŠKODA AUTO, one of the world’s oldest car makers and Czech Republic largest private company part of Volkswagen Group, continues to champion acceptance, equal opportunities, diversity, and respectful collaboration within and outside the company. As part of its dedication to providing an open, equitable, and safe working environment, Škoda Auto actively participated in European Diversity Month this year, launching a series of activities to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

European Diversity Month, declared by the European Union in May, aims to promote and create awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both daily life and the workplace. In line with this objective, Škoda Auto strives to be an appealing employer for all individuals, irrespective of their health or social limitations. Since 2006, the company has been opening sheltered workshops for people with disabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve this goal.

“As one of the largest employers in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto supports a wide range of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, we have been signatories to the European Diversity Charter since 2019. Diversity and inclusion are and remain key areas of action, and we strive to lead by example in this regard. We advocate diversity, openness, acceptance and a working environment based on mutual respect and understanding. Diverse teams deliver better results, represent our customer base and are the foundation of our long-term success.” – Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO

“People reach their full potential in an environment where they are accepted and supported according to their self-image. The more diverse the team, the better and more innovative their work is. This applies to aspects including gender identity, ethnic origin, social background and education, religion, worldview, sexual orientation, health and age. At Škoda Auto, we set clear goals and promote diversity across all areas. With each person playing their part, we can work together as a team throughout this transformation period to unleash the power of inclusion that we need now and in the future.” – Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture

Embracing diversity and inclusion through clear targets
Various studies have shown that diversity in corporate leadership not only brings social benefits but also economic advantages. Gender balance, in particular, has the potential to boost GDP growth by 7.8% in the Czech Republic. With the support of its social partner, KOVO Trade Union, Škoda Auto aims to increase the representation of less represented genders in management positions to 25% by 2030. The promotion of diversity offers additional strong reasons, including a 45% increase in growth potential and a 70% expansion potential for companies. Moreover, fostering an inclusive environment triples employee satisfaction and more than doubles the improvement in work-life balance.

Škoda Auto’s active involvement in initiatives
To commemorate European Diversity Month, Škoda Auto recently launched various internal activities under the theme “You Matter, We matter, Diversity matters.” The program featured presentations, online and off-site events, and workshops for employees. Notable events included the interactive roundtable discussion “Don’t be afraid to share” organized for the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Additionally, Škoda Auto partnered with the Prague Fun & Run 2023 run against homophobia, reaffirming its commitment to diversity.

Diversity as a strategic cornerstone
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is a fundamental aspect of Škoda Auto’s and the Volkswagen Group’s strategies. In 2019, Škoda Auto signed the European Diversity Charter, actively advocating acceptance, equitable opportunities, and cultural diversity. The car manufacturer has also joined the Pride Business Forum, focusing on various diversity issues such as gender balance, family-friendly policies, LGBT+ inclusion, internationalization, intergenerational collaboration, individual skills, alternative employment models, employee engagement, and diversity mindset and training.

Respecting individuality through the Škoda Enyaq Coupé Respectline
Škoda Auto will soon unveil the Škoda Enyaq Coupé Respectline, a uniquely designed car with distinctive exterior and interior styling that emphasizes the importance of protecting human rights and fostering respect for all individuals and nature. This special vehicle, created to commemorate European Diversity Month, will make its debut appearance at the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra’s Open Air concert on June 21. It will also be showcased at the Pride Business Forum, the Prague Pride Festival, and various summer events at home and abroad, symbolizing Škoda Auto’s commitment to embracing diversity and respect.

Media contact:

Ariane Kilian
Head of Communications
e: ariane.kilian@skoda-auto.cz
t: +420 326 811 778

SOURCE: Škoda Auto a.s.