Business development focuses even more on diversity

23.05.2023 - "Future: Diversity" initiative will continue to promote diversity in companies

v.l.n.r. Mona Achterberg (Region Hannover), Julia Kümper (Region Hannover), Wirtschaftsdezernent der Region Hannover Ulf-Birger Franz & Ayten Berse (Region Hannover) — f.l.t.r. Mona Achterberg (Hannover Region), Julia Kümper (Hannover Region), Ulf-Birger Franz & Ayten Berse (Hannover Region), Head of Economic Affairs of the Hannover Region

Diversity management will have to play an important role in the future viability of companies, if only because of the shortage of skilled workers. However, there is still room for improvement in many areas and companies in the Hannover Region. For this reason, theHannover Region's Economicand Employment Promotion Agency has taken up this issuewith the"Future: Diversity"initiative and will be establishing a new focus in the coming years. The need to raise awarenessof diversity-related issueshas also been demonstrated by a recent study submitted to the Hannover Region.

"We need to make companies aware that equal treatment and equality are not the same thing. Different framework conditions require individual responses so that equality can actually be achieved."

Julia Kümper, Head of Economic Development for the Hannover Region

The Hannover Region signed theDiversityCharter around two years ago, making it a role model - also for companies in the region.

"In today's working world, it should be a matter of course for companies to reflect a diverse society. For employees and companies, diversity in practice is a great advantage
companies, as studies show that these teams are more successful."

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs of the Hannover Region

"It is not necessarily a matter of immediately establishing professional diversity management and drawing up catalogs of measures. It is more important to be aware of the relevance of the topic and to develop a positive attitude that sees diversity as an enrichment. Then individual solutions and approaches will emerge on the spot, in your own company, all by themselves. In this way, talent can be retained and new talent can be attracted."

Mona Achterberg, from the Human Resources Development team of the Hannover Region

Logo for the "Future: Diversity" initiative

With the"Future: Diversity"initiative, the Hannover Region's economic and employment promotion agency is pursuing the goal of supporting companies in this area and developing offers. Creating diversity in companies is therefore a focus of action in the department. The first concrete measures have already been taken. For example, a think tank has already been set upfor cooperation between business development and companies. In the first quarter of this year, a second component was held for the first time: the ChangeDinner. The "Future: Diversity" initiative was presented here and the opportunity was taken to recruit further multipliers for the think tank and the initiative as a whole.

On2.June, the symposium"Few workers, lots of diversity - how do I inspire people for my company"willbe another key event. Moderated by author Ninia la Grande, the event will feature panel discussions, a market of opportunities and workshops.

Registration for the symposium is possible here.

"At the symposium, we are placing a clear focus on all topics that deal with diversity. Of course, this also includes the compatibility of family and career. Our experience shows that these offers are very well received."

Ayten Berse, Head of the Women and Work Coordination Office