thyssenkrupp takes a stand against sexism

All employees should feel safe at their workplaces and have equal opportunities.

This is what the declaration "Gemeinsam gegen Sexismus und sexuelle Beläsigung” (in English: Together against sexism and sexual harassment) calls for. thyssenkrupp subscribes to this stance - literally. In February 2022 Oliver Burkhard signed the declaration on behalf of thyssenkrupp. The declaration is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

Alongside many cities, universities and other associations, thyssenkrupp has now joined the campaign as a global group of companies. For Barbara Thiel, Head of Diversity & Inclusiveness at thyssenkrupp, this signature is not only a matter of course, it is also an important signal to the outside world: "Sexism, unfortunately, takes place far too often and is more common than many assume." According to a study by the German Federal Ministry from 2019, 63 percent of the women and 49 percent of the men interviewed said they had perceived sexist assaults or had been affected personally. In this context, the boundaries between sexism and sexual harassment are often blurred.

Barbara Thiel explains: "Sexism can have many faces: Supposedly joking, sometimes insinuating remarks, open disparagement or the rejection of equality. And, unfortunately, it also takes place in the workplace." Preventing women from taking up management positions or the often discussed gender pay gap are examples of structural sexism. In order to prevent sexism, it is important that both managers and all employees are aware of their responsibility.

Because sexism has consequences - especially in the workplace. Among other things, it can lead to (mental) illness and thus absenteeism. But it is not only for these more economic reasons that sexism should be fought in the workplace. "For us, this is less an economic decision than a question of moral decency to stand up against sexism and for equal rights for everyone," explains Oliver Burkhard, Chief Human Resources Officer at thyssenkrupp AG.

In addition, thyssenkrupp not only opposes sexism but also all other forms of discrimination. For years thyssenkrupp has been committed to great diversity in the Group of Companies. "Diversity is what we stand for at thyssenkrupp," stresses Oliver Burkhard: "It reflects the way we want to live and work together: Respectful, tolerant, open-minded."

That's why thyssenkrupp established the Diversity & Inclusiveness department in 2014. It is committed to ensuring and expanding diversity in the Group - at all locations around the world. "Our #GENERATIONTK is as diverse as any other generation," says Barbara Thiel. That's what distinguishes a generation.

Recruiting itself has become more international and more female in the recent years. Another focus is the continuous increase in the proportion of women in management positions and throughout the whole workforce as well. Strong women have always played special roles in thyssenkrupp's history - from Bertha Krupp to Martina Merz. Since 2013 the groupwide women's network "wow! web of women" has linked female employees at thyssenkrupp. It provides a platform for open exchange and represents the interests of women in the group. It also brings together the individual women's networks from the respective segments.

In addition, the LGBTI@thyssenkrupp network was established in 2016, in which numerous colleagues are involved to create authentic representation and inclusion of the LGBTI community in various formats. For example, thyssenkrupp regularly takes part in Christopher Street Day in Cologne with its own float.

Diversity is in our DNA. It is an integral part of who we are at thyssenkrupp. The diversity of our more than 100,000 unique employees is an enrichment and even gives us the chance to work together more innovatively, productively and above all creatively.

If you experience sexism or other forms of discrimination in the workplace as an employee of thyssenkrupp, please report these incidents. To do so, you can approach your direct supervisor or another manager. If this is not possible, contact the HR department or other reporting systems known to you. Furthermore, thyssenkrupp has signed an agreement against discrimination, the International Framework Agreement (IFA). Violations can therefore also be reported at frameworkagreement@thyssenkrupp.com. These will then be investigated. If you are not affected yourself but notice discrimination against others, please show responsibility and report these violations as well. Thank you very much.