Sharing similar experiences, networking and jointly driving forward issues within the company - that's what employee networks are all about. Outside of their day-to-day work, several of our DOUGLAS Group colleagues from different departments are committed to promoting important matters at our company - and thus fostering diversity.
As a European company with employees from more than 100 nations, it is clear to us that diversity advances our society. Promoting the uniqueness of each and every individual is part of our "Let it Bloom" company strategy and firmly anchored in our sustainability strategy: As part of the "People" pillar, we work towards fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the DOUGLAS Group. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) - employee networks dedicated to common interests - play a vital role in this.
We are very proud of our three networks that were established in the financial year 2021/22:
Introducing our Employee Networks:
beYOUtiful@DOUGLAS
The DOUGLAS Group's working environment is colorful and open. Everyone is welcome here, no matter who they love and regardless of gender identity and sexuality. The DOUGLAS Group has been committed to LGBTQIA+ issues for many years as part of Pride Days. Now, with "beYOUtiful", for the first time there is a Pride network that connects colleagues from the community and their allies. One of the network's highlights was its participation in Cologne's Christopher Street Day in summer 2023, where 50 colleagues took part for the first time with their own parade float and presented the company's diversity to the outside world.
FAMILY@DOUGLAS
Whether expectant parents, single parents or employees with relatives in need of care - this network aims to improve the balance between work and family life in the DOUGLAS Group. The colleagues create an open space for talks and discussions within the company. The members develop practical, individual solutions that enable family-friendly working conditions. Together, they also plan events with and for employees and their families at the headquarters in Düsseldorf.
Internationals@DOUGLAS
All employees should feel encouraged, heard and valued - regardless of where they come from and what language they speak. Colleagues from different countries and cultures share their experiences and perspectives and support each other. That way, the DOUGLAS Group empowers international employees and makes it easier for them to start a job in Germany. The network aims to actively influence the company's culture and working environment in a positive way and make it even more open, inclusive and diverse. One example of the network's success is its cooperation with the "Imagine Foundation", which helps international talent to find and start their dream job abroad.
We are convinced that ERGs help us to enter into an exchange with like-minded people and thus create internal "safe spaces". In addition to the three ERGs, further networks are already being planned. As a company, it is extremely important to us to create equal opportunities and possibilities for all employees.
