Together for more diversity: thyssenkrupp at CSD 2023

For us at thyssenkrupp, one thing is clear: Stereotypes have no place here! That's why we openly address and challenge them and promote diversity among our #GENERATIONTK employees. Because, what matters to us is what people are passionate about - not what others think about them.

Age, gender, origin or sexual orientation are categories that do not limit us at thyssenkrupp. What counts for us are motivation, competence, drive and mentality. This clear attitude and lived corporate culture, which welcomes and promotes all people equally, is what sets us apart at thyssenkrupp.

Diversity and inclusion: an integral part of thyssenkrupp's corporate culture

At thyssenkrupp we work every day to promote and exemplify a tolerant and cosmopolitan corporate culture. This commitment is no coincidence. On the contrary: Diversity and inclusion management has been an integral part of thyssenkrupp's human resources policy for many years. "At thyssenkrupp, we value one another," emphasizes Oliver Burkhard, Chief Human Resources Officer at thyssenkrupp AG. "In our company, all employees - regardless of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation and other dimensions of diversity - should have the same opportunities. It's part of our corporate culture."

The LGBTQIA community also plays an important role. For example, thyssenkrupp has a network called "LGBTI@thyssenkrupp" - a community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgender, queer, intersex and asexual colleagues. But so-called allies are also involved in this network. Allies are people who do not belong to a minority themselves, but who actively and clearly show solidarity with them, take a stand and advocate for equality for all. 

“Especially the personal support that we receive from the Board of Directors”, as Ursula Martin, project leader in Operational Excellence at thyssenkrupp Material Services, emphasises. “I see diversity as a huge plus at thyssenkrupp. The LGBTQIA community has the full support of Oliver Burkhard, who has been supporting us from day one. I still think that’s remarkable.

Making a joint statement at Christopher Street Day in Cologne

To set a clear signal for diversity, thyssenkrupp again joined the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cologne this year. With the motto "Blue is colorful. For diversity and queer heads", around 280 colleagues joined the parade. Despite a temperate of 35 degrees. Equipped with sunscreen, hats and in a great mood, they went through Cologne wearing thyssenkrupp-blue CSD shirts: a festive walk against discrimination in society and at the workplace.

"A celebration that is not only fun, but also very important. Because it is and remains important that we, as a society and a company, continue to send out clear signals against discrimination," said Kathrin Dennler, head of the Human Relations Management group function at thyssenkrupp. 

Participation in the CSD is just one of many measures at thyssenkrupp to promote tolerance and diversity and to proudly demonstrate this to the outside world. The new employer branding campaign with a focus on diversity and other diversity communities also reflect this commitment. The aim is for all employees at thyssenkrupp to feel comfortable and have no fear of hiding.