Diversity & Inclusion: milestones of a journey
Audi takes a holistic approach to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Holistic means specifically taking action in strategically important areas and, in this way, making the working environment one of long-term equal opportunities and inclusivity. Selected highlights show how the individual D&I modules intersect with each other and diversity becomes effective.
Manifesto
Each individual’s uniqueness is a precious asset, since each person is characterized by their own stories, perspectives and abilities. Audi appreciates these differences and acknowledges the tremendous value they have for the company. In 2023, the Board of Management of AUDI AG issued a manifesto as a visible internal and external commitment to consistently implementing and practicing D&I.
“That’s why we generate ‘Vorsprung’ or progress. Because the differences in the result make all the difference.”
We.Together – D&I Days
We.Together – D&I Days
With the themed week entitled “We.Together,” Audi set itself the goal of achieving visibility for the subjects of Diversity & Inclusion. The campaign week is held simultaneously at up to 20 of the Audi Group’s international sites, including Belgium, Italy, Mexico and Hungary, every year. A total of 72 digital sessions in seven languages were offered on the D&I Days at the end of May 2023. Moreover, employees worldwide enjoyed a varied program of presentations, workshops, networking events and panels. What makes different generations tick? What does neurodiversity mean? How can employees and customers with disabilities be helped to find accessible places at the plant and locally? The journey will continue this year, since anchoring D&I worldwide is a marathon, not a sprint.
CSD Ingolstadt
The LGBT_IQ1 community represents an important part of the diversity of AUDI AG. The Four Rings has therefore been a supporter of the PROUT AT WORK foundation since 2020. The foundation helps to create a visible and tangible public sphere for queer2 people in the workplace. The “queer@audi” diversity network is also committed to LGBT_IQ issues and topics within the company. At the international Christopher Street Days (CSD), the aim is to regularly and collectively fly the flag for a diverse and non-discriminatory society. In September 2023, queer Audi employees took part in CSD in Ingolstadt, the headquarters of AUDI AG, together with LGBT_IQ supporters from the company. “We live diversity” is a Group principle that needs to be brought to life again and again. Audi is colorful – and open!
Impressions of Christopher Street Day 2023 and 2024 in Ingolstadt with committed employees from the diversity networks.
Inclusion Survey
Audi takes D&I into its own hands: the first Inclusion Survey was an important premiere in the summer of 2023. The aim was to obtain as complete a picture as possible of the perspectives of the workforce in the Audi Group for the first time and to derive effective measures from this. “We want to know how valued and included employees feel and whether they can authentically contribute with their personality,” says Denise Mathieu, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at AUDI AG. At the heart of the survey were 23 questions on the five topics of authenticity, belonging, psychological safety, inclusive behavior as well as fair practices and culture. Only when the precise status of inclusion has been determined can strengths be developed and areas for action identified. Audi will build on these findings in the future to further develop its D&I offering in a targeted manner.