Everyone has the same rights – regardless of ethnic origin, gender, disability, religion or belief, age or sexual identity. Diversity moves us all forward: a society free of discrimination is more livable and opens up the same opportunities for everyone. HENSOLDT should be a company that is characterized by a culture free of discrimination. With our sustainability initiative (Environmental, Social, and Governance), we also always keep this in mind.
International and constitutional law attach great importance to the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination. This is also the case at HENSOLDT worldwide. Today, almost all nations have enshrined something to this effect in their laws. On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. In it, every human being is granted the same rights. In 1999, the Treaty of Amsterdam authorized the Council of the European Union, acting unanimously, to take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
This is implemented in Germany by the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), which came into force in Germany in 2006. At HENSOLDT, our most important concern is to treat everyone equally and to prevent discrimination of all kinds. By joining the UN Global Compact in spring, HENSOLDT commits itself to act according to these guidelines and, above all, to counteract discrimination of any kind.
What is HENSOLDT doing to break down and change subconscious thought patterns?
In the social consciousness some things have changed since then – but still not enough. Dismantling prejudices and changing attitudes and perspectives is a long process and needs more than just a law. This year, mandatory "Unconscious Bias Trainings" were introduced, especially for managers, to counteract this. These training courses are currently being held at our German sites, but will subsequently be extended internationally and to our employees. Through these trainings, we want to create a new way of thinking in our company and transform our thinking and our preconceived views into a different culture.
What can I do as an individual employee?
Discrimination in the workplace concerns us all. In order to prevent such abuses at HENSOLDT, all employees are responsible for disclosing and reporting them. For this purpose, all employees can contact their managers, the HR department, Compliance, the works council and always also the HENSOLDT OpenLine of Compliance. Via the OpenLine, employees can anonymously report any grievances via an independent body and also contact an external person of trust by telephone.
"Look into hearts and minds, not at skin color, origin or religion. Then you will realize: We are all one, only different."
(Dunja Hayali, journalist and presenter)
