Made by Vielfalt: Finzelberg joins German family businesses championing diversity, openness and acceptance

Finzelberg has joined more than 40 German family businesses and two business associations in eastern Germany by signing up to the “Made in Germany – Made by Vielfalt” national campaign for greater diversity and acceptance within German society. Finzelberg opted to become part of the initiative out of a deeply held conviction that diversity is a key factor in economic success.

Diversity strengthens competitiveness and customer satisfaction

Around 380 people of all ages from 20 countries and many different cultures work together at Finzelberg’s sites every day. The nature network, to which Finzelberg belongs, now led by the fourth generation of the Bauer/Wedel family, has incorporated its values into daily working practices with a range of measures. These start with a comprehensive Code of Conduct; it also signed the national Diversity Charter as far back as 2011. “Diversity and equity are much more than a moral obligation for us,” says Anne Wedel-Klein, CEO of the nature network. “They promote creativity, innovation and productivity, and they improve decision-making processes and heighten employee satisfaction. An integrative corporate culture is attractive for employees and allows us to better respond to diverse customer requirements. That increases our competitiveness and customer satisfaction, helping us achieve success within demanding markets.”

Finzelberg’s approach to diversity: Flexible working models and a women’s network

Katja Hild, Human Resources Expert at Finzelberg, ensures that job ads are formulated in such a way that all potential recruits feel addressed. But Finzelberg doesn’t only express its commitment to diversity externally; it’s an important part of the internal culture, too. Hild explains: “Our inhouse campus offers regular courses and talks that not only help participants to develop their own strengths but also communicate the value of diversity.” The company also has a broad range of flexible working models that enable inclusion within daily working life. The company has developed guidelines on gender-neutral and inclusive language and has an anonymous complaints system that employees can use to report any violations of laws and regulations. There is also a women’s network, initiated by Anne Wedel-Klein in 2018, which currently has 73 members. The network allows women working in management and specialist roles at the nature network’s German sites to exchange news and views. It aims to promote diversity within the nature network, improve recognition and appreciation of female specialists and managers, raise their profile, and encourage discussion. The network is currently working to establish a special mentoring program by and for women.

Diversity cannot be taken for granted

“In difficult times in particular, we have seen that diversity and inclusion cannot be taken for granted,” says Michael Braig, CEO of Finzelberg. “Open communication and active listening are essential for us in our daily working life because that’s how we generate understanding for multiple perspectives and create a working environment where everyone feels appreciated.”