JOY THROUGH DIVERSITY AT THE BMW GROUP.

To us, equal opportunities for everyone are not an empty promise, but a reality we live by – every day and everywhere. Because we know that it is the varied and mutually complementary perspectives and approaches of each individual that make us strong enough to face our challenges. 

The skills of our female colleagues are an essential element to the success of the BMW Group. Not only do we appreciate their expertise and dedication – but also their communicative skills which prove invaluable in creating a better togetherness. With our women's network and other internal organisations, we offer them the best conditions for networking and exchange with each other.

We also work closely with external partners to further strengthen our commitment to gender diversity, including PANDA – the Women Leadership Network and the "TogetherAgainst Sexism Alliance".

The average number of years an employee works for the BMW Group is increasing. This is due to an earlier entry into the company, as well as a later exit, e.g. due to rising retirement ages. In order to benefit from the strengths and experiences of employees of different ages, we have introduced a variety of programmes for flexible and mobile working.

By creating optimal, barrier-free working conditions we ensure that all of our colleagues, whether they have a disability or not, feel comfortable and empowered to shape creative processes from a variety of different perspectives. Because we know that different perspectives play an essential role in us achieving great things together, every day. We use innovative digitalisation and industry 4.0 solutions to make work easier, in particular for our colleagues with disabilities.

We also get involved outside of our company e.g. through cooperations with programmes for the disabled and our engagement as part of the Valuable 500.

We are proud to have colleagues from over 100 different nations in our teams, and strive to promote cultural exchange through targeted talent development, inter-cultural engagement and intensive international exchange.

For us, diversity means living a culture that is based on appreciation and respect, so that people of all origins can contribute and develop with their personality and identity.

BMW Group PRIDE stands for exactly that. The network acts as the mouthpiece of the LGBTIQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) where diversity, equality, trust, respect and inclusion come first. Together, we ensure a positive, tolerant and open work environment in which everyone is welcome regardless of their sexual identity. 

We also send a clear signal to the outside world: in 2021, for instance, we joined the PROUT EMPLOYER network of the Prout at Work Foundation and signed the "UN Standards of Conduct for Business for Tackling Discrimination against LGBTI people". We also commit ourself as partner of the "Together Against Sexism Alliance".

In 2011, we took a proactive approach to the topic of diversity by joining the Diversity Charter, a corporate initiative dedicated to making recognition, appreciation and integration of diversity a part of German corporate culture. By signing the Charter, we pledged to create a working environment free of prejudice.