Diversity thrives on different perspectives. On the occasion of German Diversity Day on May 19, a few colleagues shared what diversity in everyday working life means to them and what makes diversity at Pepperl+Fuchs so special.
Xenia, Senior Manager Global Marketing, Pepperl+Fuchs Mannheim
In my job, diversity encompasses various aspects – first and foremost, the environment in which I work. As a Senior Manager in Global Marketing, I collaborate daily with colleagues from all over the world. Since many of our tools and content need to function internationally, mutual exchange is always inspiring and takes place in a respectful manner. We all share the same goal: to serve our customers worldwide in the best possible way.
On the other hand, diversity also strongly shapes the work itself.
We play close attention to the way we write; for example, we ensure that our source texts are easy to understand and, above all, easy to translate as possible. I also care deeply about barrier-free access to information and the user-friendliness of the corporate website. Recently, in line with compliance with the European standard “European Accessibility Act (EAA),” we adapted the design of our corporate website to improve readability through better contrasts. We also implemented further technical optimizations so that screen readers can read content more effectively and the website can be operated using a keyboard.
Working in an international environment for an international audience is what makes my job so exciting. The exchange and feedback from my international colleagues help us at Pepperl+Fuchs to improve a little every day and to serve our customers more efficiently – with passion, on equal footing, and in true partnership.
Frank, Head of Commercial & Channel Sales, Pepperl+Fuchs Mannheim
To me, diversity means bringing together different experiences and ways of thinking. Especially in Commercial Sales, this diversity makes my team more flexible, creative, and successful in working with our customers. For me, diversity is an essential foundation for future success. Important measures include fair and transparent evaluation processes, balanced task distribution, and the promotion of an open team culture. This creates an environment where diversity is naturally embraced and different perspectives have their place. Diversity has been a core of the Pepperl+Fuchs DNA for many years – and after 34 years with the company, I can say this with full conviction. In my view, the foundation for this has always been the international structure, the open mindset, and the collegial way we interact with one another.
Luisa, Assistant to the Head of IT, Pepperl+Fuchs Mannheim
In my job, diversity mainly means building bridges – between IT specialists and colleagues from other departments. Generational differences also bring different levels of technical understanding. Since we are a global company, people from different language backgrounds come together as well. My colleague in administration and I often see ourselves as an interface between our IT colleagues and the users. It is important to us to make solutions as understandable and accessible as possible. This includes, for example, creating FAQs and guides, which we continuously expand and update, as well as the planned redesign of our ticketing system to create more efficient use and a more positive user experience. I especially appreciate the international diversity within our company. I work every day with colleagues from many different countries. The fact that my English vocabulary continues to grow as a result is a nice side effect. 🙂
Alexander, Manufacturing Excellence Singapur, Pepperl+Fuchs in Singapur (Expat from Germany to Singapore)
Diversity means for me being surrounded by people from different backgrounds who recognize and respect each other’s differences. Different backgrounds bring different perspectives and ways of thinking. This helps us challenge one another, gain new viewpoints, and develop innovative solutions. It is especially important that all employees have equal opportunities to contribute and grow, regardless of their background. As an expat, I myself moved from Mannheim to Singapore and experience every day how different cultures interact with one another.
In Singapore, for example, meetings with Muslim colleagues are not scheduled on Fridays during prayer times. This shows how important it is to approach each other. If, for example cultural differences are identified, the goal should be to address them openly without necessarily compromising one’s own values. What matters most is mutual appreciation. Pepperl+Fuchs is a global company, offering many opportunities to work internationally, get to know new cultures, and further develop one’s own way of thinking. While international assignments in the past were mainly initiated from Mannheim, I now see more and more examples of employees from other nationalities being sent to Germany and settling there long-term. In my view, these are very positive developments that we should continue to strengthen and encourage.
Thanks to the colleagues who answered our questions about diversity in everyday working life!
Photo: Adobe Stock
