Audi Brussels awarded the Diversity Label
The Audi Brussels plant has been awarded the 2018 Diversity Label for the Brussels-Capital Region. The Diversity Label was launched in 2008 by the Brussels regional employment agency, Actiris, and is intended to give companies the resources required for tackling all the risks associated with discrimination. To obtain the certification, Audi Brussels devised a comprehensive diversity plan that delivered highly successful results. Following a positive assessment, the Brussels plant was finally rewarded for its commitment to the promotion of diversity with the official allocation of the Diversity Label.
The certification is valid for two years. Audi Brussels can make unlimited use of the label in all internal and external communication during this period. This certification instrument is based on an action plan that defines a series of best practices. Actiris actively assesses this action plan and awards the label, which is formally presented by the Minister of the Brussels-Capital Region responsible for Economics and Employment, Didier Gosuin.
During the last three years, a team of experts from Audi Brussels focused on the diversity policy and outlined all strategies; not only for combating discrimination, but also for making employee differences a performance lever for the company. These strategies are increasingly satisfying requirements in the field of social responsibility and reputation. Director of Training and Human Resources at Audi Brussels, Alain Sermeus, leads the team responsible for diversity management: "Implementing a diversity policy is not easy. A fact that Audi Brussels' expert group is acutely aware of. Motivation factors primarily depend on personal factors, such as the managers’ engagement, or on limitations, such as the application of statutory obligations which have evolved considerably in recent years."
For Director General of Human Resources at Audi Brussels, Erik Prieels, the challenge posed by diversity is much broader than the fight against discrimination alone: “Diversity is clearly key to a company’s recruitment processes, but it is equally essential to its personnel policy. Managing diversity is about reflecting on the potential for optimising the vast talent within the organisation."
Promoting company diversity has one objective: to convert employee differences into company assets. Aside from issues of social responsibility, diversity management is therefore a source of wealth. Also in a literal sense, as General Director of Technology and Logistics and Spokesperson for the Audi Brussels Executive Committee, Patrick Danau, confirms: "Provided it is well managed, diversity is a company success factor, a human and economic wealth. Thus, the diversity policy is expected to deliver direct or indirect benefits in terms of economic performance."
Promoting company diversity has one objective: to convert employee differences into company assets. Aside from issues of social responsibility, diversity management is therefore a source of wealth. Also in a literal sense, as General Director of Technology and Logistics and Spokesperson for the Audi Brussels Executive Committee, Patrick Danau, confirms: "Provided it is well managed, diversity is a company success factor, a human and economic wealth. Thus, the diversity policy is expected to deliver direct or indirect benefits in terms of economic performance."
The Minister of Employment for the Brussels-Capital Region annually awards the diversity label to employers who acknowledge, respect and value differences in the professional environment. Minister Gosuin expressed his particular appreciation for Audi Brussels’ ongoing commitment: "This label recognises the achievements that Audi Brussels has made in terms of diversity. It is important to value socially responsible companies. However, such efforts must be continued in order to permanently embed them into company practice."
Audi Brussels employs approximately 3,000 members of staff. On 3 September, the Brussels plant commenced production of the Audi e-tron, the first fully-electric car from the "brand with four rings." Audi adopts an integrated approach to sustainable high-end mobility, which is why the company is now focusing on the production of an environmentally friendly electric SUV. The series production of the Audi e-tron has consequently been CO2-neutral since its launch.
Audi Brussels employs approximately 3,000 members of staff. On 3 September, the Brussels plant commenced production of the Audi e-tron, the first fully-electric car from the "brand with four rings." Audi adopts an integrated approach to sustainable high-end mobility, which is why the company is now focusing on the production of an environmentally friendly electric SUV. The series production of the Audi e-tron has consequently been CO2-neutral since its launch.