Catalyst for a Strong Team: Diversity and Openness
At Sartorius, we foster diversity because it teaches us to be more open. And openness, one of our company values, is a key prerequisite for success. Therefore, it is a strategic objective to incorporate diversity at all levels of our organization.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Sartorius actively recruits talent with a mix of cultures, genders, ages, educational backgrounds, and career paths, especially in leadership positions. The benefits of diverse perspectives and experiences help us better understand our customers, develop innovative and relevant solutions, and ultimately remain competitive in a global economy.
Becoming more and more international
With our origins in the heart of Europe and the largest growth markets in APAC and North America, we are a true global player - and we have become more international in recent years. Today, some 16,000 people from 119 nations team up to find creative ways that make our customers' lives easier and our vision a reality: Better health for more people.
Combining experience and new ideas
The mix of longtime employees and new joiners provides Sartorius with a healthy combination of people who know which way the wind is blowing and those who bring in a fresh breeze.
With four generations – “Boomers”, Gen X,Y & Z – working side by side to create innovative solutions for our customers, there is a collaborative environment that allows for a dynamic exchange of thoughts and approaches. Our young colleagues with new ideas value the experience and knowledge of our seasoned employees. In turn, our longstanding employees welcome the fresh perspectives and insights of their newer colleagues.
Women in diverse roles at all levels of the company – including the Executive Board
Almost 40% of Sartorius employees are women. In some regions, the proportion of female employees is particularly high: In China, 47% are women, and in France, the percentage is even slightly higher at 48%.
Moreover, the number of women in management positions is developing positively: In 2020, women held 39% of leadership positions directly below the Board level. By 2021, this figure rose to 42%, by 2022 to 47%.
With the Sartorius Business Women's Association, hundreds of female employees have created an internal network in which all ambitious women within the Group can come together, share their experiences and help each other grow.´In addition, Sartorius has been a corporate partner of the non-profit organization Healthcare Businesswomen Association since 2021 and offers employees access to the organization’s network.
More facts and figures about women at Sartorius
Dynamic environment fuels growth opportunities
Sartorius focuses on dynamic markets that will continue to grow for decades. This creates opportunities for those who seize them. We entrust our people with responsibility and, in return, we expect them to have the courage to make bold decisions and take risks in order to move forward. Depending on personal goals and changing priorities in life, our people can develop their careers in a variety of ways.
Promoting equality and raising awareness of diversity and inclusion
Sartorius’ commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is also demonstrated through a number of employee-led initiatives and groups.
In the U.S., a committee promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through a range of initiatives, including community outreach, partnerships, events, and training, aimed at supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to LGBTQ+, women, veterans, people with disabilities and people with neurodiverse conditions. To date, more than 800 employees have completed Emtrain's Unconscious Bias Awareness training, a program designed to increase employees' awareness of bias and equip them with skills to promote inclusion in the workplace.
Another example is the LGBT+ Friends Alliance. The employee group works to increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals at Sartorius through virtual events and inclusive "rainbow lunches," creating a safe space for sharing experiences.
To celebrate diversity and foster a sense of community, the LGBT+ Friends Alliance hosts a monthly Rainbow Lunch, an inclusive gathering open to all.
By establishing the LGBT+Friends Alliance employee resource group, we've committed ourselves to promoting equality for Gay, Bisexual, Transgender queer and intersexual people. Sartorius supports the work of the Alliance to increase the sense of belonging and acceptance of employees and allies who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Marie Brandt, Founder of LGBT+Friends Alliance
In addition to these initiatives, we understand that creating a diverse and inclusive environment requires collective effort and cannot be achieved by one group or organization alone. That is why Sartorius partners with organizations such as the non-profit LGBT Network, the German Diversity Charter, and myAbility, a job portal for people with disabilities, to further promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Together, we aim to address barriers and promote equitable opportunities for all.
