Diversity in the working environment: Fight discrimination on June 24th in Leipzig!

Diversity in the working environment: Fight discrimination on June 24th in Leipzig!

On June 24, 2025, a panel discussion will take place in Leipzig that will deal intensively with the challenges of discrimination in the workplace. This is an event as part of the “Queer at Work” project, organized in cooperation with the IHK Leipzig. Experts from the field will provide information and develop strategies on how a working world that is solidarity-based and critical of discrimination can be created. According to the LSVD, the event also reports on prejudices, barriers and exclusion, which are unfortunately still commonplace in the professional world. A prerequisite for a fair working environment is greater cohesion and awareness of discrimination in working life.

Over 51% of European workers have experienced discrimination at work in the last year, with 1 in 6 employees saying they feel discriminated against “often” or “all the time”. This is shown by a survey by Michael Page and points to the urgent need for action in the area of ​​employee rights. In particular, age, gender, ethnic origin and sexual orientation are the focus of disadvantages. Human resources departments should take active action to identify and combat discrimination.

Important aspects of discrimination

One aspect that often goes unmentioned in the discussion is indirect discrimination. This happens, for example, when seemingly equal conditions treat certain groups unequally, such as by requiring Saturday work, which can disadvantage Jewish employees. It has also been found that women and older employees are particularly likely to experience discrimination. 41% of people over 50 report age discrimination, and 38% of women report being discriminated against in their professional lives - a clear call to work on existing structures.

However, a positive trend can be seen: more than half of the companies now employ employees with international history, which is seen as an enrichment for the corporate culture. Intercultural diversity promotes tolerance and cohesion. But in order for diversity to be practiced successfully, employers must actively promote an open culture and make clear statements against discrimination. Intercultural competence training can help managers strengthen their ability to argue against prejudices and thus break through the crowd.

Recommendations for action and legal requirements

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects employees from discrimination based on various characteristics. But what measures can companies take to proactively prevent discrimination? This includes promoting a corporate culture that values ​​diversity and ongoing education about discrimination. In addition, existing guidelines should be revised regularly to avoid unintentional discrimination.

Successful companies are increasingly taking on social responsibility. You could gain an advantage in the job market through sustainable diversity management. As current developments show, the need for a discrimination-free working environment is not only a social need, but also an economic imperative. Only companies that take responsibility and see diversity as a central corporate goal will be able to continue to compete in the future.