Siltronic in Freiberg: Diversity as the key to success!

Siltronic in Freiberg: Diversity as the key to success!

In the world of industry, diversity is a crucial aspect that is often seen as a key to innovation and success. So also at Siltronic AG, where you not only propagate the equality of opportunities and diversity, but also live actively. The management of the company based in Freiberg sees the diversity of its workforce as a significant strength. The Freiberg plant currently has around 1,000 employees, around four percent of whom come from abroad. Here it becomes clear that an international team not only brings colorful diversity, but also different perspectives and ideas that are essential for success.

ndidiamaka Uchenna Mong, a 36-year-old factory student from Nigeria, is an example of this diversity. The team in Freiberg has been supporting them since January 2024, while she is also studying international management in Dresden. Their commitment shows that Siltronic AG endeavors to promote talents from different countries and to create an integrative corporate culture that includes and appreciates all employees. This could throw positive light on the entire industry and become a role model for other companies.

The challenge of diversity management

But how do you ensure that such diversity initiatives actually bear fruit? Countless companies have invested billions in diversity and inclusion programs in recent years, but measurable progress is often long in coming. According to an investigation by the EY European DEI Index 2024, there is a significant discrepancy between the idealistic statements of managers and the perceived reality of employees. It is often underestimated which challenges are associated with the implementation of diversity and how important clear communication strategies are to prevent misunderstandings.

An important point that is illuminated by the EBS Business School in the study by Professor Meir Shemla is that diversity does not automatically lead to better team performance. Heterogeneous teams can be more susceptible to conflicts for various reasons and therefore need targeted management strategies to promote positive team dynamics. Common values and clear goals play a crucial role here to optimally exploit the advantages of diversity.

the look ahead

Siltronic AG is aware of these challenges and works to create an environment in which all employees feel valued and integrated on the inside. Like other companies, Siltronic is faced with the challenge of authentically communicating the external presentation of their values. It is expected that such transparent communication not only increases external perception, but also strengthens the trust internally.

For readers: Inside, who would like to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of diversity, the Bosch Foundation offers interesting insights into the topic and their relevance for corporate practice: bosch-Foundation . The research results of Prof. Shemla are also revealing and help to better understand the complexity of diversity management: EBS Business School .