Competence knows no gender

Society is becoming increasingly diverse and this is also reflected in Soudal's workforce. The world's third largest manufacturer of industrial sealants and adhesives is represented in more than 86 countries and has five production sites on five continents. Despite its growth trajectory, Soudal has deliberately retained the values of its family-run corporate culture, according to the company headquarters.

Soudal makes a concerted effort to create a working environment in which everyone can be themselves - regardless of cultural background, nationality, gender, age and the like. "Heterogeneous teams can be challenging, but we experience time and again that we gain from the diversity of our employees, explains Arnd van Wesel, Head of HR at Soudal N.V. Germany. "By leaving room for cultural differences, we also offer an exciting working environment. A diverse workforce also makes us a more attractive employer."

There is no special diversity programme. But the figures speak for themselves: 41 different nationalities work at the headquarters in Turnhout, Belgium alone, 29% of which are women and 71% men. An age structure of 24% under 30 and 27% over 50 is also an expression of diversity in action. In Germany, too, the workforce is a coloruful mix with six nationalities and an age structure of 19 to 64 years, the sealant manufacturer reported in response to a diy inquiry.

When recruiting new employees, Soudal deliberately focuses on skills rather than quotas. "What counts are the right skills for the position in question - not skin color, gender or origin," emphasises Arnd van Wesel.

How does Soudal manage to integrate this diversity in its day-to-day work and ensure respectful, positive cooperation? The Group management has rolled out the company's internal (You) campaign to emphasise the importance of all employees, answers Alexander von Vulté, Head of Marketing & Technical Service at Soudal N.V. Germany. "We do not tolerate acts such as bullying or discrimination." In order to further…