On October 17, 2024, the PROUT AT WORK Foundation sent a strong signal for queer diversity in the workplace in Austria: Together with the global law firm Freshfields, the kick-off event took place in Vienna, marking the beginning of the foundation’s activities in Austria.
PROUT AT WORK, which has been successfully active in Germany and France for years, is thus expanding its work radius to Austria in order to support companies there in promoting equal opportunities and visibility for queer issues.
Why queer diversity is also important in Austria
20% of queer people in Austria experience discrimination in the workplace (source: EU LGBT II Survey, 2020). This figure illustrates the importance of promoting diversity in the workplace. Through diversity measures, companies not only benefit from an appreciative working environment, but can also exploit the full potential of talent.
Albert Kehrer, CEO of PROUT AT WORK, emphasized: “Only if companies show visibility for queer issues can they create an appreciative environment for queer employees and thus expand the pool of applicants.”
Highlights of the kick-off event
Around 40 participants from business, education, healthcare and the public sector came together at Freshfields’ Vienna office. PROUT AT WORK was delighted with the positive reactions from companies in Austria.
In her inspiring keynote speech, Dr. Antonia Wadé explained how companies can make queer diversity visible in three steps. Antonia has been working in various functions at AUDI AG since 2000 – since 2017 in the Diversity & Inclusion department. She shared her personal experiences and spoke about the founding of the queer@audi network.
In interactive formats, the participants addressed the current situation of queer people in the workplace. They exchanged best practices and discussed future DEIB measures.
“As a law firm, we want to actively contribute to the promotion of queer diversity in Austria. Our global LGBTQ+ network, which is also growing in this country, is living proof of how we put our values into practice. Through training, confidants and pro bono work, we create an environment in which all colleagues can feel comfortable and thrive. Together with PROUT AT WORK and other companies, we want to continue this positive development and make Austria an even more diverse and inclusive place.” – Florian Klimscha, HR Partner at Freshfields
Looking to the future: more visibility and commitment
PROUT AT WORK plans to work closely with companies in Austria over the next few years. The aim is to strengthen queer networks, promote exchange and support companies in their transformation. The kick-off event in Vienna was a complete success and laid the foundation for more queer diversity in the Austrian workplace. Companies that actively promote diversity benefit from an open, innovative and inclusive working environment – a win-win situation for employees and employers alike.
Impressions from the event
Copyright Fotos: Martina Draper – SinnBild
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