As an internationally operating company, diversity, an inclusive attitude and fair treatment of each other are a central part of our corporate culture and equally prerequisites for our long-term success.
When we talk about diversity, we mean a balanced mix of people of different ages, nationalities and ethnicities, gender, physical and mental abilities, religion and worldview, sexual orientation and gender identity, and social background. All employees and every applicant should be given fair opportunities for access and development - regardless of individual backgrounds. Our goal is the inclusion of everyone without discrimination. Because we want to overcome barriers and create equal opportunities.
Our Purpose and our Guiding Principles are lived by our employees and form an essential cornerstone for diversity in our company. We want to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential. We are convinced that this will have an impact on our success as a global service provider and employer.
Age
Age is a dimension that affects us all, as our company and our teams are made up of people of different ages and generations who need to work together as effectively, creatively and dynamically as possible.
The employee community "Better Together: Intergenerational Community" was launched at the end of 2023 and stands for intergenerational cooperation. It focuses on topics such as promoting understanding and respect between generations, knowledge transfer, new learning concepts and lifelong learning.
Ethnicity/nationality
Nationality refers to a person's official citizenship and is therefore independent of ethnicity, which refers to a person's identity-based ancestry, including factors such as language, culture, customs and more. BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) is a political self-designation. It describes a common experience of racially discriminated people.
In addition to the commitment #GegenHassimNetz, the internal community “BIPoC@Telekom” is also committed to diversity, inclusion, equality and against racism and discrimination based on origin. This community offers employees a platform to network, exchange ideas and jointly develop initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Gender
Gender describes a person's gender identity. It goes beyond the binary categories of male and female and includes non-binary, transgender, intersex and agender people.
The TINA* Group was created to offer our trans*, inter*, non-binary and agender employees an opportunity to share ideas. In addition, there are other employee communities dedicated to the advancement and support of women and the compatibility of work and family. These include Telekom Women@Work and the Fathers' Network.
Physical and mental abilities
People have different cognitive and physical abilities. These varying conditions affect our daily lives and work. This dimension refers to physical and mental conditions (congenital, chronic or acute) that can impact our performance in a non-inclusive environment. Examples include limited mobility or perception, neurodivergence (e.g. autism, ADHD, ...), physical/mental illness, introversion/extroversion, and many more.
The "Neurodiversity" internal network, founded in 2023, creates a space where neurodivergent people can connect and support each other. The network also helps to create awareness for this important topic. The "Accessible Software Network" advocates for digital accessibility and promotes company-wide expertise in this area. Both networks aim to create an inclusive work environment where employees can contribute to the best of their abilities.
Religion/belief
In addition to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, this dimension includes all spiritual beliefs, as well as atheism and agnosticism. All forms of worldview have an impact on a person's lived reality or social status.
The topic of religion and belief is also represented through internal employee communities. For example, "Christians@Telekom" and "Muslims@Telekom". These communities provide a space for spiritual exchange, support and joint activities. They promote understanding and respect for different religious beliefs within the company.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
LGBTQIA+ is the abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual. The + symbol leaves room for other visible and invisible identities and orientations. This dimension focuses on the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
MagentaPride is our queer employee network since 2003, making it the oldest network for a diversity dimension at Telekom. Its main activities include the Community Meeting as well as the Christopher Street Day, a demonstration for diversity and acceptance. The network also serves as the first point of contact for our employees on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Social background
Social background refers to the socio-cultural and economic inheritance that each person brings with them through birth and socialization. It includes factors such as a person's wealth or income, as well as their education level or that of their family.
The Magenta Social Movers internal community, founded in 2024, is dedicated to promoting equal opportunity regardless of social background.
