Why diversity counts to us
In dialogue with Heidi Stock, Vice President Talent Management & Diversity
Heidi Stock, born in Düsseldorf and mother of a son, graduated from the universities in Bonn and Bielefeld with degrees in sociology, psychology and pedagogy. In 2001, she joined Bosch and is now, as Head of Talent Management and Diversity, responsible for the strategy, instruments and processes of Personnel Marketing, Development and Diversity.
Furthermore she is chairman of the university council of the university Esslingen, member of the forum „Women in economy“, working group Diversity of Südwestmetall, committee „Human Resources Policy“ of BDA as well as member of the steering committee „equality“ of the BMAS and the steering group „Pact for girls in STEM Professions“ (BMBF).
Why does Bosch focus on Diversity?
"Bosch benefits of the know-how of its highly qualified associates. The entrepreneurial success as a leading global supplier of technology and services is based on our innovative power. Our associates are able to develop, manufacture or sell the technology based on our leitmotif “Invented for life” for our diverse customers, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of many people. Different perspectives provide important impulses for new ideas and approaches. That is why we rely on mixed teams, because we know they often have better results and find broader solutions. At the same time, we value differences and promote the working culture and motivation of our associates. This improves cooperation and contributes to our companies success."
What is the value of Diversity at Bosch?
"The company founder Robert Bosch has already placed great emphasis on cultural diversity. Diversity is now an integral part of our corporate strategy. Bosch focuses on the four dimensions of age, gender, internationality and working culture. Diversity often concentrates only on the cooperation of men and women. However, we are pursuing a broader approach, which provides impulses for further development to an open and appreciative working culture.
With our multi-layered diversity management, we ensure that all associates - irrespective of gender, age or origin - experience value appreciation around the globe and deliberately contribute their diversity as potential. In particular, the fact that around two-thirds of our associates are outside Germany and Bosch generates about four-fifths of its sales outside its home country."
Is Diversity already lived reality?
“Our Diversity already shows some figures: more than 150 nationalities work together at Bosch worldwide, more than 25 percent of our associates are women - although we as a technology group have a large number of MINT professions. A good best practice example is a project in which Bosch develops automated driving. We test on German roads, in California, Japan and soon also China. The goal is to test highly automated cars in everyday driving situations. At two sites, Abstatt in Germany and the US Palo Alto, two vehicles were initially developed into test vehicles. The project team consisted, among other things, of Germans, Americans and Indians. Of the two subproject managers, one German worked in the USA, the other in Germany. The technical project management was accounted by an engineer from Spain. At the same time, young and experienced associates worked on the challenging task. This is everyday life at Bosch and shows how, of course, we work together beyond national and cultural borders."