Equal opportunities for more diversity

BLEND – one aspect of our diversity

Sexual orientation and sexual identity are integral aspects of every individual and should never be a source of discrimination or abuse. On the contrary, they are part of the diversity that characterizes us all - as people and as colleagues. At Bayer, we have therefore set ourselves the goal of tackling prejudice and distorted perceptions of homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexual and transgender people (LGBT). We want to create an environment where every individual can work to the best of their ability and is valued as a person by their colleagues. Our BLEND network is now far more than a Bayer working group of LGBT employees and their supporters. It is an international community full of ideas and visions that runs its own campaigns and projects.

The balance between men and women

Another major aim of Bayer’s diversity strategy is to achieve an appropriate balance between men and women, especially in managerial teams. In 2010, Bayer set itself the voluntary target of raising the proportion of women in the five highest management grades throughout the Group toward 30 percent by the end of 2015. In just five years, it has succeeded in increasing the proportion of women in this segment of management from 21 percent to some 28 percent (including Covestro). In the life sciences, which will form the whole of Bayer in the future, the proportion of women in this segment was over 30 percent at the start of 2016. The aim is to increase the ratio between women and men in management positions further to 35 percent women and 65 percent men by the end of 2020 (excluding Covestro).

The right work/life balance

Establishing the right balance between work and personal life depends on flexible working time models. Bayer offers a range of solutions to suit just about any life circumstances – from flextime arrangements and part-time hours to teleworking. The childcare facilities provided by the Group and its generous parental leave arrangement also enable employees with children to maintain good career prospects.