Gütersloh, 11/04/2020

First evaluation of the "Action Plan for Inclusion”

In September 2019, the "Bertelsmann Action Plan for Inclusion" was published for all German Bertelsmann companies. One year later, the first evaluation has now been carried out, showing what has happened in the meantime. Among other things, a FAQ document for managers was developed to help them create inclusive workplaces.

The "Bertelsmann Action Plan for Inclusion 2019 - 2024"  was published in September 2019. On this basis, processes and structures in German Bertelsmann companies are to be designed by 2024 in such a way that employees with disabilities can work without barriers and contribute to Bertelsmann's success with all their skills and knowledge. In total, the "Action Plan for Inclusion" encompasses 27 goals and 69 measures in five different fields of action. In order to implement the plan, selected measures from the "Action Plan for Inclusion" are prioritized for the respective year of implementation and managed by the Corporate Responsibility & Diversity Management department at the Corporate Center and the Group's representatives for employees with disabilities. In addition, there is ongoing reporting on the topic of inclusion on multiple channels and an evaluation at the end of each year of implementation - as has now been done. Bertelsmann's Chief Human Resources Officer Immanuel Hermreck and Gabriele McNab from the Group Representative for Employees with Disabilities also comment on the topic in an interview.

FAQ document for managers

In a detailed report, the responsible colleagues summarized how far the implementation of the measures of the "Action Plan for Inclusion" has progressed. Among other things, in the first year since the “Action Plan for Inclusion” was published, 231 participants were trained in cross-departmental operational integration management in German companies. In addition, guidelines were created that are intended to facilitate the implementation of barrier-free events or provide information on how to create barrier-free documents. Moreover, a FAQ document for managers was created to provide support in the inclusive design of workplaces. Due to the Corona pandemic, however, some measures could not be completed as quickly as originally planned. These measures are now to be continued in the second year of implementation. A summary of the evaluation can be downloaded here.