Diversity as the key to success: Hanover honors exemplary companies!

Diversity as the key to success: Hanover honors exemplary companies!

In the Hanover region, diversity is not just a buzzword, but is also recognized with tangible initiatives and awards. With the “FUTURE needs DIVERSITY” initiative, Economics Department head Ulf-Birger Franz is committed to ensuring that companies make their workforces more diverse and recognize the value of diversity. “We want to motivate companies to anchor diversity in their structures and cultures,” said Franz. This message was given particular importance at the presentation of the “FUTURE needs DIVERSITY” awards, which this year went to three role models from the region. Each worth 5,000 euros, they were awarded to companies that put diversity into practice and thus demonstrate not only humanity but also social responsibility in business life.

Region President Steffen Krach praised the award winners and emphasized that diversity is not only a moral imperative, but also represents a clear competitive advantage. Companies that promote diverse teams not only benefit from innovative ideas, but also attract more skilled workers. Current studies show that taking diversity into account in the workforce contributes significantly to employee satisfaction and loyalty. Especially in a rapidly changing working environment, characterized by demographic changes and advancing digitalization, it is becoming increasingly important to adapt to the needs of future professional generations, the Hannover Economic Development Agency and McKinsey note in their analyses.

Award winners in focus

This year's awards went to three outstanding companies that embody different facets of diversity:

• Award 2025 – Vorbild: aserto GmbH & Co. KG (20,5 Mitarbeitende)
  • Integriert Vielfalt in die Unternehmenskultur und -struktur.
  • Maßnahmen: anonymisierte Auswahlverfahren und vielfältige Arbeitszeitmodelle.
• Award 2025 – Intersektional: Internationale Schule Hannover Region GmbH (95 Mitarbeitende)
  • Verankert Vielfalt im Schulalltag mit einer Gemeinschaft aus 65 Nationen.
  • Maßnahmen: mehrsprachige Kommunikation und inklusive Feste.
• Award 2025 – Transformation: pico engineering GmbH (43 Mitarbeitende)
  • Vielfalt und Teilhabe in Entscheidungsprozessen.
  • Maßnahmen: barrierefreie Unternehmenszentrale und Mentoringprogramme.

These companies impressively demonstrate that diversity is not just a theoretical idea. They integrate various dimensions of diversity into their daily processes, creating an environment in which employees feel comfortable and can develop their talents. Scientific findings support these approaches: A study by McKinsey shows that companies with more women in leadership positions are 39% more likely to be above-average profitable. In Europe, this probability increases to 62% if diversity in management is promoted.

A look into the future

Diversity is also essential for the economic future of the region. With the changing requirements for working models and products, it is becoming increasingly important that companies create a diverse working environment. The “FUTURE needs DIVERSITY” initiative has set itself the task of pointing out support offers and closing existing gaps.

By promoting diverse jobs, companies can not only increase their innovative strength, but also better understand the needs of customers and markets. Ultimately, a good hand in diversity strategy not only makes companies more humane, but also more successful. The Hanover region remains on the right track and offers a prime example of how economic efficiency and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

Those interested can find further information about the initiative and the award winners on the website Hannover.de and Hanover Economic Development, as well as the current study results from McKinsey.