What can – and must – actually be understood by the term “diversity”? “Diversity is usually linked to the commitment to equality for women and disabled people or against racism,” explains Julia Waniek, representative for diversity, inclusion and new work at the Stellantis Group. “That’s what we stand for at Opel.” But for the 12th “Diversity Day”, to which the signatories of the “Diversity Charter” invited this year, the supporting companies and institutions in Rüsselsheim wanted to consciously dedicate themselves to a topic that is… not immediately mentioned in this context: Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In other words, diseases that usually only appear as we get older. “That’s why they rarely meet working people,” explains Julia Waniek. “At home, however, Opel employees increasingly see themselves as having a duty to look after relatives who suffer from dementia.” This in turn brings with it stress that cannot be easily shaken off at work – “and for colleagues too “We have to be understanding.”
1.8 million people are affected: Annett Staab from the German Alzheimer Society introduced the topic.
Together with the signatories of the “Diversity Charter”, Julia Waniek invited people to an information and film evening.
Promoting diversity in companies is multi-faceted: Opel Labor Director Ralph Wangemann welcomed the visitors.
That’s why the Opel Auditorium in the N50 became a cinema hall on the occasion of the 12th Day of Diversity. The film drama “Still Alice” was shown, in which Hollywood star Julianne Moore lets the audience experience the gradual development of Alzheimer’s disease until the almost complete loss of personality. The actress was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress in 2015 for her powerful acting performance.
Before the performance, Annett Staab from the German Alzheimer Society introduced the topic. Visitors learned that 1.8 million people in Germany are currently affected by dementia and the trend is increasing. From this point of view, it becomes clear that the idea of diversity has not yet been explored in all its depth, explained Ralph Wangemann, labor director and managing director of human resources at Opel Automobile, in his welcome speech.
“Inclusion work means breaking down barriers – in workplaces, but also in people’s minds.”
– Julia Waniek –
In addition to Opel and the city administration, the Rüsselsheim network that supports the Diversity Charter also includes the Society for Living and Building and the GPR Health and Care Center in Rüsselsheim. It was the first jointly organized event of this kind. And if Julia Waniek has her way, it won’t be the last either. “The evening showed how multifaceted the promotion of diversity in companies must be,” said Waniek. The public event was well attended, including by Opel employees: “That should encourage us to develop further ideas in this direction.”
Across Germany, 5,500 companies and institutions have so far signed the Diversity Charter. The initiative therefore represents around 14.7 million employees.
June 2024
Photos: Opel/Andreas Liebschner