Diversity and Equality of Opportunity

Diversity pays off

Studies show that companies that value diversity are more successful than others with largely homogeneous teams. As an international company with locations and representative offices in 25 countries, NORMA Group is already structurally characterized by a high degree of diversity. By signing the DIVERSITY CHARTER, NORMA Group has committed itself to ensuring that all employees are valued – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and identity.

The basis for diversity management is NORMA Group’s mission statement on diversity. On the one hand, the mission statement defines the drivers for diversity at NORMA Group (market proximity, innovation and employee satisfaction) and sharpens the focus on respect and equal opportunities within the Company. To coordinate diversity management, NORMA Group has appointed diversity officers at Group and regional levels.

NORMA Group implemented concrete measures to further develop its diversity management in 2021. For instance, training on the topic of unconscious bias, which was initially introduced the previous year, was continued and completed. As a result, around 2,100 employees were trained on this topic over two-year period. In addition, the blog series “DIVERSITY@NORMA” made an important contribution to reporting on the diversity of the employees who work for NORMA Group. In 2021, the focus was on female employees of NORMA Group from different countries and departments. They provided insights into their professional and personal experiences and reported on their wishes for the future.

NORMA Group has also taken further steps in its general communication activities to give greater consideration to aspects of appreciation and equality. This report, where attention was paid to gender-neutral wording during preparation, is one example.

NORMA Group‘s commitment to diversity is celebrated annually on Diversity Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting physical distancing restrictions, the Diversity Day activities had to be cancelled at numerous locations this year.

Gender equality

NORMA Group actively opposes discrimination and considers it a matter of course that women and men are paid the same amount for the same work and qualifications. The proportion of women is generally based on the proportion of women who are available through the job market and who have the necessary qualifications. Accordingly, it varies worldwide between locations. At the end of 2020, the proportion of women in the entire core workforce was 37.2 % (2020: 36.0 %) (see Graphic G020: “DEVELOPMENT OF PROPORTION OF WOMEN AMONG PERMANENT STAFF”).One woman is currently represented on the three-person Management Board of NORMA Group SE, and there were two women out of a total of six members on NORMA Group’s Supervisory Board in fiscal year 2021. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT