FEMTEC partnership - interview with Thomas Schiener

Since October 1, Evonik has been a member of the FEMTEC network for the promotion of female students of STEM subjects. What message does this send internally to the company and externally to the job market?

Membership in FEMTEC is an important additional building block for incorporating diversity even more firmly in the company. People oriented and future oriented - this is how we position ourselves as an employer for our existing employees. And we know: Future colleagues decide for an employer when it thinks and acts beyond the entrepreneurial sphere. Therefore, our purpose "Leading beyond Chemistry to improve life today and tomorrow" is a strong message. Evonik is also the only specialty chemicals company that is a member of FEMTEC.

As Head of HR Talent Management, what goals do you associate with this membership?

To shape the future responsibly, we need the right people on board to strengthen and diversify our talent pipeline. We do not focus exclusively on the gender issue. Rather, it is about identifying qualified and motivated employees as early as possible and supporting them during their studies. Holistic thinking is the basis of our talent management, which is why we find and develop people according to the "Hire to Retire" principle. We ideally accompany them throughout their entire working life cycle. Employer branding as part of HR Talent Management ensures that we convey these messages creatively and authentically to our target groups.

Evonik's partnership with FEMTEC has only just begun. What do you think are the success factors?

To bring the Femtec partnership to life engagement from all Evonik employees, regardless of function or location, is needed because "people make the difference”. Diversity means added value in every respect and needs to be an integral part of our corporate DNA. Accordingly, we have integrated diversity into our new HR competency model.