For the second time, BeyondGenderAgenda publishes the German Diversity Index, under the scientific direction of Prof. Dr. Susanne Schmidt, from the Chair of International Management at Otto von Guericke University.
The ranking evaluates the diversity commitment of the DAX-40 companies documented in annual and sustainability reports.
In addition to the evaluation of available annual and sustainability reports for 2021, all 40 companies were able to submit further information and evidence. 16 companies of the total of the DAX-40 companies contacted made use of this offer.
Starting next year, only the information documented in annual and sustainability reports for 2022 will be evaluated.
The criteria of the German Diversity Index are based on the latest German Diversity Monitor and are thus adjusted annually to reflect the latest scientific findings.

THE RANKING IN DETAIL

The German Diversity Index 2022 is led by Allianz with 63.3 out of 100 possible points. Last year’s leader SAP follows in second place with 58.7 points. Deutsche Telekom rounds off the top three with 57.4 points, improving its ranking by seven places compared to the previous year.
Puma (55.2 points), Zalando (52.0 points), and Bayer (51.3 points), together with the top three are among the only six companies to score more than half of the possible 100 points.
The overall average is 33.7 points and shows that the documented commitment to diversity still has room for improvement. Three companies even achieved less than 10 % of the possible score.

Victoria
Wagner
Founder & CEO BeyondGenderAgenda

Prof. Dr. Susanne
Schmidt
Professor of International Management, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Oliver
Bäte
CEO, Allianz SE

Sarena
Lin
Chief Transformation and Talent Officer, Bayer AG

Tim
Höttges
CEO, Deutsche Telekom AG

Bjørn
Gulden
CEO, Puma SE
METHODIK
This year’s index is calculated based on four main categories: (1) Diversity Key Performance Indicators, (2) Diversity is an Executive Directive, (3) Resources for Diversity Management, and (4) Inclusive Work Environment.
(1) Diversity Key Performance Indicators:
This category reviews data management as well as objectives related to diversity. Points are awarded for each diversity dimension on which data is collected. Additional points are awarded for each dimension for which a target rate is set (for disability and gender: beyond the legal requirements). For the dimensions disability and gender, the actual quotas are also evaluated. Points are awarded for a current quota of people with disabilities that exceeds the legal requirement of 5 %. The actual quota of women in the company is scored if it exceeds the critical mass of 30 %, as studies show that a positive effect on the performance of a diversified team can be seen above this level. In addition, points are awarded to companies that have established key performance indicators to measure the impact of diversity and an inclusive work environment on the company’s success.
(2) Diversity is an Executive Directive:
This category focuses on the executive board. Here, diversity in the current board composition is first assessed in terms of disabilities, gender, age, cultural and social origin, as well as different sexual orientation and gender identity. Points are also awarded if a board member is personally responsible for diversity in the company and if the board members’ diversity targets are bonus-relevant.
In addition, points are awarded to companies that have documented their diversity strategy.
(3) Resources for Diversity Management:
The provision of human and financial resources for the topic of diversity is assessed here. Points are awarded to companies that have a dedicated organizational unit for diversity and to companies that provide a specific diversity budget.
(4) Inclusive Work Environment:
In this category, the promotion of an inclusive working environment is assessed. Points are awarded for corresponding target-oriented measures.