Diversity is part of our company culture. Really.
Diversity, Equity & Belonging
Diversity is part of our company culture. With this statement, we find ourselves in good company with other businesses. We say it today with pride and conviction, because over the past few years we have done a great deal to ensure that, at bonprix, this statement is more than just empty words. At bonprix, we have a position titled Manager Diversity, Equity and Belonging. Exactly what (and who) is behind this role and these English terms, you can discover in our story. This role helps us to repeatedly and deliberately reflect on the question of how diverse we already are, where and why we want to become even more diverse, and what it takes for diversity to continue to be visible and to unfold its full potential.
How do we understand and embrace diversity at bonprix?
Sometimes it’s about asking ourselves which groups of people we still haven’t fully included — or which remain underrepresented within our company. And it’s also about recognising that we are all different — that diversity goes beyond the seven official dimensions of the Charta der Vielfalt. Engaging with this topic doesn’t have to feel heavy or negative. In fact, it can be energising and full of opportunity.
We see this clearly in our team development workshops, where we explore the unique personalities and perspectives within our teams. By consciously recognising these differences, we learn to see them not as obstacles but as sources of potential and opportunities for shared growth.
Diversity is not an end in itself — and it isn’t always easy. If our differences aren’t ultimately brought together into a stronger, more connected whole, they risk becoming meaningless or even counterproductive.
Our aim is to create a workplace where everyone can truly be themselves. A place where differences are valued as an asset. Where we talk with people, not about them. And where we bring the idea of belonging to life: a genuine sense of connection in which every colleague feels safe, accepted, and confident that they are in the right place — with all that makes them who they are. Because only when people feel accepted and secure can they reach their full potential. And when that happens, the whole company benefits.
There’s still more to do — and we’re committed to doing it.
We believe in diversity — and in your contribution to it
Right from the start — in our “Welcome & Connect” onboarding format, where new colleagues are welcomed, make their first connections, and receive key organisational information — diversity already has a place. Our Manager for Diversity, Equity and Belonging explains her role and shares how we bring this topic and these three concepts to life at bonprix. She also shows how each of us can play a part in it.
Stronger Together: Committed to Diversity & Belonging
Many of our colleagues actively participate in internal initiatives focused on different dimensions of diversity. These initiatives highlight topics such as gender and gender identity, age diversity, and sexual orientation. Other colleagues engage with questions related to religion and beliefs, as well as migration history and ethnic background. And, of course, we have a representative body for employees with disabilities, serving as a point of contact for affected staff and their colleagues.
Better Together: Questioning and Learning New Things
Beyond their involvement in initiatives, our colleagues do their best every day in their operational work to keep Diversity & Belonging top of mind. They ask questions like: “How do we handle discriminatory comments on our social media channels?” “How can we replace the term ‘skin color’ in our product descriptions?” “How can we make our communication more inclusive of everyone addressed?” and “What does recruiting look like when we minimise existing biases as much as possible?” Through dialogue and various learning and exchange formats, we find answers together and continuously learn along the way.
Together for Acceptance: Our Partnership with WELCOMING OUT
Since September 2022, we have been proud partners of the WELCOMING OUT campaign. The campaign’s idea is that (also) non-queer people openly welcome the coming-out of their queer colleagues. This invitation aims to ease any worries about rejection in the workplace. Many of our colleagues have joined the campaign internally. Together, through WELCOMING OUT, we make it easier for queer colleagues to be more open in their daily work life and to show (another) facet of their personality — something that is often taken for granted by heterosexual people.
We also proudly display our partnership with WELCOMING OUT externally — preferably alongside them at events like the CSD (Christopher Street Day).
As you can see, it depends on all of us — on those who actively and consciously engage in Diversity & Belonging at work, and on those who make a small difference every day in their daily routine. That’s why the following addition to the soft skills in our job postings is so important to us:
“Become part of an open, tolerant and vibrant corporate culture and make your unique contribution.”