- Under this year’s motto ‘Your bubble is one of many. Get to know others’, Diversity Month at Škoda Auto encouraged employees to explore new perspectives
- Presentations, workshops and open dialogue highlighted the company’s commitment to a workplace culture built on respect, inclusion and equitable opportunities
- Equality, diversity and human rights are integral to the Next Level Škoda Strategy
- Published in May, the Diversity Report 2024 outlines Škoda’s wide-ranging initiatives and progress
Mladá Boleslav, 3 June 2025 – For the fifth year running, Škoda Auto took part in European Diversity Month – an initiative by the European Commission to highlight the value and importance of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, both in the workplace and across society as a whole. This year’s activities centred around the theme ‘Your bubble is one of many. Get to know others’, encouraging people to look beyond their familiar surroundings and discover new perspectives as a foundation for greater empathy, respect and human connection. The celebrations began with the premiere of the Elroq Respectline – a striking concept car that visually symbolises Škoda’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Throughout May, employees took part in panel discussions, online events and a range of activities aligned with the company’s mission ‘Škoda Auto – A place for everyone’, built on the core values of Humanity, Respect and Openness. Škoda also published its latest Diversity Annual Report, outlining key milestones and progress made in the area of diversity and inclusion over the past year.
Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture, says: “Diversity is the foundation of who we are at Škoda Auto. Every individual is unique, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, background, religion, gender, family status, or sexuality. Just as our customers come from diverse backgrounds and our portfolio caters to a wide range of needs, we must also embrace this diversity within our company. The reason: diversity brings varied perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more creative and innovative solutions that better meet the needs of our customers.”
Škoda Auto marked European Diversity Month with a series of events centred around the theme ‘Your bubble is one of many. Get to know others’. Early in the month, the company unveiled the Elroq Respectline with a bold exterior and interior design. As the second model of its kind, it symbolises Škoda’s core values of humanity, respect, openness, and its strong commitment to inclusion. Employees had the chance to view the vehicle up close during Diversity Day, held on 13 May at the Laurin & Klement Kampus headquarters.
The day’s programme also included an exhibition exploring the stories and initiatives behind Škoda Auto’s efforts. Employees also engaged with themed booths run by the company’s employee resource groups – Škoda Proud, Internationals@Škoda and Women@Work – as well as a Škoda Academy stand offering inclusion-focused training via the internal Degreed platform. The event featured friendly competitions and the launch of the HandBike Challenge, a long-term initiative organised in partnership with the charity Cesta za snem, which supports people with disabilities. Škoda Auto is the main partner of this organisation.
Throughout May, additional activities included a series of interviews, panel discussions, online events and friendly competitions on a wide range of topics – from neurodiversity awareness and anxiety among young people, to inclusive language, intergenerational cooperation and inspiring conversations with women across the company. Highlights also included the Fun&Run sports gathering, designed to encourage informal connection and team spirit outside the workplace.
Equity, diversity and human rights: Škoda Auto’s long-term commitment
In close collaboration with the KOVO trade union, Škoda Auto has long been committed to developing and implementing a corporate culture and working conditions that consider the various individual needs and expectations of its workforce. Diversity is embedded in the Next Level – Škoda Strategy, which sets measurable goals as part of the company’s long-term vision.
These efforts are already delivering tangible results. In 2024, Škoda Auto surpassed its target for women in management, reaching 20.4%. The company also operates sheltered workplace programmes to support employees with disabilities, with 530 individuals participating last year. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are fully integrated into Škoda Auto’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework. In a recent independent ESG assessment, the company received an above-average score of 94% in the area of DEI.
Full details can be found in the latest edition of Škoda’s Diversity Report, published in May.
Škoda Auto also demonstrates its ongoing commitment to openness, acceptance and respectful coexistence through partnerships with organisations that promote these topics across many areas of society. Among others, these include Prague Pride Festival, Pride Business Forum, Czechitas and Business for Society.