July 24, 2024
Over 300 members in the network set an example for diversity and equitable opportunities: To address full equity for women from economic, cultural, and social perspective at Fresenius, committed female employees founded the Fresenius Women’s Initiative (FWI). Their vision: To create a strong network for women who want to take control of their careers at Fresenius and go their own way, despite the many stumbling blocks. This article explains what the people behind the initiative have instigated and achieved so far and, above all, what their plans for the future are.
The focus is on the employees of Fresenius, Fresenius Digital Technology, Fresenius Kabi, Fresenius Helios, and Fresenius Vamed. And colleagues from the recently deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care are also involved. The group is aimed at all employees who wish to champion equitable opportunities – including men.
For the young initiative, which is organized entirely on a voluntary basis by a core team of eight people, more than 300 employees from a wide range of departments and countries have taken part in the various activities since the foundation in October 2022. These are mainly female employees, although some male colleagues have also got involved.
“I am proud to be a co-founder of the Fresenius Women’s Initiative because it creates a platform where women and their supporters can network, share ideas, and stand together for equity,” declares Cristina De Bergami from Fresenius, who is part of the core team. “Networks play a key role in helping us to empower one another, because together we can better overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and make our voices heard. As a co-founder, I see it as my responsibility to promote these values and create a space where women and their allies can unlock their full potential,” says Cristina De Bergami.
The network was set up by two colleagues from Fresenius Medical Care in Berlin and Fresenius Kabi in Bad Homburg. Shortly after it was established, more colleagues from other business segments joined and formed the core team. The colleagues were inspired by a concept with which people in North America have been familiar for some time. So-called employee resource groups have existed there for several years, campaigning for diversity and equity, among other things. The FWI is building on this concept internationally and across different segments.
“The Women’s Initiative is more than just about achieving gender equality; it’s about unlocking the full potential of diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and collaboration, and strengthening the overall performance of our organization. Within the FWI, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued,” says core team member Tetiana Georgescu from Fresenius Digital Technology.
In order to put all of this into practice and get it up and running or keep it going in the medium term, the initiators from the core team created different formats that were offered in the first year. And these formats will be on the agenda again in the future.
By way of example, regular online meetings are being held for those who wish to network and share ideas – on subjects such as career planning or work-life balance, for instance, as well as diversity and inclusion in general.
On the peer coaching program, participants can get together in small (online) groups or form tandems to work on specific goals. These will focus on issues such as stakeholder management, work-life balance, intercultural communication, and leadership.
The program also includes so-called Lunch & Learn sessions, where experts in various fields share their knowledge and experience. The sessions last around an hour and cover a wide range of subjects – from dealing with prejudices and managing finances to presenting yourself on the career platform LinkedIn.
With the Role Model Talks, there are plans for managers and other role models from the world of Fresenius or external organizations to share their personal stories and tips with the participants.
During monthly lunches at the company headquarters in Bad Homburg, interested individuals from different departments and hierarchical levels can meet and chat in a relaxed atmosphere – to create a stronger sense of togetherness and generate new contacts. “The FWI lunches offer a valuable opportunity to cultivate a professional network throughout the company and recharge in the afternoon by exchanging stories with motivated colleagues,” says Nadia Lustosa-Horn, who works at Fresenius Kabi Germany and is also an active participant.
However, the group is planning further topics. These include the continuous development of the vision and goals, as well as work on clarifying the cooperation and networking arrangements with the members of Fresenius Medical Care.
Since 2024 the core team has been strengthened by the addition of a colleague from Fresenius Helios: “I got involved with the FWI because I am convinced that diversity within teams not only enables people to see different perspectives, but also brings immense joy and success,” says Vanessa Brunckhorst from Helios, who recently joined the FWI. The facts speak for themselves: Companies that embrace gender diversity see a 30% improvement in team performance and enjoy a 19% rise in the share of innovation revenues, according to the Harvard Business Review. “Through my commitment, I want to encourage women at Fresenius to increase their own visibility, stand up for their beliefs, and support one another,” stresses Brunckhorst.
“The fact that the FWI now has someone from Helios in the core team allows us as organizers to appeal to Helios employees in a more targeted manner, invite them to join the initiative, and also take into account Helios’ perspective when planning events,” says Nicola Schulte. She works at Fresenius and is a member of the FWI core team. “We are delighted that the initiative has already reached so many employees in such a short space of time,” says Schulte, summing up the first year of her involvement. “This encourages us to keep on going in order to raise awareness of gender equality throughout the organization and further expand our network. Anyone can join us and contribute their own ideas. After all, our initiative and the activities are open to everyone, including men in particular.”
Author: Brigitte Baas