Frank Gelhausen
Expert Diversity & Inclusion
- Hays AG
Our commitment
to greater diversity
Vielfalt – Voraussetzung für Innovations- und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit
Vielfalt – das ist Leben, Realität, vor allem aber eine Grundvoraussetzung für Innovations- und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit. Und deshalb ohne Alternative. Die komplexen Herausforderungen unserer Zeit lassen sich nicht mehr in der eigenen Informationsblase lösen. Im Gegenteil: Je mehr Perspektiven, Erfahrungen und kulturelle Hintergründe in die Ideen- und Entscheidungsfindung einfließen, desto besser sind die Ergebnisse.
Als ein Unternehmen, das mit seinem Geschäftsmodell die Arbeitswelt von morgen prägt, ist es uns deshalb wichtig, hier beispielhaft zu agieren und Vielfalt in all ihren Facetten zu fördern. Dazu rücken wir intern wie extern die Chancengerechtigkeit in unseren Fokus.
Unsere Diversität im Unternehmen
Hays has been awarded the 2026 Max Spohr Award. The award recognises organisations that take a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, embed these principles structurally, and integrate them as an integral part of their corporate strategy.
In its statement, the jury particularly emphasised that Hays does not take responsibility in a piecemeal or symbolic manner, but rather strategically, data-driven and at the highest level. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are clearly managed, measurably monitored and consistently embedded within the organization – a clear signal of an open and appreciative working environment.
The jury was particularly impressed by the Diversity Council, the AGG Trust Point and the five active employee networks. The Pride Network was highlighted as the heart of queer work at Hays: as a safe space, a place for education and a driving force for structural change.
The Max Spohr Prize is awarded by the professional association VK e.V. and has, since 2001, recognised organisations that demonstrate a special commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and an inclusive corporate culture.
Hays has been awarded the 2026 Max Spohr Award. The award recognises organisations that take a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, embed these principles structurally, and integrate them as an integral part of their corporate strategy.
In its statement, the jury particularly emphasised that Hays does not take responsibility in a piecemeal or symbolic manner, but rather strategically, data-driven and at the highest level. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are clearly managed, measurably monitored and consistently embedded within the organization – a clear signal of an open and appreciative working environment.
The jury was particularly impressed by the Diversity Council, the AGG Trust Point and the five active employee networks. The Pride Network was highlighted as the heart of queer work at Hays: as a safe space, a place for education and a driving force for structural change.
The Max Spohr Prize is awarded by the professional association VK e.V. and has, since 2001, recognised organisations that demonstrate a special commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and an inclusive corporate culture.
An open, respectful and equal opportunities society - that is what many of our employees want. So many that this year they flew the flag for diversity at four Christopher Street Day (CSD) parades. In Cologne, Berlin, Stuttgart and at our company headquarters in Mannheim, queer and non-queer Hays employees celebrated a peaceful festival of love with the support of our Pride Network and stood up for freedom and tolerance. Their motivation? To make visible how colourful and diverse our society is and to preserve this diversity in the future.
An open, respectful and equal opportunities society - that is what many of our employees want. So many that this year they flew the flag for diversity at four Christopher Street Day (CSD) parades. In Cologne, Berlin, Stuttgart and at our company headquarters in Mannheim, queer and non-queer Hays employees celebrated a peaceful festival of love with the support of our Pride Network and stood up for freedom and tolerance. Their motivation? To make visible how colourful and diverse our society is and to preserve this diversity in the future.
Hays has taken a big step forward in creating an inclusive working environment. This is confirmed by the Austrian social business myAbility, which re-evaluated our measures and programmes for the inclusion of employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses. In just two years, we were able to improve our inclusion score (a benchmark for measuring an inclusive working environment) from 42 to 73 per cent and have thus reached the advanced level. How did we achieve this? Firstly, through intensive educational and awareness-raising work in the form of mandatory diversity & inclusion training, comprehensive information on health management and an internal visibility campaign about colleagues with disabilities. Secondly, through a whole package of measures, such as our new Mental Health First Aider programme, our structured reintegration management and the flexible adaptation of workplaces to the health requirements of our employees. We are delighted to have reached this milestone in our commitment to more equal opportunities and participation in the world of work!
Hays has taken a big step forward in creating an inclusive working environment. This is confirmed by the Austrian social business myAbility, which re-evaluated our measures and programmes for the inclusion of employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses. In just two years, we were able to improve our inclusion score (a benchmark for measuring an inclusive working environment) from 42 to 73 per cent and have thus reached the advanced level. How did we achieve this? Firstly, through intensive educational and awareness-raising work in the form of mandatory diversity & inclusion training, comprehensive information on health management and an internal visibility campaign about colleagues with disabilities. Secondly, through a whole package of measures, such as our new Mental Health First Aider programme, our structured reintegration management and the flexible adaptation of workplaces to the health requirements of our employees. We are delighted to have reached this milestone in our commitment to more equal opportunities and participation in the world of work!
The Impact of Diversity (IOD) honors effective diversity concepts from companies, initiatives or committed individuals in 15 different categories. As a partner company of the IOD, we have decided to sponsor the "Inclusive Workplace" award. In our day-to-day business, we encounter a shortage of skilled workers everywhere - and at the same time we see that the valuable specialist group of people with disabilities hardly plays a role in recruitment. We are therefore all the more committed to increasing the visibility of these people and promoting participation for all.
The Impact of Diversity (IOD) honors effective diversity concepts from companies, initiatives or committed individuals in 15 different categories. As a partner company of the IOD, we have decided to sponsor the "Inclusive Workplace" award. In our day-to-day business, we encounter a shortage of skilled workers everywhere - and at the same time we see that the valuable specialist group of people with disabilities hardly plays a role in recruitment. We are therefore all the more committed to increasing the visibility of these people and promoting participation for all.
Hays has been indexed by the Women's Career Index (FKi) for the fifth time. The results are pleasing: we are once again among the top ten companies that not only talk about diversity, but also practise it on a permanent basis. For example, Hays promoted 54.3 per cent of women to management levels during the period under review. This brings the overall proportion of women in management positions to 47.83 per cent.
But the FKi also gives us good marks for "Balanced Diversity": "Diversity is viewed holistically at Hays AG," praises Barbara Lutz, founder and Managing Director of the FKi. "Many very good programmes and activities on various dimensions have been established." For good reason, as Michaela Jaap, Head of Culture & Responsibility at Hays, explains: "Developing a diverse and inclusive corporate culture is an ongoing task that must include all dimensions of diversity."
Based on scientific analyses, the FKi honours companies that have made a special contribution to diversity and inclusion.
Hays has been indexed by the Women's Career Index (FKi) for the fifth time. The results are pleasing: we are once again among the top ten companies that not only talk about diversity, but also practise it on a permanent basis. For example, Hays promoted 54.3 per cent of women to management levels during the period under review. This brings the overall proportion of women in management positions to 47.83 per cent.
But the FKi also gives us good marks for "Balanced Diversity": "Diversity is viewed holistically at Hays AG," praises Barbara Lutz, founder and Managing Director of the FKi. "Many very good programmes and activities on various dimensions have been established." For good reason, as Michaela Jaap, Head of Culture & Responsibility at Hays, explains: "Developing a diverse and inclusive corporate culture is an ongoing task that must include all dimensions of diversity."
Based on scientific analyses, the FKi honours companies that have made a special contribution to diversity and inclusion.
Why are we committed to an inclusive working environment at Hays? Because we want to make the most of the talents of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Because we actively counter stigmatization and prejudice. And because it is a matter close to our hearts to promote equal opportunities and participation for all people in the world of work.
To this end, we have found a strong partner company in the UnternehmensForum: "The UnternehmensForum gives us the opportunity to share experiences and best practices with other companies that care as much about an inclusive work environment and the valuable potential of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses as we do," explains Frank Gelhausen, confidential contact for inclusion at Hays in Germany.
The UnternehmensForum is a nationwide and cross-industry association of corporations and medium-sized companies that want to enable people with disabilities or reduced performance to fully participate in working life.
Why are we committed to an inclusive working environment at Hays? Because we want to make the most of the talents of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Because we actively counter stigmatization and prejudice. And because it is a matter close to our hearts to promote equal opportunities and participation for all people in the world of work.
To this end, we have found a strong partner company in the UnternehmensForum: "The UnternehmensForum gives us the opportunity to share experiences and best practices with other companies that care as much about an inclusive work environment and the valuable potential of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses as we do," explains Frank Gelhausen, confidential contact for inclusion at Hays in Germany.
The UnternehmensForum is a nationwide and cross-industry association of corporations and medium-sized companies that want to enable people with disabilities or reduced performance to fully participate in working life.
People with HIV still experience discrimination and are often confronted with prejudice and unfounded fear of contact - also and especially in working life. "Reason enough for us to sign the declaration #positivarbeiten and thus send the clear signal: HIV-positive employees are welcome at Hays! We intervene in cases of discrimination and are committed to open and respectful cooperation," emphasizes Chief People & Culture Officer Germany and CEMEA Imke Mahner.
#positivarbeiten is a program of the German Aids Federation, developed together with IBM and SAP, which opposes discrimination against people with HIV in working life. This is because many people are still not aware that an HIV infection is irrelevant for work today. Thanks to highly effective medications, people with HIV can live and work like everyone else and are just as productive. There is no risk of infection in everyday life anyway; under therapy, HIV is no longer transmissible at all.
Chief People & Culture Officer Germany and CEMEA Imke Mahner (l.) and Frank Gelhausen, Senior Project Manager Diversity & Inclusion at Hays, are pleased about the signing of the declaration #positivarbeiten.
With our signature, we pledge to actively support non-discriminatory and respectful treatment of HIV-positive people. Because we know: Exclusion makes people sick. Respect, on the other hand, improves the quality of life and is the basis for an inclusive and productive working atmosphere.
People with HIV still experience discrimination and are often confronted with prejudice and unfounded fear of contact - also and especially in working life. "Reason enough for us to sign the declaration #positivarbeiten and thus send the clear signal: HIV-positive employees are welcome at Hays! We intervene in cases of discrimination and are committed to open and respectful cooperation," emphasizes Chief People & Culture Officer Germany and CEMEA Imke Mahner.
#positivarbeiten is a program of the German Aids Federation, developed together with IBM and SAP, which opposes discrimination against people with HIV in working life. This is because many people are still not aware that an HIV infection is irrelevant for work today. Thanks to highly effective medications, people with HIV can live and work like everyone else and are just as productive. There is no risk of infection in everyday life anyway; under therapy, HIV is no longer transmissible at all.
Chief People & Culture Officer Germany and CEMEA Imke Mahner (l.) and Frank Gelhausen, Senior Project Manager Diversity & Inclusion at Hays, are pleased about the signing of the declaration #positivarbeiten.
With our signature, we pledge to actively support non-discriminatory and respectful treatment of HIV-positive people. Because we know: Exclusion makes people sick. Respect, on the other hand, improves the quality of life and is the basis for an inclusive and productive working atmosphere.
Almost half of all LGBTIQ+ people in Germany are afraid to come out at work - with negative consequences for productivity. After all, if you have to hide all the time, you can't fully develop your own potential. That's why we at Hays have long been committed to shaping a working world that is colorful, tolerant and appreciative. With PrOUT@work, the leading think tank for consulting on and shaping LGBTIQ+ issues in the work environment, we have found a strong partner company for this.
Frank Gelhausen (l.), Expert Diversity & Inclusion at Hays, and Albert Kehrer, Chief Executive Officer of PROUT AT WORK-FOUNDATION.
Almost half of all LGBTIQ+ people in Germany are afraid to come out at work - with negative consequences for productivity. After all, if you have to hide all the time, you can't fully develop your own potential. That's why we at Hays have long been committed to shaping a working world that is colorful, tolerant and appreciative. With PrOUT@work, the leading think tank for consulting on and shaping LGBTIQ+ issues in the work environment, we have found a strong partner company for this.
Frank Gelhausen (l.), Expert Diversity & Inclusion at Hays, and Albert Kehrer, Chief Executive Officer of PROUT AT WORK-FOUNDATION.
More accessibility on our website
Accessibility involves much more than removing physical barriers. It also includes making the information offered in the virtual world accessible to all people. For this reason, we have now implemented the assistance software Eye-Able on our website. With more than 25 functions, the tool enables our visitors to adapt all content to their individual needs from now on. Various design changes (colours, contrasts, readability), a read-aloud function or a button navigation contribute to sustainably reducing barriers and designing our website so that all people can use it.
Hays is a new member of Charta der Vielfalt e.V.
Promoting diversity, tolerance, fairness and appreciation in the world of work - this is the common goal of all companies in Germany's largest network for diversity in the world of work: Charta der Vielfalt e.V.. We have also committed ourselves to this goal and have therefore not only been a signatory but also a member of the Charta der Vielfalt e.V. since January 2022. In this way, we are not only actively acting as a driving force for shaping the diversity agenda in business and society, but are also positioning ourselves as a first mover in the HR consulting industry - for good reason, as CEO Dirk Hahn explains: "As an HR consulting company, we shape the working world of today and tomorrow. Membership in Charta der Vielfalt e.V. gives us the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the diversity agenda for business and society - and thus also to provide impetus outside our company and drive cultural change. We look forward to working even more closely together in the future and driving important initiatives and projects forward together."
From zero to silver!
We are an official PRIDE Champion! Only one year after the founding of our Hays Pride Network, we reap the PRIDE Champion Employer Seal in silver at the PRIDE Index of the UHLALA Group. The recertification of our LGBTIQ+ diversity management clearly expresses our open and appreciative corporate culture for LGBTIQ+ people and shows how colorful our business is. The PRIDE Index enables companies to take stock of their LGBTIQ+ commitment, identifies potential for improvement and thus puts the company's performance to the test. Thanks to the strict control of the data, the seal is one of the most authentic awards in the diversity & inclusion environment. Bianca Onda-Wolgast, the new Head of the Hays Pride Network, is thrilled: "We have successfully achieved the first milestones, such as the founding of the Hays Pride and Pride Ally Network, participation in the CSD Mannheim and the poster campaign for Pride Day Germany. I am very excited to tackle the next projects in 2022 full of motivation and drive together with our great network and our valued allies!"
Visit the Pride Index of the UHLALA Group
Trend study „Zukunft Vereinbarkeit“
Only available in German.
More accessibility on our website
Accessibility involves much more than removing physical barriers. It also includes making the information offered in the virtual world accessible to all people. For this reason, we have now implemented the assistance software Eye-Able on our website. With more than 25 functions, the tool enables our visitors to adapt all content to their individual needs from now on. Various design changes (colours, contrasts, readability), a read-aloud function or a button navigation contribute to sustainably reducing barriers and designing our website so that all people can use it.
Hays is a new member of Charta der Vielfalt e.V.
Promoting diversity, tolerance, fairness and appreciation in the world of work - this is the common goal of all companies in Germany's largest network for diversity in the world of work: Charta der Vielfalt e.V.. We have also committed ourselves to this goal and have therefore not only been a signatory but also a member of the Charta der Vielfalt e.V. since January 2022. In this way, we are not only actively acting as a driving force for shaping the diversity agenda in business and society, but are also positioning ourselves as a first mover in the HR consulting industry - for good reason, as CEO Dirk Hahn explains: "As an HR consulting company, we shape the working world of today and tomorrow. Membership in Charta der Vielfalt e.V. gives us the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the diversity agenda for business and society - and thus also to provide impetus outside our company and drive cultural change. We look forward to working even more closely together in the future and driving important initiatives and projects forward together."
From zero to silver!
We are an official PRIDE Champion! Only one year after the founding of our Hays Pride Network, we reap the PRIDE Champion Employer Seal in silver at the PRIDE Index of the UHLALA Group. The recertification of our LGBTIQ+ diversity management clearly expresses our open and appreciative corporate culture for LGBTIQ+ people and shows how colorful our business is. The PRIDE Index enables companies to take stock of their LGBTIQ+ commitment, identifies potential for improvement and thus puts the company's performance to the test. Thanks to the strict control of the data, the seal is one of the most authentic awards in the diversity & inclusion environment. Bianca Onda-Wolgast, the new Head of the Hays Pride Network, is thrilled: "We have successfully achieved the first milestones, such as the founding of the Hays Pride and Pride Ally Network, participation in the CSD Mannheim and the poster campaign for Pride Day Germany. I am very excited to tackle the next projects in 2022 full of motivation and drive together with our great network and our valued allies!"
Visit the Pride Index of the UHLALA Group
Trend study „Zukunft Vereinbarkeit“
Only available in German.
Unser Engagement für Vielfalt
Flexible working
For a good work-life balance, we offer remote work and part-time models at all hierarchical levels.
Diversity Council
Our Diversity Council identifies, reflects and develops strategically relevant D&I fields of action.
Diversity Dashboards
In order to create measurability, we maintain dashboards on gender distribution and promotion.
Employee Resource Groups
Our employee resource groups for women's careers, fathers, LGBTIQ+, cultural diversity and inclusion & health offer empowerment
Disability inclusion advocate
Our disability inclusion advocate provides our employees with confidential with confidential support on all issues relating to inclusion.
Age diversity
Our interdisciplinary task force develops measures relating to the topic of generation management.
Redaktionelle Beiträge zum Thema Diversity finden Sie auch auch auf unserem Hays Blog.
Wir sind Hays. Alle. Gemeinsam.
Video anlässlich des 10. Deutschen Diversity-Tags der Charta der Vielfalt.
