For an increasing number of international companies, employee diversity is no longer seen as a passing trend, but a positive social and economic issue that must be highlighted – and one with proven benefits.

We are continuously reviewing the percentage of men and women of different backgrounds and nationality in our workforce. Through our parent company EADS we have incorporated a policy of diversification into the Vision 2020 programme.

Encouraging cultural exchange

Every country has its own identity, and its working climate may differ markedly from Western norms. Studies have shown that increased diversity in the assembling of multinational project teams can lead to enhanced performance in these emerging markets. Local people provide an irreplaceable source of knowledge of customs while benefitting from new technologies and methods of visiting expertise. Corporate EADS training programmes such as FAST, EXPAND and ACHIEVE enable professionals to gain experience in other countries, working with local colleagues and gaining insight into new procedures, before returning home with a broader view of the EADS culture.

Increasing the potential for women in engineering

A company that hires mainly business and engineering graduates is dependant on the level of diversity at the institutes that constitutes its hiring pool. EADS has a range of partnerships with schools, universities and other faculties aimed at increasing awareness of the job potential for women in the aerospace industry. Sponsorships and participation in the European programmes such as the WIST (Women in Science and Technology) initiative are geared towards the further gender diversification within the company and promoting career opportunities in engineering for talented young women.

Recruiting beyond social barriers

Many countries have a wealth of untapped talent amongst young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods who would not normally consider a career in the industry. The EADS foundation operates programmes that raise awareness amongst schoolchildren about jobs in science and provides a range of scholarships and tutoring opportunities to encourage young talent outside the established education systems and thus stimulate further diversity in the next generation of engineers.