Škoda Auto celebrates European Diversity Month

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.

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 programs 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.

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.