Vienna (OTS) – Authentic diversity management is becoming increasingly important – especially in the highly competitive tech industry. Pride Biz Austria therefore launched the QUEER*IN TECH initiative together with the Vienna University of Applied Sciences, IBM and the Vienna University of Technology. The launch took place on April 18, 2024 as part of a celebratory launch event with numerous prominent guests and panelists – Science Busters included.
If you want to hire and retain the best specialists these days, you can’t ignore credible diversity management. One of the most burning questions in this context is how the world of work can be designed so that all employees can fully develop their potential in an innovative environment. Particularly in the strongly heteronormative areas of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT), members of marginalized groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community are confronted with particular challenges. Although successful employer branding with diversity management is increasingly seen as a must-have here, too often diversity initiatives continue to fail due to a lack of experience and knowledge of the complex diversity issue. The exchange of experiences and networking can help here, and the QUEER*IN TECH initiative expands the local support offering for queer talents and decision-makers.
Impulses, exchange of experiences and networking under the rainbow
After the welcome from the Founding Members – Pride Biz Austria, Fachhochschule Technikum Wien, IBM and Vienna University of Technology – as well as a collective call “Why QUEER*IN TECH is needed”, the Science Busters Elisabeth Oberzaucher and Peter Weinberger offered the audience an impressive show , which encompassed numerous facets of science. This was followed by experience reports from the industry as well as impulses from the LGBTIQ+ community and the opportunity to network.
The event was made possible with the support of the Industrial Association. The broad support from the technology and education sectors as well as from companies – representatives from A1, EATON, EBCONT, PORR, Siemens, Wien Energie, WienIT and the Austrian Post were on site – underlines the importance of the dimension “sexual orientations and gender diversity “ is given by business as well as the broad support of the concerns of the queer community.
Enthusiastic participation of the founding members
The aim of the initiative is to form a link between universities and technical colleges on the one hand and tech companies on the other. „QUEER*IN TECH is a logical consequence: universities offer diversity-oriented learning and working environments and it is more important than ever for companies in the tech industry to position themselves as diversity-oriented employers. As part of the initiative, Pride Biz Austria, together with the other founding members, contributes to ensuring that LGBTIQ+ diversity finds its way into these companies and that queer talents can develop
“, explained Astrid G. Weinwurm-Wilhelm, President of Pride Biz Austria.
Mariella Müller, Gender, Diversity & Inclusion Leader at the FH Technikum Wien, also emphasized the relevance of closer cooperation between university teaching and business: “Recognition of the diversity of their employees will be a central issue for companies in order to set the course for the future. Universities of applied sciences work closely with businesses and offer them direct access to the best talent. The students are used to an environment that values diversity at universities of applied sciences and expect the same from their future employers. Only when employees can live their authentic selves in the work environment are they able to develop their full potential.
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The importance of the initiative for the tech industry is also demonstrated by the active participation of the international IT company IBM in the development and implementation of the project.“Diversity is a natural part of IBM’s corporate culture and contributes significantly to business success. Diversity is, so to speak, anchored in our DNA. We firmly believe that diverse teams in which all members feel comfortable deliver the best performance. That’s why we support the QUEER*IN TECH initiative, which aims to promote the visibility of queer people in technical roles and inclusion in the workplace
“, explains Marco Porak, Managing Director of IBM Austria.
Univ.Prof. also knows that an inclusive working environment has a positive effect on productivity and company success. Stefan Jakubek, spokesman for the LGBTIQ* Ally Network at TU Vienna: „Promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial, especially in MINT subjects and in technology-oriented companies, in order to create developments and solutions that represent our diverse society. Close collaboration between universities and industry on diversity issues promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices, creating an inclusive culture in which queer people feel valued and safe. Such an environment also increases the innovative strength and effectiveness of organizations and our society.
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Questions & Contact:
Pride Biz Austria
Benjamin Fischer
Presse & PR
benjamin.fischer@pridebiz.at