Could you share with us some key milestones in the DEI journey at SIGNAL IDUNA?
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are values that have long been reflected in SIGNAL IDUNA’s organizational culture and have become increasingly important in recent years.
One significant milestone was joining the Romanian Diversity Charter in 2022, through which we publicly committed to promoting a workplace built on respect, equal opportunities and inclusion. Another important achievement was obtaining the Inclusive Employer certification this year, a recognition that validates our efforts to create a work environment where every colleague feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. These milestones reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering an open and supportive culture where diverse perspectives and experiences are recognized as valuable assets.
Which aspects of diversity management are the highest priority in your company?
Our main priority is creating a workplace where every employee is treated with respect, has equal opportunities and can grow professionally. We place a strong emphasis on intergenerational collaboration, diversity of thought and fostering an environment where people feel encouraged to share their ideas and contribute authentically. We believe that diversity goes beyond visible differences and also includes experiences, skills and different ways of approaching challenges.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges your sector faces in building a diverse and inclusive workforce?
One of the biggest challenges is turning inclusion into an everyday reality rather than simply an aspiration or a policy statement. Organizational culture is shaped through daily behaviors, decisions and interactions.
Companies must also find effective ways to leverage generational diversity, as today’s workplaces bring together people with different experiences, expectations and working styles. Another challenge is ensuring fair recruitment, development and promotion processes so that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
What business benefits have you seen as a result of advancing DEI?
We believe that organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion are better equipped to respond to change and to understand the needs of an increasingly diverse society.
At SIGNAL IDUNA, we see that a culture based on respect and openness contributes to higher employee engagement, stronger collaboration across teams and a greater sense of belonging. At the same time, diverse perspectives support more balanced decision-making and foster innovation.
Can you name three diversity-related challenges that companies need to pay attention to?
- Addressing unconscious biases that may influence professional decisions.
- Creating a genuine sense of inclusion, not just ensuring representation.
- Managing and leveraging generational diversity in a way that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing.
What do you do to help your colleagues understand the value of diversity management and, even more importantly, to get them truly on board?
We believe that the first step is creating an environment where open dialogue and mutual respect are consistently encouraged. Organizational culture is built through leadership example, everyday collaboration and a genuine focus on each employee’s experience.
We encourage the exchange of ideas and different perspectives, and we want every employee to feel that their voice matters. Another important achievement was obtaining the Inclusive and Transparent Employer Certification this year, a recognition that validates our efforts to create a work environment where every colleague feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute.
Interview by Dana Oancea, Carta Diversitatii.
