Lanxess to increase proportion of women in management

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Leverkusen, Germany -- Speciality chemicals group LANXESS is introducing a global corporate target for the medium term to increase the proportion of women in mid-level and upper management. This should lead to around 20 percent of these positions being held by women by 2020. The figure currently stands at just under 15 percent. Overall, women account for 18 percent of the global headcount of 17 100, Lanxess said.

"With our ambitious and very specific target, we aim to help more highly-qualified women advance their careers within the company. In light of demographic change, our initiative will make a contribution to equal opportunity," explained Lanxess management board chairman Axel Heitmann.

Last year, Lanxess launched the "Diversity & Inclusion" initiative. This underscores the company's intention to promote equal opportunity and work/life balance in the traditionally male-dominated chemical industry.

In a first project phase, a global analysis examined how diverse the company is in terms of the gender, nationality and age of its workforce. Around one third of Lanxess employees in Germany are below the age of 40.

A total of 30 projects are being coordinated and supported worldwide. One example of these is the Senior Trainee Program launched in early November. This project involves 13 highly qualified women and one man who, with the support of Lanxess, are returning to employment after a long period spent raising a family. The program lasts 18 months and, alongside actual work tasks, includes personal support from an experienced mentor, individual coaching for the duration of the program and customised training measures.

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News release from Lanxess