Mladá Boleslav, 3 June 2025 — For the fifth consecutive year, Škoda Auto has reaffirmed its commitment to building a truly inclusive workplace by celebrating European Diversity Month, an initiative led by the European Commission to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion across the continent. Under the thought-provoking theme ‘Your bubble is one of many. Get to know others’, this year’s campaign encouraged employees to step beyond familiar perspectives and explore the richness of human difference — with empathy, openness and collaboration at the heart of the conversation.
The month-long programme brought Škoda Auto’s DEI values to life through workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions and interactive experiences. At its centre stood the striking debut of the Elroq Respectline — a visually bold concept car symbolising the brand’s commitment to inclusion. Serving as a mobile manifesto of Škoda’s core values of Humanity, Respect and Openness, the Elroq Respectline was unveiled at the Laurin & Klement Kampus and became a focal point of Diversity Day on 13 May, when employees had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Celebrating Inclusion through Action
Throughout May, Škoda Auto’s headquarters came alive with activities that invited reflection, learning and dialogue. From DEI-themed booths run by employee resource groups — including Škoda Proud, Internationals@Škoda and Women@Work — to informative sessions hosted by the Škoda Academy, employees engaged with topics ranging from inclusive language and neurodiversity to intergenerational collaboration and mental health.
One of the event’s standout moments was the launch of the HandBike Challenge, a long-term initiative developed with Cesta za snem, a non-profit organisation supporting people with disabilities. As Škoda Auto’s long-standing partner, the charity helped spotlight the importance of accessibility and adaptive opportunities, reinforcing the company’s dedication to equitable experiences for all.
Beyond the formal programme, activities such as the Fun&Run sports gathering offered an informal platform for employees to connect outside of daily routines, building team spirit while embodying the spirit of inclusion in action.
A Strategy Rooted in Respect
Škoda Auto’s diversity initiatives are not confined to annual campaigns — they form a central pillar of the company’s Next Level – Škoda Strategy, which integrates equity, diversity and human rights into long-term planning and performance metrics. In partnership with the KOVO trade union, the company is continuously evolving workplace policies to meet the unique needs and expectations of its diverse workforce.
In 2024, Škoda Auto exceeded its target for female representation in management, reaching 20.4%, and continued its investment in sheltered workplace programmes that currently support over 500 employees with disabilities. These achievements are among the many detailed in the Diversity Report 2024, published in May, which offers a transparent overview of progress and areas for continued focus.
The company’s approach has garnered external recognition too — in a recent independent ESG assessment, Škoda Auto earned a 94% score in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a strong endorsement of its inclusive culture.
Voices from Leadership
“Diversity is the foundation of who we are at Škoda Auto,” said Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture. “Every individual is unique, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, background, religion, gender, family status or sexuality. Diversity brings varied perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more innovative solutions that better meet the needs of our customers.”
Building Bridges Beyond the Workplace
Škoda Auto’s commitment to openness and acceptance extends beyond its own walls. Through enduring partnerships with initiatives such as Prague Pride Festival, Pride Business Forum, Czechitas, and Business for Society, the company actively contributes to societal progress in inclusion and equality.
As Škoda Auto continues to accelerate its transformation journey, the message is clear: diversity is not a box to tick — it is a mindset to cultivate. By encouraging employees to venture beyond their personal ‘bubbles’, the brand is not only enriching its internal culture but also creating the conditions for more meaningful innovation, stronger communities, and a more inclusive future for all.
For more information on Škoda Auto’s diversity initiatives, download the full Diversity Report 2024 at Škoda Auto’s official website.
