Conference / Built on People

Tolerance Is Not Enough. It Is Time for Respect

Representatives of Škoda Auto, other Czech companies, experts and employees met at Škoda Museum on 17 September to jointly open up the topic of LGBTQ+ people in Czech industry.

The Built on People conference offered a space for sharing experiences, personal stories and a practical discussion on how to create a working environment where people can be themselves. "I am very glad that, for the first time ever, we were able to welcome so many external companies at Škoda Auto and jointly open up the topic of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Czech industry. For us, the conference also marks an important milestone in our five years of partnership with the Pride Business Forum, with whom we prepared the whole event. Throughout the day, many strong and inspiring stories were shared, showing that behind every diversity topic there are, above all, specific people. And it is precisely when we have the opportunity to get to know their stories that we better understand their experiences, challenges and needs. I believe this is an important step towards greater understanding, respect and openness in the workplace and in society as a whole," says Jan Chmelík, Head of ST – Organization Development & HR Management.

The morning programme covered the role of leadership and HR, psychological safety, employee communities, and what the next generation of talent expects from companies. It did not stop at general information. LGBTQ+ employees and guests shared their experiences, and personal stories were also told. Among the speakers were Board Member for People & Culture Maren Gräf, researcher and university lecturer Michal Pitoňák, Pavlína Kalousová from Asahi Europe & International, and well-known pastry chef Josef Maršálek, who also brought his own personal experience to the programme. They were joined by representatives from Škoda Auto, Siemens, Plzeňský Prazdroj and other organisations.

In the afternoon, attention turned to practical matters. Three workshops provided space for sharing experience across companies – from working with data on inclusion and psychological safety, through openness in leadership, to working with talent during the transformation of the industry. The programme also included a tour of Škoda Auto production, which showed how the principles of respect and cooperation are reflected in the company's everyday operations.

Info

5 years with people, about people

The conference also marked two anniversaries: the Škoda Proud employee group and Škoda Auto’s partnership with the Pride Business Forum are both celebrating their fifth anniversary this year. Since 2021, Škoda Proud has been supporting an open and respectful working environment. Five years of joint work thus offered not only an opportunity to look back at the progress made so far, but also to show that company culture is built, above all, on people. If you would like to join this employee group, simply contact it by email.

Watch the video from the event