«Due to the shortage of skilled workers, we can no longer afford to have only one parent working. We absolutely need more women in the workforce.»
Jos Dijsselhof, CEO SIX
Interview with Jos Dijsselhof
«Stronger when equal»: We are all stronger, when equal. What does this mean for you personally?
It is important that we continue to be aware of what makes us strong as a society. Every generation has its challenges, and history shows that change requires a collective effort. It’s unity, not separation, that makes us strong. At the same time, this means that every voice counts and is heard equally.
What advice about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace would you have liked to have as a young leader?
Prior to becoming CEO, I had the privilege of working in a number of countries. That attuned me early to the fact that we have different cultural backgrounds. I have always listened carefully, and been open to different points of view.
Another good piece of advice at a young age might have been not only to listen, but to ask questions. In my opinion, we are only good as a team if we understand the core of a problem and have discussed various possible solutions together. Managers must be able to facilitate this exchange so that everyone can contribute, and be heard as a result.
«I have to admit that I don’t pitch in enough at home that we could talk about equality. But, you know, it’s like in sports. Each new day offers the opportunity to do more.»
How would you advise young people who want to have a career and a family?
The generation faced with this question today is much more self-confident and open regarding the compatibility of work and family, and expresses their requirements. So, it doesn’t need my advice. To me, it’s important that we listen, and focus on where there’s a problem. That’s the only way that we as a society and as a company can set a new course.
10 years Advance, engaging for a gender equal workplace. What is your wish for progress in gender balance in the next 10 years? And how do you see the role of leaders on this journey?
The timing is ideal. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, we can no longer afford to have only one parent working. We absolutely need more women in the workforce. I’ve seen that new approaches are being explored in Switzerland – for example, individual taxation – which had been a dead end only a few years ago.
I believe that we, as a company, need to set more ambitious objectives. Much that we have done thus far has improved the situation, but we need more courage for change to be successful. For example, I see our leadership team taking even more responsibility in fostering the compatibility of work and family at all levels.
How much time do you invest in domestic work? If you have a family or live in a partnership, is this work equally distributed? What is your preferred type of housework?
Thank you for this question. It immediately reminded me that we have the biggest influence within our personal environment. Each of us has to start with ourselves first. I have to admit that I don’t pitch in enough at home that we could talk about equality. But, you know, it’s like in sports. Each new day offers the opportunity to do more.
SIX HAs chosen the «ADVANCINE» «La dea bendata» by patricia jacomella bonola ENTSCHIEDEN
Partner companies of the exhibition could choose an «Advancine» artwork as part of their sponsorship, which will continue to inspire employees, managers and customers alike after the exhibition at the company headquarters.
Discover the artwork «La Dea Bendata» by Patricia Jacomella Bonola!
Artwork «La Dea Bendata»
a conversation with six
How is Gender Diversity connected with the business success of your company?
Diversity and inclusion are key factors for innovation, and thus growth, at SIX. Diversity among our employees allows us to collect a variety of perspectives – for example, regarding the topic of customer focus. As a global company, SIX encounters customers with different backgrounds, cultures, and market requirements. Diversity helps us respond to these needs, and to develop innovative, marketable solutions. That provides us with competitive advantages, supports risk management, and increases both our productivity and our growth.
What are Your most successful initiatives to balance the gender representation in management?
SIX has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of women in management to at least 25% by 2023, and at least 30% by 2027. By the end of 2022, we achieved a proportion of women in management of 23.8% (2021: 22.2%). Measures to date aimed at increasing the proportion of women in management include the areas of recruitment, internal promotion process, personnel development, as well as training and further education. During the recruitment process, our HR managers pay attention to diversity and have also been trained accordingly.
Together with the Competence Center of Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), we are working on the enhancement of a DE&I dashboard. This collaboration will also support the development of additional measures where needed.
why did you choose this advancine artwork? What are the messages that you want to give to your employees and beyond?
The Advancine La Dea Bendata points to our innate human stereotypes based on social categories such as age, gender, and ethnicity. As an international company, SIX has to actively engage with the challenge of stereotypes. Our company employs staff from 78 nationalities in 31 countries. We therefore have to always question stereotypes and be aware of the influence that they have. Our Advancine thus speaks from the heart. Because when we overcome stereotypes, we learn to be more open with each other and to experience equal opportunity.
DISCOVER EXCITING SOURCES FROM six
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2022/women-in-IT-at-SIX.html
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2021/diversity-company-growth.html
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2020/talent-acquisition-women.html
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2020/womens-day-diversity.html
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2020/girls-it-day.html
https://www.six-group.com/de/blog/2019/bell-ringing-2019.html
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