Moving the needle: reflections on DEI Day at Unite

On 5 November, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employee Resource Group (DEI-ERG) hosted our second annual DEI Day as part of We Week, a celebration of creating a workplace where every person can feel centred and valued.

Flavours from around the world

The event began with a vibrant meet-and-greet, where colleagues arrived in traditional attire or outfits reflecting personal interests, adding warmth and individuality to the room. A multi-cultural feast awaited – curated by DEI-ERG members – with dishes ranging from Japanese Gyoza to Indian Samosas, thoughtfully labelled by Rachit Gurung wearing a Dhaka Topi (a traditional Nepali cloth hat worn by men).

DEI quiz and winners

The lunch was followed by a lively quiz led by Kathrin Bauer in a t-shirt showing support for the pride parade CSD Köthen: “Which European country has the most museums?” She asked, and there were whispers around room - Italy, France...
Alastair McDonald from the UK answered fast and made it to the top, followed by Hamza Qureshi from Pakistan in second spot. Both winners took home Unite merch, courtesy HR.

DEI policy

Alastair then introduced the newly published Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, now available on our compliance page. Executive Board Member Peter Ledermann emphasised that the DEI policy goes beyond words, affirming Unite’s commitment to a workplace where everyone can be seen, heard and appreciated. “This policy is for you and at Unite we’re dedicated to not just maintaining these values, but to building on them together. Thank you for being part of this commitment,” he said.

Global participation

Unitees from different countries together at the DEI Day

This year’s We Week saw over 500 participants from 47 countries - a mosaic of perspectives and lived experiences, all converging to create a shared understanding. Johannes Seyfried, Head of Organisation Learning and Culture, reflected on the day: “Beyond the figures and policies, it was meeting colleagues from so many different backgrounds, having genuine conversations, sharing meals, and celebrating together that made the day remarkable. It’s exciting to see how diverse we already are and how naturally we live this diversity.”

Moments of the DEI Day

DEI-ERG member Tobias Götze, wearing a T-shirt from his favourite metal band, captured the spirit of the day: “A vibrant mix of voices, passions and backgrounds isn’t just an organisational goal; it’s what makes each of us feel at home, right at the centre of things.”

Unitees clap for the winner of the DEI quiz

Peter Ledermann speaks about why diversity is more than just words

Unitess from all over the world gathered for a week of networking

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Sustainability efforts

Sustainability was woven into the event, with initiatives to minimise waste. Tobias collected bottlecaps, as requested by our colleague Madeleine Müller who will hand them over to the fire department which in turn recycles the metal and gives it to an organisation that supports cancer patients. Whatever leftover food was donated to ReFood, a company that transforms organic waste into sustainable electricity, biomethane, fertiliser and biodiesel.

While considering the DEI day’s impact, Sangeetha Nair, DEI-ERG member, observed: “The topics that matter most often feel like they should be front and centre, but elbow room is equally vital. I’m grateful to work in a place that offers exactly that, for me and everyone who steps into the circle.”

Oh, and the answer to the quiz question? It’s Germany!

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Moving the needle: reflections on DEI Day