PROUT EMPLOYER BASF
“That’s why I champion open and respectful interaction in our company – which means that everyone is seen and accepted as a unique individual here.”
Michael Heinz is a member of the management board of BASF SE. He is responsible for the areas of Engineering & Technical Expertise, Environmental Protection, Health & Safety, European Site & Network Management and Human Resources. He is industrial relations director at BASF SE and the location manager for the plant in Ludwigshafen. He has been a member of the management board since as far back as 2011 and, in this time, has been responsible for the areas of Dispersions & Pigments, Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health, Performance Chemicals, Advanced Materials & Systems Research as well as for the South America region and “Perspectives”, an initiative which supports marketing and sales within the BASF Group.
What objectives is BASF pursuing with the PROUT EMPLOYER cooperation?
Michael Heinz: With this cooperation, we are signalling that BASF maintains and promotes an open, tolerant and inclusive working environment – both internally and externally. We are a founding member of the PROUT AT WORK-Foundation and continue to champion the interests of LGBT*IQ people, because we want all our employees to feel comfortable here and not to have to hide their true selves, let alone be disadvantaged because of their sexual orientation or identity.
“To name one example, since 2012, we have supported the employee network LGBT+Friends at our Ludwigshafen location.”
What activities are there at BASF in terms of LGBT*IQ diversity?
Michael Heinz: To name one example, since 2012, we have supported the employee network LGBT+Friends at our Ludwigshafen location. This network deals with topics and concerns of homosexual, bisexual and transgender employees and sees itself as a forum for networking and sharing experiences. It is open to all interested staff. We also show our support for IDAHOT and other LGBT*IQ relevant occasions by carrying out internal and external communication activities.
Why is it important for you personally to support LGBT*IQ people?
Michael Heinz: I have seen in my social environment what it means for LGBTIQ people to not be accepted in society and therefore to not be able to be open about their sexual orientation. That’s why I champion open and respectful interaction in our company – which means that everyone is seen and accepted as a unique individual here.