ÖBB Annual Report 2023

171 Group Management Report Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 126 ÖBB is once again launching a special initiative in 2023 to mark International Sign Language Day (23.09) under the motto “Accessibility benefits everyone”. On 21.09.2023, a public event was held at Vienna Central Station for passers-by, travellers and ÖBB employees. The aim was to use sensing journeys and encounters with people with disabilities to raise awareness and break down barriers – especially those in the mind. Moreover, Vienna Central Station was radiant in blue on International Sign Language Day (23.09.2023). This sent a signal that Austrian Sign Language is an officially recognised language and part of a lively and diverse linguistic landscape. Intercultural competencies ÖBB is facing a generation change in the company and Austria in the midst of a socio-demographic population trend. In this context, tapping the potential of the labour force with a multicultural background is a key challenge and economic goal. This applies equally to the composition of the workforce and to the handling of the mobility market. Improvements to our intercultural fitness are being addressed at various different levels. This includes training on the topic of intercultural collaboration, cooperation with organisations such as Volkshilfe and the Austrian Integration Fund, as well as internal discussion events on cultural diversity within the Group. The apprenticeship training of unaccompanied refugee youths with asylum status is also particularly noteworthy. This initiative has already been promoted since 2012 with the Lobby.16 association and since 2016 also with the support of the AMP. The focus is also placed on female young people with asylum status. Intercultural competence was also addressed as part of the International Day against Racism. This takes place as part of a workshop with the youth representatives on the topic of “Antiracism and civil courage”. The aim was to show the youth representatives and apprentices ways of raising their voices against racism. And on the occasion of ÖBB’s 100th anniversary, the company, which employs people from over 90 countries, demonstrated its diversity in many of its statements. Active community building pilot project in cooperation with Volkshilfe) Employees and travellers from different cultures are a great enrichment for ÖBB. The debate among passengers and with ÖBB staff is the motivation for launching the “Safe and Respectful – Travelling Together” program. The aim of this program is to enter into exchange with gatekeepers in the individual communities and to promote dialogue. In 2023, the focus of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG Ost-Region was on the Black Community. More than 3,700 colleagues from more than 95 countries working in the ÖBB Group are involved - and the trend is on the rise. This diversity of cultures and languages should be actively utilised. The language learning exchange makes it possible to find language learning partners and organise a free language exchange (tandem) with them in their free time. Outlook for 2024 The strategic objectives are to increase the proportion of women in the Group as a whole and the proportion of employees with disabilities. The Women’s Career Index (FKi) was once again surveyed and corresponding conclusions drawn in order to consistently and sustainably promote the first-mentioned goal. The second objective set out fundamental measures to create a low-barrier working environment for employees with disabilities. In addition, cooperation and training programmes (including with AMS, ÖIF and various NPOs) contribute to raising awareness and empowerment. These include the qualification of managers, existing career development programmes in digitalised form, coaching for women, the cross-mentoring programme across all sectors, ÖBB networking events and the new network for employees with disabilities. The opening of the Inclusion & Diversity solution centre in July 2023 marks another important step towards modern working models, generational change and the future. The Solution Centre supports the implementation of ÖBB’s diversity strategy with its services. It harmonises inclusion and diversity work within ÖBB and aims to promote and further establish a respectful, open working culture with equal opportunities for all employees within the ÖBB Group. MR126 |