Capability shift
Advancing digitalisation, demographic change and the need for sustainability are altering market requirements and therefore also the way companies work. As a result, some job profiles are changing and new jobs for qualified professionals are emerging that combine sustainability and new technologies.
In order to remain a reliable partner for its customers in the future, Festo is focussing on this capability shift. Together with its employees, Festo is engaged in a continuous learning process so that it can remain an attractive employer for new talent and to systematically train its employees at an early stage.
Diversity management
At Festo, people from 98 nations work together successfully. For us, diversity is not just a concept, but an important success factor. We value the uniqueness of people and are convinced that our diverse teams help us to broaden our horizons and strengthen our innovative power.
A central goal
We see diversity, equal opportunities and belonging as a central goal. This is why "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion" (DE&I) has been embedded in our corporate strategy since the beginning of the year 2025. All employees should have a fair chance to achieve their full potential and feel welcome and have a sense of belonging.
Diversity Charter
In 2022, Festo signed the Diversity Charter. The aim of this self-declaration is to send a clear signal about diversity, both internally and externally. We want to observe and promote our self-image of workforce diversity more strongly in the future.
The Diversity Charter describes diversity in four levels. Personality is at the centre. This is influenced by the core dimensions that are unchangeable from the outside, the external level and the organisational level.
Employee networks
Women@Festo – the women's network at Festo
Women@Festo is a network of women for women at Festo. This is where women of all ages, professions and levels of seniority have a chance to network. It offers women a space to share their experiences, to support each other and encourages them to brainstorm,reflect and think outside the box together.
Women@Festo is open to all female employees who:
- Want to help shape the future of Festo together
- Want to develop personally and professionally
- Want to support cultural change and shape diversity at Festo
- Want to actively take advantage of opportunities in the company
- Want to expand their network and meet other dedicated women
Proud@Festo - the LGBTQIA+ network at Festo
Proud@Festo is the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual) network at Festo. The aim is to provide a network for LGBTIQ+ people and employees who celebrate diversity, promote the visibility of different lifestyles and tolerant coexistence.
Specifically, the aim is to:
- Promote visibility and acceptance
- Enable networking
- Be a point of contact for employees and management
- Be a driving force for LGBTQIA+ topics in the company
- Support Festo corporate responsibility
- Represent Festo in the LGBTQIA+ context beyond company boundaries
Diversity of nationalities
At Festo, people from 98 nations work together successfully. We are convinced that our diverse teams will help us to broaden our horizons and strengthen our innovative power.
Attractive employer
"Lifelong learning" is ingrained in Festo’s DNA. At Festo, employees benefit from the combination of in-person events as well as e-learning. Ongoing digitalisation is leading to a greater focus on virtual training at Festo. Festo also offers other benefits that make us an attractive employer.
Vocational training
We view it as our responsibility to train young people and then employ them as qualified professionals. That is why Festo places great emphasis on vocational training, which can also be seen as indirectly adding value for retaining employees.
The advantages of dual education programs at Festo are, on the one hand, the combination of theory and practice to reflect on and apply what has been learned. On the other hand, the experience of working in different departments encourages trainees to actively participate right from the start, thus facilitating their entry into working life.
Our international locations are growing and the search for suitable skilled workers is not always an easy task for them either. That is why we have adapted the dual education model from Germany at some of our locations abroad.
Left figure: The number of trainees from 2021 to 2023 by country.
Occupational safety
Safety – in particular occupational health and safety – is a fundamental part of the corporate philosophy at Festo. The compliance with and implementation of safety requirements are intended to protect our employees and the company’s assets. The aim is to continuously reduce the risk of accidents and health hazards.
Our global safety standards are incorporated in the integrated management system and laid down in an international manual. They are continually and proactively revised and are based on internationally applicable standards, regulations and Festo’s requirements.
In addition to the legal requirements, findings from audits and input from the Festo network also ensure that the information is up to date.
Festo has already implemented a certified ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system at its locations in Budapest, São Paulo and Shanghai. Local systems, also based on ISO 45001, are in place at the other Festo sites with production and logistics capabilities.