Škoda Auto promotes diversity, respect and inclusion: Škoda Proud employee group celebrates five years

“Over the past five years, dedicated colleagues and allies have helped shape Škoda Proud into the strong and vibrant network it is today. With the support of Škoda Auto, this employee network plays an important role in fostering a corporate culture built on respect and mutual understanding. It creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees to connect, share experiences, and support one another, while helping to build an environment where every Škodian feels safe and able to be their authentic selves. My sincere thanks go to everyone who contributes to this network and helps make Škoda Auto a place where diversity is valued.”

Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture

Škoda Auto employee groups: A space for dialogue and mutual understanding
Employee resource groups (ERGs) are set up by employees and open to all colleagues. They provide opportunities to connect, share experiences, learn and address current workplace issues. Alongside Škoda Proud, employee resource groups at Škoda Auto include Internationals@Škoda and WomeN@work.

Škoda Proud was founded in 2021 to build a community for LGBTQ+ colleagues and their allies. It has welcomed all employees from the outset and currently has around 215 members. In the past year, it has organised more than 30 workshops, training sessions and informal meetups for everyone. Additionally, Škoda Proud collaborates with employee groups across the Volkswagen Group and companies from different industries and shares experiences through Pride Business Forum, of which Škoda Auto is a premium member. For its contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion, Škoda Proud received the Employee-Driven Initiative Award from Pride Business Forum.

Gold recognition for Škoda Auto initiatives

For its long-standing work to promote equal opportunities, Škoda Auto received gold in the LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer 2026 awards organised by Pride Business Forum. The awards are based on a detailed assessment of each company’s approach, using criteria including leadership involvement and the work of employee groups. The carmaker’s ongoing commitment to diversity was also reflected in this year’s European Diversity Month, with more than 600 Škoda Auto employees attending its events.

In August, Škoda Auto supported the Prague Pride Festival for the fifth time, with employees and their families joining the parade to represent the car manufacturer. The colourful Škoda Elroq Respectline, a symbol of diversity and mutual respect, accompanied the participants. Moreover, the Škoda zone featured the new Epiq and an exhibition marking Škoda Proud’s fifth anniversary. On 17 September, the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav hosted the ‘Built on People: LGBTQ+ in Czech Industry’ conference with more than 200 participants. Organised by Škoda Proud and Pride Business Forum, it addressed inclusion in manufacturing workplaces through expert discussions and workshops.

Škoda Auto’s diversity initiatives cover gender balance, promoting an international workforce and collaboration across generations. In addition, the car manufacturer provides support tailored to employees’ individual needs, for example through strong family-friendly policies and support for employees with disabilities or health conditions.