In a country like Austria, with a functioning healthcare system and good public infrastructure, one might think that social justice is already well advanced. But Susanne Hamscha takes a more nuanced view: “We see people in our society who have a harder time, who are less privileged – whether in terms of access to education or the labor market. Only when opportunities are truly distributed fairly can we speak of a fair society.“ This is not just a geographical issue, such as Europe, but also concerns structural inequalities within our society. Those who only look at diversity superficially often overlook the deeper causes of inequality – and thus ignore enormous potential.

When people talk about sustainability, many initially think of ecology. But without social sustainability, any environmental strategy remains incomplete. After all, only a society in which people can live healthy, safe lives with equal rights is sustainable in the long term. Companies have an enormous influence on who gets opportunities, who can advance, and who is heard. They decide on working conditions, development opportunities, and corporate culture. Studies show that social sustainability pays off: a diverse and inclusive work environment can substantially contribute to success and profitability as many studies proof. However, this does not happen overnight—since this work is a marathon, not a sprint.

“You always have diversity in companies. How can you use this diversity as a resource in order to do whatever it is you're doing a little bit better?”
– Susanne Hamscha, Managing Partner at factor-D Diversity Consulting

Based on her work with numerous companies, Susanne Hamscha has derived three key recommendations:

1. Focus on inclusion: Instead of just counting diversity, you should create a culture where everyone feels welcome and heard.
2. Holistic view: Creating equal opportunities isn't just about HR, but also product development, communication, and leadership.
3. Long-term thinking: The biggest mistake is to put the issue on the back burner in times of crisis. That's precisely when diversity can be part of the solution.

Listen now and learn more about social sustainability in a corporate context!