Let’s keep connecting: Diversity Day 2025 at Hapag-Lloyd
On March 10, 2025, Hapag-Lloyd celebrated its second global Diversity Day – a powerful reminder that diversity isn’t just a value, but a driving force behind success. Under the theme “Let’s keep connecting people across differences,” Hapag-Lloyd's employees from around the world came together to embrace differences, foster inclusion and reflect on how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are shaping the as individuals, as teams and as a company.
A historic first: The Global Diversity Town Hall
This year marked a milestone: the first-ever Global Diversity Town Hall, dedicated exclusively to DEI was held. Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO at Hapag-Lloyd, Donya-Amer Florence, CIO & CHRO at Hapag-Lloyd and Stefanie Confurius, Managing Director Human Resources at Hapag-Lloyd, joined the DEI team member and moderator of the day, Leon Schulz, two times for an open, honest conversation about the importance of inclusion in their workplace.
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO
"We believe that a diverse workforce leads to stronger teams, better decision-making, and greater success."
During the discussions, they explored what DEI truly means for Hapag-Lloyd and agreed on a key takeaway: Inclusion requires action, and every voice counts. If something goes against our values, it’s everyone’s responsibility to speak up. That’s why DEI isn’t just a value – it’s embedded in our strategy as a business priority. Employees also had the opportunity to review the latest DEI survey results, a proud moment that highlighted our progress and reaffirmed that we’re on the right track.
Furthermore, offices around the world organized local events and interactive sessions covering key DEI aspects such as:
- Gender & Gender Identity
- PRIDE
- Physical & Psychological Capabilities
- Ethnicity & Nationality
- Age
These sessions brought DEI to life, encouraging meaningful discussions and equipping employees with practical tools to foster DEI in their everyday work.
Tara’s insights on the Diversity Day
We sat down with Tara Tabbassum John, Coordinator Human Resources and Admin at Hapag-Lloyd and member of the DEI team to hear her thoughts on organizing this year’s Diversity Days – from the inspiration behind the event to the lasting impact she hopes it will have. Here’s what she shared with us:
What was most important to you when organizing the Diversity Days 2025?
Our main goal was to dedicate a day to celebrate DEI and raise awareness of its many dimensions. We wanted to highlight that diversity affects everyone, even when it isn’t always obvious. It was important to create a well-balanced program that showcased internal initiatives, provided practical tools for integrating inclusivity into daily work and introduced lesser-known topics like neurodiversity. By doing so, we aimed to foster both understanding and action.
How did you perceive the feedback from colleagues – did anything surprise you?
We were especially thrilled by the strong interest in neurodiversity. It showed that many colleagues are eager to learn more about different cognitive abilities and how to foster inclusivity. The positive response to mental health discussions were also encouraging and reminded us that, at the end of the day, we all experience ups and downs. It was inspiring to see colleagues not just interested in these topics but actively engaging in discussions, asking questions and reflecting on how they can contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
Tara Tabbassam John, Coordinator Human Resources and Admin at Hapag-Lloyd
"After all, inclusion starts with I – and together, we start with us."
What concrete changes or ideas do you hope the Diversity Days will inspire?
We hope to inspire colleagues to be more mindful of the diverse perspectives around them and in everyday interactions. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Real change happens through action, whether it’s joining Business Resource Groups (BRGs), actively encouraging diverse voices in discussions or simply making sure colleagues feel heard and valued. After all, inclusion starts with I – and together, we start with us.
How can we all contribute to fostering diversity in the long run?
It starts with valuing the unique perspectives of others. It's about engaging with differences and seeing them as strengths. Whether within the organization or the wider community, we can contribute by calling out discriminatory behavior, advocating for inclusion and supporting diverse voices. Small changes in how we treat others can have a big impact, but structural change is also crucial. By combining individual awareness and systemic improvements, we can create a more inclusive and fair environment for everyone.
DEI: Embedded in Strategy 2030
At Hapag-Lloyd, DEI isn’t a separate initiative. It’s woven into the People Strategy and Strategy 2030. From recruitment and talent development to leadership programs, Hapag-Lloyd committed to building diverse, empowered teams that reflect the global world we serve. As Rolf Habben Jansen emphasized during the town hall: “We believe that a diverse workforce leads to stronger teams, better decision-making, and greater success. That’s why we are committed to continue building a workplace where everyone – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, or background – feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.” This commitment means creating opportunities at every level, nurturing talent from all backgrounds and ensuring that everyone, no matter who they are, can thrive.
The Diversity Day 2025 were a powerful reminder that the journey isn’t over. Every conversation, every initiative and every personal story brings everyone closer to a more inclusive future. That’s why Hapag-Lloyd commits to their motto: “Inclusion starts with ‘I’ – and together, we start with ‘us’.”
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