"Buntes Handwerk": Diversity Opens New Perspectives

Diversity starts in the business – and in everyday work

At the same time, Buntes Handwerk observes positive developments. More and more businesses are recognizing corporate culture as a decisive factor for employee retention and motivation. “In surveys, pay often only ranks sixth,” Kogge explains. “At the top are workplace climate, leadership, and a sense of belonging.”

Change does not have to be complex. Low threshold measures such as internship days, visible role models within teams, clear codes of conduct, or regular conversations can send strong signals. What matters most is that people feel seen – and remain in the skilled trades in the long term.

The figures are alarming: more than half of apprentices leave the skilled trades between their first and third year of training, and another third leaves immediately after completing their apprenticeship. “For me, that’s a clear sign,” says Kogge. “We don’t have a problem of enthusiasm – we have a culture problem.”

The seven dimensions of diversity

Against this backdrop, it becomes clear why Maren Kogge’s talk goes beyond personal experiences and addresses structural contexts. At the center of her presentation in the HOLZ HANDWERK Arena were the seven dimensions of diversity, which are also symbolized by the seven colored rainbow in the association’s logo. These include age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, religion, disability, and social background. “It’s not about playing diversity bingo and ticking boxes,” says Kogge. “It’s about recognizing that different perspectives are real strengths.”

Inclusion of people with disabilities is one often underestimated example. Most disabilities occur over the course of a person’s life – including in the skilled trades. Yet participation is still frequently limited to sheltered workshops. Numerous practical examples show that adapted thinking and flexible solutions can make workplaces accessible: through modified workbenches, new task allocation, or technical aids.

Diversity as a key to the future

Concrete examples also demonstrate the economic relevance of diversity. Hanebutt, a funding member of Buntes Handwerk and Germany’s second largest roofing company, employs people from 24 nations. According to Kogge, the managing director sums it up clearly: diversity is his key to success. 

For Maren Kogge, the conclusion is clear: “The skilled trades will only remain viable if diversity becomes a matter of course.” This requires businesses willing to listen, rethink established practices, and take responsibility. Trade fairs such as HOLZ HANDWERK provide the appropriate stage for this – as places of dialogue, visibility, and perspective change.

Because the future takes shape where people are given opportunities – regardless of how they look, whom they love, or what name they carry.