GNH joins EAF Berlin's pilot project "Democracy, Equality, and Diversity in the Workplace" as a project partner

How can companies not only teach democratic values, equality, and diversity, but truly live them every day? The pilot project "Democracy, Equality, and Diversity in the Workplace" addresses this very question. It is implemented by EAF Berlin and funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus as part of the "Shaping the World of Work through Social Partnership" program. With the addition of Gesundheit Nordhessen Holding AG, the project has gained another committed partner.

Strengthening democratic competence in the workplace

As one of the largest employers in Northern Hesse, GNH stands for collaboration in all its diversity every single day. Different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds shape our daily work—and make it all the more valuable.

This is exactly where the pilot project comes in: it strengthens democratic competencies and supports employees in actively shaping their work environment. The goal is a corporate culture built on respect, openness, and mutual appreciation.

"We see ourselves not only as a place of medical care but also as a democratic space. Especially in challenging times, it is crucial to actively strengthen and demand collaboration and respectful interaction. The project helps us make our values—human-centeredness, responsibility, togetherness, and openness—even more tangible in our daily work," emphasizes Stephanie Faehling, Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the DEGIB advisory board.

Project manager Tina Weber also describes the special energy that is already palpable: "I am inspired by the great commitment of everyone involved. We have succeeded in bringing together people from very different areas of the holding company who are now learning from each other, networking, and developing together. They take the ideas generated here back to their teams and departments. This can create a snowball effect that reaches more and more people, encouraging them to stand up for a strong sense of community and our democratic values."

About the project

The "Democracy, Equality, and Diversity in the Workplace" project aims to strengthen democratic competence together with employees on-site. Participating companies across Germany are developing practical ways to sustainably anchor democratic values in their daily operations.

So-called "Democracy Guides" play a central role. They come from various sectors—ranging from industry to public services, such as hospitals or state-owned enterprises—and work in different modules on topics such as mindset, collegial interaction, and values-based leadership.

All participants actively contribute their experience while benefiting from new insights for their daily work. In addition to training and company-specific projects, the focus is particularly on exchange—between companies, industry representatives, and social partners. This creates a growing network that will continue to have an impact beyond the project's duration.