9. St. Galler Diversity & Inclusion Week
Fostering Inclusive Workplaces: Connecting DE&I and Wellbeing
Monday
Sep. 15th
Kick-off: How to navigate DE&I and wellbeing in the workplace today
10:00 - 10:30 | online
Are Women-Only Programmes Useful?
10:30 - 11:30 | online
Menstruation, Maternity, & Menopause, Oh My! Latest Evidence and Best Management Practices
14:00 - 15:00 | online
We Take Care: Promoting Diversity, Strengthening Health
17:00 - 17:30 | online
Tuesday
Sep. 16th
Kick-off with Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander and Antje Kanngiesser
9:30 - 10:15 | St.Gallen
Workshop Round I
1. Mindful Leadership
2. Fertility Gap
3. Healthy Leadership
4. Leading Like a Black Belt
10:30 - 12:00 | St.Gallen
Input von Rolf Becker
13:45 - 14:30 | St.Gallen
Workshop Round II
1. DE&I Is Measurable
2. Wellbeing Through a
Culture of Respect
3. Self-Narratives and Psychological Health
4. Inclusion That Makes a Difference
14:45 - 16:45 | St.Gallen
Conclusion, Takeaways
16:30 - 16:45 | St.Gallen
Aperitif
Starts 16:45
Wednesday
Sep. 17th
Mental Health Disorders Around Birth – Is the Swiss Labour Market Prepared?
09:00 - 09:30 | online
Wellbeing Through Leadership: Male Managers Between Shaping and Blocking
10:15 - 11:45 | online
Preventing Mental Ill Health in Immigrants – Social Safeness at the Workplace
14:00 - 15:00 | online
Sourcing with Heart: How Inclusive Procurement Fuels Wellbeing and Thriving Communities
17:00 - 17:30 | online
Thursday
Sep. 18th
My Leadership Perspective on DE&I and Wellbeing as a Trans Woman
9:00 - 9:30 | online
Hide or Speak? Creating a Safe Space for Open Conversations on Invisible Health Impairments
10:15 - 11:15 | online
Inclusion and Wellbeing in the Home Office: Recognising Opportunities, Managing Risks
14:00 - 15:00 | online
Gender Intelligence Report 2025
16:00 - 18:00 | hybrid
Friday
Sep. 19th
"Diversilience”- How Diverse Teams and Inclusion Promote Resilience and Well-Being
9:00 - 9:30 | online
Inclusion Journey: A Data-Driven Approach to Onboarding Employees
10:15 - 11:15 | online
Online sessions will be simultaneously translated into German and English
Monday, 15 September (online)

How to navigate DE&I and wellbeing in the workplace today
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander and Caroline Creven Fourrier
10:00 – 10:30 | online
The topics of diversity, inclusion, fairness, belonging and health have rarely been discussed as controversially as in recent months. Despite the existence of clear empirical evidence, emotionally charged topics frequently encounter difficulties.
- How do companies deal with these challenges?
- Where do they hold on to values?
- Which topics remain, which are pushed into the background?
- How do they convince and communicate internally and externally?
These questions will be addressed by Caroline Creven Fourrier, PhD, Chief Inclusion and Belonging Officer, Roche Group, and Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander at the kick-off event of the 9th DE&I Week.

Are Women-Only Programmes Useful?
Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander and Sebastian Kubik
10:30 – 11:30 | online
Women-only programmes are often controversial. It is argued that they are not inclusive because they exclude men and portray women as particularly in need of development. However, women-only programmes can also be effective and increase inclusion and well-being in the workplace. Together with Bühler Uzwil, we look at the conditions under which women’s programmes can be useful and what needs to be considered when implementing them.

Menstruation, Maternity, & Menopause, Oh My! Latest Evidence and Best Management Practices
Prof. Dr. Jamie Gloor and Eugenia Bajet Mestre
14:00 – 15:00 | online
How do physiological changes (menstruation, maternity, and menopause) across a woman’s life impact teams, careers, and leadership?
Why are common life transitions like menopause still taboo in modern workplaces—and how can leaders fix it?
What can you do to better support through women’s health transitions and unlock their full professional potential?

We Take Care: Promoting Diversity, Strengthening Health
Sereina Wüst and Aurelia Adamo
17:00 – 17:30 | online
We examine the interface between Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and occupational health management.
At the centre of this is the question: How do inclusion and a conscious approach to prejudice as part of occupational health management contribute to the well-being of employees and thus to the success of the company?
A presentation for anyone interested in fair, healthy and inclusive co-operation in the workplace.
Tuesday, 16 September (On-site Day)

Mindful Leadership: Strengthening Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Workshop | 10:30 – 12:00 | German
How can we create working environments in which different ways of thinking are not only accepted but also valued? What structures do we need to recognise potential instead of deficits? Can we use mindfulness to build bridges?

Fertility Gap: What Is the Business Case for Family Planning?
Dr. Anna Brzycky, Sandra Cesna, Dr. Nora Keller, Prof. Dr. Gudrun Sander, Dr. Damiano Urbinello and Elisabeth Vey
Workshop | 10:30 – 12:00 | English
- How many people are affected by infertility?
- What misconceptions around (in)fertility and fertility treatments are out there?
- Is it employer responsibility to counteract fertility gap and support family planning, fertility, and career advancement?
- What does it mean to undergo a fertility treatment? How does it affect work ability and psychological well-being?

Healthy Leadership - Strengthening Yourself and Others
Prof. Dr. Stephan Böhm and Dr. Louisa Riess
Workshop | 10:30 – 12:00 | German
- How can leaders and employees stay healthy and productive in times of digitalization, flexibilization and work intensification
- What protects me and others from burnout and mental exhaustion?
- How can healthy leadership behavior look like and how does it affect absenteeism among employees with and without pre-existing conditions?

Leading Like a Black Belt: Trust, Respect, and Inclusion Through Jiu Jitsu
Workshop | 10:30 – 12:00 | English
How do you build real trust in teams without forcing closeness? How can respecting boundaries actually strengthen collaboration? And what does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teach us about leadership, inclusion, and feedback?
Drawing on insights from martial arts and organizational research, this interactive session explores how the values of trust, respect, and continuous learning can help leaders “lead like a black belt” on and off the mat.

Talent or Background? Education and Careers in Switzerland
Keynote | 13:30 – 14:30 | German
Despite the expansion of educational opportunities in Switzerland over recent decades, access to education remains unequally distributed. Socioeconomic background continues to play a significant role. This keynote addresses the following questions:
-
Has the expansion of education and economic modernisation led to improved career prospects and greater upward occupational mobility?
-
Has the distribution of returns to education (income, occupational prestige) in the labour market become more meritocratic?
-
Or do parental background and family influences still affect professional careers, in addition to individual effort and achievement?
Drawing on over 75 years of educational development in Switzerland, this presentation examines how access to education has evolved and how changes in education, employment, and the economy have shaped the professional lives of men and women today.

Inclusion That Makes a Difference: Relevance, Potential, and Pathways for Implementation at Work
Nicola V. Glumann, Emma S. Müller and Martin Schmid
Workshop | 14:45 – 16:15 | German
Why are inclusive workplaces a success factor for companies? What role does wellbeing play in this context – and how are the two topics interconnected? How can inclusion be truly lived in everyday work rather than just demanded? And what does practical experience reveal about effective approaches?

DE&I Is Measurable: HR Indicators and Equal Pay Analysis as Strategic Means
Christoph Breier and Jérémy Fleury
Workshop | 14:45 – 16:15 | German
In order to anchor diversity and inclusion sustainably, structures are needed that enable fair opportunities. HSG Diversity Benchmarking and Equal Pay Analysis offer organisations intuitive tools for visualisation and analysis. Recognise structural inequalities, understand talent movements and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the EU Pay Transparency Rules. Together we will visualise where change is needed – and how you can take informed action.

Wellbeing Through a Culture of Respect – Shaping Together, Intervening Effectively

Self-Narratives and Psychological Health: A Storytelling Toolkit for Greater Well-Being
Workshop | 14:45 – 16:15 | English
- What are self-narratives and how do they develop?
- How do self-narratives influence our health and well-being and how can we change them?
In this workshop, you will get to know typical self-narratives about health/ illness and well-/ill-being. Which elements of our self-narratives constrain us, which ones create scope for (new) thoughts, feelings and actions? Which alternative stories could be told and how would these impact our everyday life and work? Based on case studies and themes or situations that are relevant for you we develop a storytelling toolkit for more well-being together.
Wednesday, 17 September (online)

Mental Health Disorders Around Birth – Is the Swiss Labour Market Prepared?
Andrea Borzatta and Christina Fischer
09:00 – 09:30 | online
The transition to parenthood represents a particularly vulnerable period with regard to mental health. Up to 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers are affected, around 24,000 individuals per year in Switzerland, the majority of whom are employed. Nevertheless, this issue receives little attention in the Swiss world of work. A study conducted by Periparto provides insights into this topic and clearly indicates a need for action. But what is required?

Wellbeing Through Leadership: Male Managers Between Shaping and Blocking
Dr. Gabriele Schambach and Martin Speer
10:15 – 11:45 | online
Managers are (co-)responsible for Wellbeing & Health in their area of responsibility, but
- what understanding of this do (predominantly) male managers actually have?
- what can be done if the male-dominated image of leadership is (still) characterised more by toughness and perseverance than by (self-)care and well-being?
- how can (male) managers specifically shape wellbeing & health in the working environment and overcome (inner) blockages?

Preventing Mental Ill Health in Immigrants - Social Safeness at the Workplace
14:00 – 15:00 | online
Immingrants are significantly more frequently affected by mental health problems. This online session will shed light on the underlying mechanisms and outline how social safeness at the workplace can prevent these health disparities.

Sourcing with Heart: How Inclusive Procurement Fuels Wellbeing and Thriving Communities
17:00 – 17:30 | online
Companies with inclusive procurement practices tend to realize greater cost savings compared to those that do not adopt such strategies.
Participants will explore how inclusive procurement strategies, such as supplier diversity and inclusive sourcing initiatives, can enhance wellbeing by supporting vulnerable groups and fostering equitable economic growth.
Thursday, 18 September

My Leadership Perspective on DEI and Wellbeing as a Trans Woman
9:00 – 9:30 | online
This session offers personal insights from my experience as a leader — before and after my transition from male to female. This had a substantial impact on my personal leadership journey and how I further developed my leadership model. It was frightening to recognize my own unconscious biases.
By being true to myself, I not only enhanced my own wellbeing but also had a significant positive impact on my environment. My energy and happiness in being myself generated demand from organisations to work with me and made me a more effective leader.

Hide or Speak? Creating a Safe Space for Open Conversations on Invisible Health Impairments
10:15 – 11:15 | online
How do employees decide whether, when, and how to disclose their invisible health impairments at work?
What proactive measures can leaders take to support employees with invisible health impairments?
How can leaders foster a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable speaking openly about health-related challenges?

Inclusion and Wellbeing in the Home Office: Recognising Opportunities, Managing Risks
14:00 – 15:00 | online
Working from home is here to stay – and offers enormous potential for inclusion and wellbeing. But how can we make the most of these opportunities and actively manage potential risks? This session will focus on the following questions:
How can remote working specifically promote inclusion and well-being? What challenges – from the digital divide to mental health – are likely to arise? And what strategies can help to create a supportive and fair working environment for everyone?

Gender Intelligence Report
Dr. Ines Hartmann and Alkistis Petropaki
16:00 – 18:00 | hybrid
Friday, 19 September

"Diversilience”- How Diverse Teams and Inclusion Promote Resilience and Well-Being
9:00 – 9:30 | online
The following questions will be discussed in this input session:
- What does “wellbeing” actually mean?
- What impact does the fast-paced world of work and increasing pressure have on people and therefore on hole teams?
- Why is inclusion so important for mental health?
- How can diverse teams positively influence the resilience of individual employees?
- What practical examples are there?

Inclusion Journey: A Data-Driven Approach to Onboarding Employees
10:15 – 11:15 | online
- What does inclusion mean, and why is it critical for organizational success?
- How can fostering inclusion positively impact individual well-being, performance, and talent retention?
- What concrete steps can leaders and organizations take to build a sustainable culture of inclusion over time?
Join our session to explore evidence-based insights from the Inclusion Journey project and discover actionable strategies to foster a culture of inclusion in your organization.