Mission Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Preamble

We are the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, and we conduct research at the highest international level. The spirit of innovation and creativity are of central importance to us. We know that diversity – carefully coordinated – leads to more innovation and heightened creativity. Therefore, we are proud that people with the most diverse backgrounds and competences are working together on our campus.

Guiding principles

• The best people are distributed over different biographical backgrounds, and diverse perspectives help to solve the greatest challenges. To achieve outstanding results, therefore, we need a high level of diversity among our colleagues.
• At PSI, we live diversity, and we want to be known and recognised for our exemplary inclusion policy: The culture of respect is crystallised in the conduct of all PSI employees.
• Our top priority is increasing the proportion of women in the core areas of PSI. For parents, employment and care work complement each other, rather than hinder each other.
• Putting inclusion and equity into practice is a continuous, ongoing process. Recognising that, we regularly challenge our attitudes and actions with a critical eye. This enables us to incorporate previously overlooked dimensions into our programme.

Objectives

Responsible
Excellent research for the good of humanity, the environment, and the economy is only possible in a socially, ethically, and societally responsible work setting. That is why, at PSI, we live a culture of inclusion, which means that we mutually recognise and value each other as unique individuals.

Open
People from all over the world work at PSI. At the same time, many people from the area find employment here. Therefore, we make a point of combining internationality and local culture.

Fair
To achieve equity, we systematically dismantle structural barriers and disadvantages and offer a variety of support programmes. We communicate, in words and pictures, in a way that is inclusive and appropriate to the diversity of our (potential) colleagues. Access to our rooms and facilities is barrier-free to the greatest extent possible. We design our working conditions to be family-friendly and flexible. To that end, PSI provides uncomplicated and secure digital work equipment.

Motivating
Through inclusion and equity, we create a congenial and motivating work setting. We are proud of the awards and recognition we have received as an attractive employer. To maintain this claim and keep on improving, we invest in a respectful and appreciative work culture. We openly address existing stereotypes and give each other mutual support as we work to minimise unconscious biases.

Continuous
To make inclusion and equity a reality, we invest in structures, processes, and holistic advancement, and we make the necessary resources available. We are cognisant of the fact that the coordination of diversity requires good leadership. People need time to engage with diversity in order to use it beneficially.

Current priorities, implementation, and responsibilities

For us, increasing the proportion of women in the core areas of PSI, particularly in science, technology, and IT, has topmost priority. Internally, we promote a culture of inclusion, respect, and appreciation, and we are working to make PSI more well-known externally, especially among university graduates, as an employer with high diversity and exemplary inclusion practices. In addition, we want to promote the recruitment of people with impairments, particularly in vocational training.

The Center of Competence for Diversity and Inclusion and the Committee for Equal Opportunities are commissioned by the Directorate with the development and coordination of the necessary measures.

The Action Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sets out these priorities in detail for a period of four years each. The goals as well as the strategic and operational measures are defined there. PSI sets itself ambitious but achievable goals with clear and measurable values. The Diversity and Inclusion Department regularly reviews the programme's success and reports on resource management.

Imprint

Publisher: PSI Directorate