“HZDR - A Place to Be”: A place for people, ideas, and diversity

The HZDR sees social sustainability as the foundation for a vibrant, innovative and responsible research center. The focus is on people - with their individual abilities, needs and life realities. The guiding principle “A Place to Be” expresses that the HZDR is a place where people feel comfortable, can develop and work together on solutions for the future.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

• Gender equality work at the HZDR is broadly based and aims to create equal opportunities for all genders - particularly through programs to promote women in science.
• Diversity and inclusion are part of the HZDR's corporate culture. Employees from abroad receive a comprehensive and individual incoming service via the International Office.
• Attention is paid to accessibility in all construction projects: for an inclusive campus.

Health, well-being and support

• Occupational health management includes sports and prevention programs, ergonomic advice, health campaigns and psychological support services.
• The “Help! - help in difficult situations” service is open to all employees who find themselves in stressful situations - anonymously, confidentially and free of charge.
• The “Room of Silence” offers opportunities for retreat and relaxation - a place for mindfulness, meditation or prayer.

Family, work and life

• The “berufundfamilie” audit underlines the strategically anchored family friendliness and the continuous development of family-friendly working conditions.
• The Lucy Mensing program offers targeted support when returning to work after family-related leave, for example after parental leave or caring for relatives.
• Flexible working hours, options for mobile working and part-time solutions enable a good work-life balance.
• The HZDR actively supports childcare in cooperation with daycare centers and through its own vacation camp for employees' children.
• The center also offers optimal conditions for trainees and has been certified several times as an excellent training company.

Development, career and participation

• Extensive training and further education opportunities for all professional groups promote individual development.
• With events such as the “Career Dinner Talk”, the HZDR brings young researchers and managers together in informal gatherings - for inspiration, exchange and career planning.
• Interactive participation formats and sustainability-related working groups enable employees to play an active role in the future of the HZDR.

Under the motto “HZDR - A Place to Be”, the center makes it clear that excellent research can only succeed where people feel seen, respected and supported. In this way, social sustainability is anchored not only as a value, but also as a lived practice in everyday scientific life.