Sustainability LIVE: D&I – Carlsberg’s Approach to Diversity

December 09, 2024

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Julie Folmer-Niemann, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Carlsberg Group, details the brewer’s approach to diversity and inclusion

Julie Folmer-Niemann, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Carlsberg Group, took the stage at Sustainability LIVE: Diversity & Inclusion 2024 to share how Carlsberg created its innovative D&I guidebook, designed to turn data into action.

The power of stepping outside the comfort zone

Julie begins with a thought-provoking monologue encouraging attendees to imagine their comfort zone as a box filled with familiar experiences and biases.

She explains how diversity and inclusion (D&I) requires expanding that box to include different perspectives, even if it feels uncomfortable.

“Inclusion isn’t just about inviting others in, it’s also about stepping outside your own comfort zone,” Julie notes, linking this mindset to Carlsberg’s approach to D&I.

She acknowledges that discussions around D&I often lack concrete action, describing them as ‘fluffy clouds’ that need to be grounded in data-driven decisions.

This challenge inspired Carlsberg’s D&I guidebook, a comprehensive framework for transforming existing employee and organisational data into tangible initiatives.

Julie Folmer-Niemann, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Carlsberg Group

Crafting Carlsberg’s D&I guidebook

The guidebook draws on three key sources: external research, employee surveys and people data.

Julie outlines how these elements are used to assess progress and set priorities:

External research: Carlsberg conducted a study examining legal, social and cultural norms in different countries. This analysis helped identify barriers and opportunities for diversity in various contexts
Employee surveys: The company leveraged its ‘My Voice’ survey to gather insights beyond basic demographics. By analysing responses across categories such as age, tenure and role, they identified nuanced trends and areas for improvement
People data: Carlsberg integrated employee demographics, talent pipeline metrics and performance data to complement survey findings and provide a holistic view of the organisation.

The guidebook’s colour-coded system categorises each country’s D&I environment as green, yellow or red based on its support for inclusion.

Julie explains how this approach challenges assumptions: “A red designation might seem daunting but it’s also an opportunity to create meaningful change, especially in societies where external environments are less inclusive.”

Julie Folmer-Niemann, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Carlsberg Group

Turning data into action

To ensure the guidebook’s recommendations lead to real outcomes, Carlsberg developed a companion roadmap that prioritises actions based on impact, resources and employee needs.

This roadmap breaks down initiatives into categories like diversity, equity or inclusion and aligns them with specific demographics such as gender or disability.

Julie highlights how the guidebook encourages localised solutions, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t effective.

“Each country and function has its own cultural nuances and our guidebook helps tailor strategies accordingly,” she says.

Addressing data privacy concerns, Julie explains that Carlsberg complies with GDPR and other legal requirements by working closely with its legal team and relying on focus groups where direct data collection is restricted.

Lessons for other organisations

Julie concludes by encouraging attendees to create their own D&I frameworks, starting with their existing data.

She emphasises that while Carlsberg’s guidebook is internal, the process can be adapted to suit any organisation’s needs.

She also shares a key takeaway: “The biggest hurdle in D&I is moving beyond opinions and feelings. Data elevates the conversation allowing businesses to focus on meaningful action.”

Julie Folmer-Niemann, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Carlsberg Group