Diversity & Inclusion at ZF

We welcome all different kinds of people to a diverse working culture, celebrating differences and promoting individuality.

Diversity & Inclusion – Fuel for our Creativity

At ZF we believe that diversity and inclusion enhance our creativity, increase our innovational power, and are key to business success. We welcome all different kinds of people to our teams around the globe and offer equal opportunities in a diverse working environment. We foster a culture that celebrates differences and promotes individuality, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or physical and neurodiversity. In our following vision statement, we have formulated our attitude and commitment for working at ZF, now and in the future.

Voices From Our Board

Dr. Lea Corzilius - Member of the ZF BoM

Diverse teams, with their fresh perspectives, are the bedrock of innovation and adaptability. An inclusive corporate culture not only attracts top talent—they welcome it, regardless of background or identity. Prioritizing diversity does more than enhance ZF’s reputation—it allows us to fulfill our social responsibility. By embracing diversity, we’re creating a diverse workplace and cultivating an environment of perspective, where every voice is heard and valued, contributing to ZF’s growth and stability.

Employees on Diversity

It’s time to talk about diversity and inclusion. Our employees are prime examples in living diversity and proud to share their story with you to provide an opportunity to look through a new lense.

Fundamental Attitude of Inclusion at ZF

“The first crossing point between my life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as an employee took place during a leadership development program. Before that, I had never addressed my orientation directly with my coworkers. I had simply never viewed work as the right place for this topic.”

Full story

Equal Opportunities for all Women

“It's really good that there are equal opportunities for women at ZF - especially when it comes to heavy work. I think we also have the right to work in this industry and show that we are absolutely competent for any job or assignment we are given.”

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In our World People Count, not Genders

“Female leader? No, we don’t emphasize the difference between women and men, especially not when looking at their work output. In our world people count, not genders. That’s a typical learning from growing in the ZF culture: the management role of leaders is responsibility rather than gender.“

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Diversity Advocacy Council

In July 2020, ZF decided to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. As a result, the Diversity Advocacy Council (DAC) was created. As an employee led council, this grassroots initiative is expanding to colleagues on a global level, serving as a guide for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) within ZF. Rooted in passion, understanding, respect and community, the council has therefore adopted six pillars of work.

Operations & Steering

Internal stakeholders dedicated to reviewing, publishing and tying together the workstreams’ goals and accomplishments for all employees.

Gender Equity

Ensuring fairness and implementing measures to address historical and social disadvantages that have prevented individuals of all genders from operating on a level playing field.

Racial Equity

The Racial Equity team fosters understanding and appreciation of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, while promoting awareness of disparities and encouraging inclusive practices that support equity for all.

Physical Disabilities & Neurodiversity

Building an inclusive and empathetic environment through education, awareness and advocacy that embraces all employees including those with physical and neurodiversity.

Pride

The Pride team is dedicated to providing a safe space for ZF employees to “Be Uniquely You” while empowering the organization to continue growing into a fully inclusive and equitable culture.

Social Diversity

The Social Diversity team focuses on addressing organizational and social attributes that generate more differences among one another. Social topics include ageism, religion bias, classism and beauty bias.

Awards & Recognitions

Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion 2025 Award

Recognized Again in 2025: A Top Workplace for Disability Inclusion

ZF North America has once again earned a top score on the 2025 Disability Equality Index® and has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN. We are proud to receive this recognition for the second consecutive year as it shows our continued commitment to fostering a workplace where inclusion and accessibility are core values.

Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

ZF North America earned a top score on the 2024 Disability Equality Index® and was named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN. The index is a leading benchmarking tool that evaluates disability inclusion across key areas like culture, accessibility, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity.

As one of the few automotive suppliers to receive this recognition, we are proud of our progress and remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all.

Best Organisations for Women

ZF India has been recognized as one of the Best Organisations For Women in 2022 by the Economic Times. The recognition acknowledges, celebrates and commends organizations that have not just succeeded in being at par with gender equality at workplace but have also created a conducive environment for women employees to work.

Employer Excellence Award

The Employer Excellence Award is initiated by China’s leading career development platform 51job and is highly influential in the HR industry. The award is presented annually to companies in China whose human resources practices have made a significant contribution to their corporate development and serve as models for other companies in China.

audit berufundfamilie

The berufundfamilie audit is conducted by berufundfamilie Service GmbH. As a strategic management tool, it supports the approximately 1,800 employers, who have received this certification since 1998, in sustainably shaping their family- and life-phase-conscious HR policies.

Partnerships & Networks

Further Exciting Topics

Sustainability

Ambitious goals, concrete implementation – sustainability is an integral part of our strategy. The targets include complete climate neutrality by 2040 and an 80 percent reduction in CO2 emissions at all ZF locations by 2030 (compared to 2019) – and all this without CO2 compensation.

Winning Together

For us, the focus is not only on the goal, but also on the path. The "ZF Way" describes our corporate culture - and how we want to travel the road to "Next Generation Mobility".

Careers & Jobs

Do you want to work with an international technology leader? ZF is looking for experienced specialists, committed entrants from other fields, graduates and inquisitive apprentices. Find your dream job here.