Diversity as a success factor: a practical workshop for companies in West Mecklenburg

"DiversitätPLUS" project workshop: practical ideas for companies in West Mecklenburg

The workshop took place on 28 October 2025 as part of the ESF Plus project DiversitätPLUS. It is one of three key elements of the project's company needs analysis, which examines the current challenges, support needs and scope for action of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West Mecklenburg.

The workshop aimed to systematically include companies' perspectives, explore their needs in greater depth and jointly identify priorities. Building on initial findings from interviews and surveys with businesses in services, manufacturing, logistics and retail, participants discussed key issues including language barriers, skills gaps, health-related limitations, caring responsibilities and gaps in knowledge about funding opportunities.

In facilitated working sessions, participants shared experiences from everyday business and developed initial practical approaches. Rather than delivering training, the workshop focused specifically on clarifying needs, reflecting on findings and validating the insights gathered through the project.

Together with the interview findings and other research, the results will inform the development of the DiversitätPLUS toolbox. In future, this is intended to help companies use diversity strategically and put workable approaches to securing skilled staff and staff development into practice.