The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) has been in force in Germany since 2006. It prohibits any discrimination in the public sphere and on the labour market.
The AGG is also intended to oblige companies to comply with and actively implement protection against discrimination. The AGG also provides those people affected a legal basis so they can defend themselves against discrimination at the workplace and demand protective measures. For example, companies must set up an internal complaints office or appoint competent contact persons. They face legal consequences for violations. Questions and answers on dealing with the AGG at the workplace can be found on the website of the of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.
Still a need for action
Despite legal progress, prejudice and discrimination in the labour market are still a serious problem. Ten years after the AGG came into force, a majority of immigrants feel discriminated against in social life, according to a study by the Expert Council of German Foundations for Integration and Migration: 48 per cent of the immigrants interviewed with an outwardly recognisable migration background report experiences of discrimination. The study points out that "on the labour market (...) measurable differences in the participation of people with and without a migration background have existed for some time", which can only partly be explained by the different educational levels of the two groups (cf. Expert Council of German Foundations for Integration and Migration, 2018).
Benefits for companies
Prejudice and discrimination are not only obstacles to successful integration and peaceful social coexistence. They also cause economic damage, for example when well-trained skilled workers are disadvantaged and therefore cannot fully contribute their qualifications. Conversely, an appreciative working atmosphere and the optimal use of available human resources are one of the cornerstones of successful entrepreneurial action.
You can find out more about the benefits of a diverse workforce and how they can be used for business purposes on our topic page "Interculturalism and dealing with diversity".