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Diversity and inclusion

The EPO encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Almost 6 300 staff from 34 countries are living proof that a successful organisation is one that leverages the diversity of its workforce.

We provide fair and equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of nationality, belief, sex, origin, health and sexual orientation or identity. Equal pay for women and men has been our practice since we opened our doors in 1977.

The EPO has an inclusive work environment and culture, and promotes this diversity in all activities, whether conferences, e-learning materials, awareness campaigns, networking or other events.

Diversity and inclusion

The EPO encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Almost 6 300 staff from 34 countries are living proof that a successful organisation is one that leverages the diversity of its workforce.

We provide fair and equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of nationality, belief, sex, origin, health and sexual orientation or identity. Equal pay for women and men has been our practice since we opened our doors in 1977.

The EPO has an inclusive work environment and culture, and promotes this diversity in all activities, whether conferences, e-learning materials, awareness campaigns, networking or other events.

  • “The European Patent Office is an organisation that thrives on diversity. For me it's most important that all colleagues feel that they truly belong at the EPO. This is only possible when each and every staff member can bring their authentic selves to work every day, when we all have the same chances to learn and excel, and when all are treated with respect. This is not only the foundation of our EPO community - but also our success as an organisation. "

    - Nellie Simon
    VP Corporate Services

  • "I am motivated every day to work for an organisation with a clear, strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, where every individual is encouraged to thrive. I take a huge amount of pride in our diverse community: more than 33 nationalities from a range of different backgrounds. By involving and caring for others and by valuing our differences, I believe we have created a vibrant and inclusive workspace, with a strong sense of belonging."

    - Steve Rowan
    VP Patent Granting Process

  • “The vibrant tapestry of our professional community, where every person is cherished and encouraged to fully engage, is at the core of who we are and how we work. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we are also better positioned to understand the diverse needs of our stakeholders, respond to challenges with creativity and ensure a positive impact on society for a more sustainable world. Towards that, we constantly strive - wish to join us?”

    - Roberta Romano-Götsch
    Chief Sustainability Officer

  • “The European Patent Office is an organisation that thrives on diversity. For me it's most important that all colleagues feel that they truly belong at the EPO. This is only possible when each and every staff member can bring their authentic selves to work every day, when we all have the same chances to learn and excel, and when all are treated with respect. This is not only the foundation of our EPO community - but also our success as an organisation. "

    - Nellie Simon
    VP Corporate Services

  • "I am motivated every day to work for an organisation with a clear, strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, where every individual is encouraged to thrive. I take a huge amount of pride in our diverse community: more than 33 nationalities from a range of different backgrounds. By involving and caring for others and by valuing our differences, I believe we have created a vibrant and inclusive workspace, with a strong sense of belonging."

    - Steve Rowan
    VP Patent Granting Process

  • “The vibrant tapestry of our professional community, where every person is cherished and encouraged to fully engage, is at the core of who we are and how we work. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we are also better positioned to understand the diverse needs of our stakeholders, respond to challenges with creativity and ensure a positive impact on society for a more sustainable world. Towards that, we constantly strive - wish to join us?”

    - Roberta Romano-Götsch
    Chief Sustainability Officer

Diversity in Numbers

Fostering a Sense of Belonging at the EPO

The EPO is continuously seeking to increase engagement and empower its employees. This list of 10 inclusive behaviours focuses on positive actions we can all take to create an inclusive culture at the EPO that reflects the Office's general guidelines and policies. By promoting inclusive behaviour, the EPO is encouraging its employees to lead a culture change. 

Our Networks

Intercultural Network

The Intercultural Network is an employee-led platform set up for cultural exchange and showing our pride in the rich cultural diversity present at the EPO. The Network provides an important forum for intercultural celebration, awareness-raising initiatives, learning opportunities and the provision of support.  

Special Needs Network

The Special Needs Network (SNN) is an EPO-wide support group of colleagues, for colleagues. Their main objective is to create a safe and respectful environment, where employees can share experiences and benefit from the knowledge and support of the community.

Women's Network

The EPO Women's Network is an informal, inclusive and employee-led professional network coming together around challenges and opportunities women can face in the workplace. All genders are welcome, and everyone can gain by getting insight for themselves, their peers.

  • Rainbow Group

     

    The Rainbow Group is an association of LGBTQ+ staff and their friends (straight allies welcome!) from across all sites. We meet virtually and informally several times each month to provide support, break down barriers, promote inclusion and even share a laugh.

An Inclusive Workplace for all

Our Diversity Events

Sticks & Stones

“Work where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated”. We have been annually taking part in Sticks&Stones, which is Europe's largest LGBTQ+ career fair.

 

 

EPO Girls Day

The Office has been a regular participant in Girls' Day an event that welcomes young girls to experience the world of innovation up close and to support their interest in STEM fields.

 

Top Women Tech

Top Women Tech is a global platform powered by Careers International, promoting diversity in STEM, leadership and jobs. Check out below the previous Jobinar Top Women Tech | virtual.

Sticks & Stones

“Work where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated”. We have been annually taking part in Sticks&Stones, which is Europe's largest LGBTQ+ career fair.

 

 

EPO Girls Day

The Office has been a regular participant in Girls' Day an event that welcomes young girls to experience the world of innovation up close and to support their interest in STEM fields.

 

Top Women Tech

Top Women Tech is a global platform powered by Careers International, promoting diversity in STEM, leadership and jobs. Check out below the previous Jobinar Top Women Tech | virtual.

  • Women in Tech Forum

    The EPO is a certified talent partner of the Women in Tech Forum, an exclusive global community who are looking to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Their aim is twofold, to work with organisations to support them attract, develop, and retain diverse talent and to promote individuals who are looking to level up their career in tech and network with industry peers and role models.

  • MyAbility Networking Event


    The EPO has been involved in the myAbility Talent programme since its introduction in Munich in 2019, helping highly qualified students and recent graduates with disabilities and chronic illness access to the job market.