Who we are

Diversity + Inclusion at BASF

Our promise to our customers, industry, society and each other is to deliver our best.

We can only do that by being open to the full range of experiences and perspectives that our differences provide.. Diversity + Inclusion are cornerstones of our corporate values: creativity, openness, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit.

BASF’s Diversity + Inclusion programs foster an inclusive workplace encouraging real engagement among all our employees to help us deliver on our aspiration to be the leading chemical company for our customers.

At BASF, we all belong to something bigger. #belongatBASF

Accountability starts at the top. BASF understands Diversity + Inclusion are business enablers – that’s why we track and share our progress quarterly in:

  • Creating and executing business unit plans to drive Inclusion
  • Each business unit having an Inclusion Champion to amplify our efforts
  • Supporting a clear path to 'get the basics right' when it comes to the infrastructure, facilities, and work practices foundational to D+I
  • Owning accountability for results in company Inclusion surveys
  • 50% of candidates interviewed for roles must be diverse, and 50% of the people doing the interviewing at BASF must be diverse

BASF’s Diversity + Inclusion strategy is championed through a Diversity + Inclusion Council that also serves as an Inclusion Steering Committee on the BASF North American Leadership Team.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to progress as a business and to the culture we want to live within our company and reflect out to the broader community.

We have learned powerful lessons on the importance of diversity and inclusion to drive safety, innovation, creativity and quality through an intense sense of belonging at BASF.

Michael Heinz

CEO and Chairman, BASF Corporation

We're All Accountable

An inclusive work environment that values the diversity of our employees’ talents, experiences and ideas leads to more innovation and higher performance for our customers. BASF’s focus on people has helped establish a culture that attracts, develops and retains diverse talent.

How We Advance D+I 

From key partnerships with universities and associations to employee resources groups, mentorship, and work in the community, BASF is not just talking the talk – it is walking the walk of a diverse and inclusive workplace.

 

Attracting Talent

We seek the best talent from all sources – leading universities, business connections, trade associations, national diversity conferences, partnerships to hire veterans, and referrals from our own employees.

 

 

Education Partnerships

  • Specific degree programs at Brazosport College; Lamar Institute of Technology; Lamar State College; Lee College; Lone Star College; River Parishes Community College; San Jacinto College; Texas A&M; and the University of Houston
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University
  • American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Texas Early Science Education and Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) 

Learn more about how scholars gain real world experience and grow their network of mentors through the ACS Scholars program. Watch Now

 

Other Association Partnerships & Programs

  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, INROADS, National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute
  • STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production) Ahead initiative, which serves to mentor and recognize women while also leading research efforts to address the underrepresentation of women in manufacturing
Ever wonder what it’s like to work in a manufacturing environment at BASF? Watch our video to learn more.

Engaging our Workforce

BASF sets ambitious targets in all areas, and employee engagement is no different. Our compelling total offer, you@BASF, features a wide range of offerings that empower employees to live their best lives and do their best work, from competitive benefits and compensation, to robust learning and development opportunities, to a safe, inclusive and inspiring work environment.

We believe employee engagement is so important that last year we set a global non-financial target that more than 80% of our employees feel they can thrive and perform at their best at BASF – which we will track on an annual basis and report publicly.

Employee Resource Groups

Our ten Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), with nearly 100 chapters throughout North America, represent the strength of BASF and provide a convenient way to network, build knowledge and skills, and learn about market and customer needs.

Approximately 8,000 employees – 40% of our workforce in the region – participate in BASF’s employee resource groups that celebrate and promote diversity, helping to make inclusion a hallmark at BASF.

Mentorship

We have an incredibly talented workforce willing to share its knowledge in our various mentorship programs.

Our mentee-driven program affords mentees the chance to accelerate their development and expose themselves to alternate career paths, while simultaneously allowing mentors to expand their network and improve their leadership skills.

Watch our video and hear current and former members of our mentoring program explain the impact it has for both mentors and mentees

Benefits that Benefit Everyone

We offer a selection of benefits for all employees and extend them to their domestic partners to meet their needs and expectations at all stages of life – including paid parental leave and five paid days of family medical leave among other benefits.

These programs align with our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation so our people have the time they need when they need it most, and can return to work fully present and ready to create value.

Engaging Our Communities

At BASF, our commitment to a sustainable future includes creating chemistry in the communities in which we live and work. The kind of chemistry that brings people together to work toward a healthy and successful future. 

Making Our Communities Better

Through our corporate charitable contributions and community relations efforts, BASF supports activities in three key areas: Science Education; Environment, Health Safety and Community Based Initiatives.

Employees, through their generous spirit and willingness to be involved, are a natural extension of our community relations. Together, we position BASF as an acknowledged leader and important member of our communities in North America.

Supplier Diversity Programs

At BASF, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, and the people who live in them. We are committed to developing a supply base that reflects the demographic diversity of the many markets and customers we serve in North America.

Our Supplier Diversity Program is designed to build and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with certified diversity-owned businesses, and those with significant minority and female representation.

Recognition for Our Commitment

Our diversity and inclusion initiatives continue to earn recognition from leading organizations and publications.