Diversity and inclusion
At Proximus, we want to create a positive and safe work environment where everyone can be themselves and where everyone feels welcome. Your talent and passion for the job are more important than age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and nationality.
It's one thing to talk the talk, but do we walk the walk? We like to believe we do!
Diversity and inclusion are definitely part of Proximus' DNA! I am proud of our numerous initiatives that certainly help raise and strengthen our awareness process around these topics: specific trainings for all employees around inclusive communication, anti-discrimination campaigns in our shops, establishing and expanding the IamRemarkable community, shaping our LGBTQIA+ policy, ...
Our diverse work environment and inclusive culture impacts each of us and makes us stronger as a company!
We are all different which is great, because we are all unique
To show that diversity and inclusion are truly part of our DNA, we thought we'd let our own colleagues do the talking. Because the free expression of ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, values and successes lies at the heart of our Diversity & Equal opportunities policy (pdf - 230kb). Everyone is unique and experiences things differently. What seems a given to some may be a barrier to others. Antoon, Houssain, Odon, Julie and Nancy talk openly about their daily reality and how they feel empowered in doing their jobs at Proximus. Each testimonial illustrates one of the six claims we at Proximus stand for and want to embrace even more. Think possible with us.
Want to find out more about it? Check out the stories of our colleagues!
Julie: “You know, Julie, I’ve been trying to remember the way you were before. But I can’t.” That’s what people tell me now. I got up and told myself that even if I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, whatever happened, I would be Julie for the rest of my life. I work at the Mons call center as a Business Operator. My biggest fear was: am I going to lose my job? I had to talk about it, I needed to be vocal about it. The first person I discussed it with was my call center manager. His reaction was simply amazing. He basically said: “Congratulations! Tell me everything I can do to help you in this journey.” I realized that at Proximus people were very supportive. I couldn’t have wished for better support during my transition. I ended up having the life I always wanted.
JulieCall Center OperatorMy manager was the first person I told about my plans to go through life as 'Julie' from now on. He immediately said "congratulations" and asked me how he could best guide me through my transition. This made me realize even more that I really belong at Proximus!
Did you know that ...
Gender pay equity
Since 2021, an annual review is made to continuously ensure equal pay between men and women. Because working in a safe environment also means that we want to offer everyone the same benefits and opportunities
Topwomen in Tech
In 2024 we aim to hire 30% women with college degrees in our technology domains.
Girlpower
32% of our colleagues and 50% of our Board of Directors are women
Odon: "One anecdote that comes to mind is the time I wore ripped jeans. My mother threw them away. She always used to say: 'You already stand out enough as it is. You do not need anything else for people to notice you more.
Odon laughs
Odon: "My name is Odon Kalombo. I’ve been working as a Scrum Master at Proximus for almost 23 years. At Proximus, I’ve never really felt discriminated against. Even though I always knew that some others didn’t always look at me the same way I was looking at them. I got to see how Proximus gradually evolved in the way it addresses inclusion. Indeed, we see more and more people of different origins joining Proximus and that’s a really interesting development. Today, within Proximus, we have a microcosm of the Belgian society. I don’t see why I should treat person X or Y differently. I only care about skills and what people bring to the company. Boom! Let’s go!"
OdonScrum MasterAt Proximus, I have fortunately never felt discriminated for my skin color. I have been working here for several years now and we have really evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion. Meanwhile, so many colleagues have started here with different backgrounds and it is precisely this diversity that makes it fascinating! Our talents make us who we are, not our background
Did you know that ...
70 nationalities
We embrace differences and attracting the best talents is what counts. By having a very diverse workforce we create a reflection of society that is recognizable for everyone.
Anti-discrimination project in shops
A RESPECT campaign was set up to show support and raise awareness both for our sales teams and customers.
IamRemarkable
We fully endorse this nationwide initiative by setting up our own #IaR community by and for colleagues.
Antoon: One day a colleague asked me if I was seeing someone. So, I answered I was. I said I was seeing a man. That surprised my colleague: “A man? Really?” To which I replied: “Yes, a man.” “Oh, OK, a man” was the response. In 2015, I divorced my wife. We were married for 25 years. As you get older, you get calmer. At least that’s what I think. Not that you keep falling asleep, but problems don’t make you restless. That’s the advantage of getting older. My name is Antoon t’Kint and I joined Proximus 24 years ago. Technology keeps evolving. So it’s a real challenge to keep up with the way products change. As well, the attitude of companies towards 50+ employees… Maybe I shouldn’t be mentioning this… Papers always say age isn’t an issue. But it is, actually… So I hope to stay on board at Proximus for another ten years.
AntoonPre-Sales SpecialistAfter 25 years of marriage, a colleague asked me about my new girlfriend, I said it was a man. The answer was 'ah ok, then it's a man, what matters is that you are happy'. The feeling of being able to come out openly for your orientation without being looked at differently and the understanding that lives among colleagues is very nice. This should be self-evident, but unfortunately it is not yet the case everywhere. Fortunately it is here!
Did you know that ...
LGBTQIA+ days
Our sites, apps, social media channels... take on the rainbow colours once a year and we raise our rainbow flag on top of the headquarters for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
LGBTQIA+ policy
Together with our partner Open@Work and a working group of colleagues, we are drafting a framework for supporting workers who want to change their gender identity.
Gender-neutral communication training
Our employees in customer-facing (and other) positions receive this training for more inclusive communication.
Houssain : Be real Houssain, honestly, no one is focusing on who you are how you are, what you believe in or whatever… All that matters is your skills.” That’s when I challenged myself and I told myself: "Right, don’t let anything hold you back, it’s about being yourself. It’s about being proud of who you are and showcasing your skills. I joined Proximus quite some time ago in 1998 as an interim worker. I moved up the ranks and was promoted to coordinator before becoming manager of a team of about 10 people. My origins, my religion or whatever were never an issue. There are a lot of positives at Proximus, but there’s always room for improvement. Why not set up a small space for those who want to pray without having to hide? As long as there is mutual respect between colleagues, that’s the main thing. I think this is one of the challenges that Proximus will have to take on. I know many talented people who won’t apply for a job for this or that reason. Sure, you may run into bad experiences. But that shouldn’t deter you. Different people react different ways.
HoussainTeammanager Supply ChainI have been with Proximus for 25 years and have since become team manager. My origin, religion or anything else was never questioned, only what I can do was considered. Be proud of who you are and show your competencies, that's what counts!
Did you know that ...
Unconscious biases
We reviewed our recruitment processes to identify the prejudices or stereotypes that unconsciously can take over during selection interviews or other contacts with job applicants. Trainings were organised for our recruiters/managers to better deal with this.
Diversity and equal opportunities policy
We reviewed our policy in order to become a ‘best in class’model in this area. This to make sure that our employees enjoy the same chances, regardless of their gender, religion, ethnicity or origin. And we will always continue to improve this.
Promote internal growth
We want to ensure the fulfillment and development of everyone, regardless of the socio-economic background from which they come.
Antoon: One day a colleague asked me if I was seeing someone. So, I answered I was. I said I was seeing a man. That surprised my colleague: “A man? Really?” To which I replied: “Yes, a man.” “Oh, OK, a man” was the response. In 2015, I divorced my wife. We were married for 25 years. As you get older, you get calmer. At least that’s what I think. Not that you keep falling asleep, but problems don’t make you restless. That’s the advantage of getting older. My name is Antoon t’Kint and I joined Proximus 24 years ago. Technology keeps evolving. So it’s a real challenge to keep up with the way products change. As well, the attitude of companies towards 50+ employees… Maybe I shouldn’t be mentioning this… Papers always say age isn’t an issue. But it is, actually… So I hope to stay on board at Proximus for another ten years.
AntoonPre-Sales SpecialistAt my age, it's a challenge to keep up with the products. But the advantage of getting older is that you get calmer. Thanks to my life experience, I feel that I am even more myself and that my talents are really appreciated here
Did you know that ...
Experience@work
From the age of 55, our colleagues can put their talents and experience to use for a range of other employers (closer to home). This while maintaining their Proximus salary package and benefits.
Proximus Young Community
New and young professionals are brought together during networkingevents to more easily find their way around our company and learn from each other.
Skills and aptitudes scan
Once they reach the age of 50, our employees can do a scan that will help them stay relevant in the labor market.
Nancy: When my husband and I go places and we meet new people, it doesn’t take long before they ask him: “So, what do you do for a living?” While, more often than not, I don’t even get asked that question. When I tell people I work for Proximus, they are surprised: “Really? You work?” As soon as you go out the door, you realize all the obstacles out there and how difficult it is to get around in a wheelchair sometimes. I suppose you have to be lucky once in a while and meet the right people. People who are willing to give you the opportunity to let you prove yourself. When I’m here at the office, I don’t have the feeling to be “Nancy in the wheelchair”, I’m just “Nancy”. Yes, I think that’s what most people have always accepted.
NancyBusiness Intelligence SpecialistAt Proximus I never have the feeling of being seen as 'Nancy who is in a wheelchair', here I can really just be Nancy. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who have given me the opportunity to prove myself despite the limitations that don't always make it obvious for me to do my job.
Did you know that ...
Accessibility of our devices, apps, website
In collaboration with Passe-Muraille, we check the accessibility of our smartphones and tablets to make sure they meet for at least five categories of people with disabilities. Our apps and sites provide subtitles and audio description for the hearing and visually impaired. The addition of optimal color contrasts also improve visibility and readability.
Employement of more than 200 disabled colleagues
By joining forces with ENTRA and other adapted work companies, we can offer a variety of jobs (wiring, assembly of kits, repair, testing and packaging of our products) and make our jobs accessible for disabled persons.
Accessibility of our shops and buildings
The brand new Campus office project will focus even more on adapting our infrastructure and making our buildings/shops more accessible to employees and customers with disabilities.
For me it was very important to have famous people come out. On a personal level, because these are people you admire and so it brings a positive story. And it also opens up the conversation with your family and friends.
For Proximus, it’s an opportunity to show the values we have as a company. Particularly towards our colleagues to show we support them and they can be who they are.
Fancy working in an environment where everyone gets to come into their own?
With us, it's all about your skills and personality! The jobs we have to offer are diverse, but the people who carry out our jobs embody this diversity as well! Because of the multitude of open positions in different fields, we attract different profiles. And we love that. Because the strength of our business lies precisely in those differences. Together we are strong!
Would you like to take your chance and convince us of your unique talents?
Then quickly check out our job offerings!
Think possible with us.
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