At the end of 2022, the ZHAW Executive Board resolved to step up its existing gender equality efforts with the specific goal of increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions. To support this initiative, the ZHAW’s recruiters worked closely with the Diversity Unit to develop and expand a variety of documents and tools. These resources are designed to promote equal opportunities and to enhance the overall professionalism of the recruitment process. To ensure consistency throughout the hiring process – from drafting job advertisements and conducting candidate interviews to making decisions in selection committees – existing materials were refined and new tools were introduced.

Interactive webinars for leadership training

As part of the implementation phase in early 2024, the Diversity Unit and the recruitment team conducted joint interactive webinars for around 60 line managers. Similar training had already been undertaken in 2023 by management teams at the ZHAW School of Management and Law, as well as the ZHAW School of Engineering. During these sessions, the new tools were presented in detail, and their practical application was demonstrated. Participants also discussed the potential challenges of implementing equal opportunity recruitment practices. Some managers also shared their experiences with the new tools, providing their peers with valuable insights. In autumn 2024, the Diversity Unit also made an information sheet available to complement the recruitment toolbox and facilitate a deeper understanding of the tools’ purpose and practical use.