As part of SEMICON Europa 2025 in Munich, the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) delivered an in-person training session on “Inclusive Employer Branding Together”, bringing together professionals from across the microelectronics sector to explore how organisations can better attract and retain diverse talent.
Led by Stephan Schmuck from ESCP Business School, the session forms part of ECDA’s broader mission to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem by equipping organisations with practical tools and strategies.
From employer branding to lived experience
The interactive training focused on moving beyond traditional employer branding approaches towards more authentic, inclusive practices that reflect employees’ real experiences. Participants explored how organisations can align their Employer Value Proposition (EVP) with everyday workplace realities.
Through collaborative discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, attendees worked together to identify practical ways to strengthen inclusion across the employee journey.
Key insights from the session
The biggest risk to retention is not a lack of strategy, but the gap between organisational promises and everyday employee experience. When values are not reflected in practice, trust quickly erodes.
Managers play a critical role in translating organisational values into day-to-day behaviours. Small, consistent “micro-interventions” can have a powerful impact on psychological safety and team culture.
Participants explored how younger talent prioritises authenticity, purpose, and transparency. Inclusive employer branding must reflect genuine organisational practices rather than performative messaging.
Inclusion is not defined by strategy documents, but by everyday interactions — from onboarding experiences to feedback conversations and team check-ins.
A collaborative learning experience
The session brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the semiconductor ecosystem, whose insights and experiences enriched the discussion and highlighted the complexity of building inclusive workplaces.
Participants engaged actively throughout the day, sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and committing to practical actions to strengthen inclusion within their organisations.
About the training
The “Inclusive Employer Branding Together” training is part of ECDA’s three-year initiative to support the semiconductor industry in attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent. Through practical tools, real-world case studies, and collaborative learning, the programme helps organisations build more inclusive and future-ready workplaces.
Co-funded by