Images: In August 2024, we celebrated diversity with, among other things, a family day at our headquarters, a canal tour and talks.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental elements within Danske Bank and are reflected in how we run our business and in how the bank acts as an employer.

Throughout the year, we promote solidarity among colleagues and uphold traditions that support diversity and inclusion. As a natural part of this engagement, we will again be marking Copenhagen Pride Week by holding a range of activities inside and outside the bank.

Danske Bank’s Danske Rainbow Network in Copenhagen has arranged a Pride fun run, a screening of a documentary focusing on LGBTQ+ rights, networking events and a canal boat tour.

Diversity as a driving force
During Copenhagen Pride week 2025, we will celebrate not only diversity but also the strength and the fresh perspectives that emerge when people who have different ideas, backgrounds and unique traits come together.

“We know that working with DEI is crucial when it comes to attracting, retaining and developing talent. So it’s also important that each of us contributes to the environment of psychological safety in which everybody can be free to be who they are and share their voice, their ideas and not least ask the difficult questions,” explains Karsten Breum, Chief People Officer at Danske Bank. He continues:

“When we create a culture in which we can be who we are and can safely share our opinions, we don’t just strengthen our community – we also strengthen our ability to manage risks, make better decisions and build new solutions that create value for our customers, stakeholders and society as a whole.”

 

Bringing us closer together to move forward
Danske Bank, together with Danske Rainbow Network and other employee networks, has over the past years been working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organisation.

This work is founded in the understanding that an inclusive working environment enhances both employee satisfaction and the business’s overall performance and results. The focus on having employees with different backgrounds is integrated into HR processes and through the bank’s cultural commitments: Be Open, Team Up and Own It. This focus also supports the work to create a workplace in which everybody is free to be to be who they are and can contribute with their full potential.

The initiatives span widely, from updated policies for transgender employees and rainbow families to targets for gender balance in leadership and a partnership with Specialisterne to embrace neurodiversity. Other Danske Bank employee networks, such as Women in Danske, Danske Neuroinclusive Community, Danske Bank Internationals Community and Danske Rainbow Network, also play an active role in promoting inclusion and strengthening a sense of community and togetherness. 

“We’re working actively to spread out activities across the year so we can maintain an ongoing focus on DEI and LGBTQ+ rights among our talented colleagues. Copenhagen Pride Week provides yet another good opportunity to celebrate diversity inside and outside Danske Bank",  says Kristian Gulbech Haugbølle, spokesperson for Danske Rainbow Network in Denmark and continues:

"We believe that this helps to create new relationships and strengthens the sense of togetherness needed to provide a safe environment for everyone that lets all of us be free to be the person we are. This is only possible thanks to the many highly engaged members of our Danske Rainbow Networks and also because Danske Bank is an organisation that on daily basis shows trust and provides space for this work to be carried out year after year.” 

We look forward to celebrating during Copenhagen Pride Week 2025 and continuing our work towards a future with an even more inclusive and diverse organisation for all.