We've Gotta Do Better: Assessing Federal Administration's Diversity Through an Immigrant Lens
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- Limited family members of immigrants hold positions within the Federal government
Despite ongoing efforts, immigrants and their descendants are still lagging in representation within the federal administration. The latest report from the Integration Commissioner's office reveals that only 16.2% of employees in the federal administration had a migration background last year - a marginal 3.1% increase from five years ago.
This figure, though rising, stands in stark contrast to the migration background population of 31.9%. Natalie Pawlik, the Integration Commissioner, calls for change, stating, "We're not fully tapping into the potential of people with an immigration history in the public service. It's time to shake things up!"
In the survey, over 50,000 employees across 73 federal authorities were questioned in May and June 2022. The findings also underscore a troubling reality: employees with a migration background were more likely to experience workplace discrimination. Factors considered included gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, disability, family obligations, appearance, skin color, and lack of professional networks.
Discrimination against employees with a migration background due to ethnic origin was particularly notable. While 15.6% of employees without a migration background reported experiencing discrimination, the figure jumped to 23.6% among immigrants themselves and 25.6% among their descendants.
The federal cabinet, in efforts to foster more diversity, released the "Together for More Diversity in the Federal Administration" strategy in January 2022. However, this strategy lacked concrete action points. Authorities were advised to establish internal diversity targets and to promote employee networks to foster a more inclusive work environment.
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Workplace Discrimination:
-While 15.6% of employees without a migration background faced discrimination, immigrants themselves (23.6%) and their descendants (25.6%) faced higher rates of discrimination in the workplace.
- Federal Administration
- Survey
- Migration Background
- Berlin
- Discrimination
Behind the Scenes: Dive Deeper into Diversity in Federal Administration
While strategies to promote diversity have focused on fostering an innovative and inclusive bureaucracy, challenges remain in embedding diversity inclusively within traditional, rigid structures[1][4]. Public sector initiatives such as Berlin's Gender Equality Plan 2025-2028 highlight the importance of addressing barriers and promoting equitable access for diverse groups, extending beyond gender equity to encompass migrants[5].
The need for cultural change and supportive frameworks within the public sector is evident from events like the Creative Bureaucracy Festival, where committed individuals working in government lead innovation and dispense new ways of thinking and working[1][4]. Despite these advances, ongoing challenges in integrating employees with migration backgrounds fully and fairly persist. Further research may reveal systemic issues and provide a more comprehensive understanding of discrimination faced by immigrants within Berlin's federal administration.
- The federal administration's diversity strategy may need substantial revisions, as the recent survey indicates that immigrants and their descendants continue to experience workplace discrimination at higher rates compared to their non-immigrant counterparts.
- To tackle this issue, it's essential to delve deeper into the policy and legislation surrounding employment, politics, and general news related to diversity in the federal administration, particularly within the context of Berlin.
