More Than Just Business: Companies as Key Players Against Hate

What often begins as dismissive remarks or behind-the-back mockery can quickly escalate into open insults, hostility, and digital harassment. Subtler forms also exist –such as the manipulation of language or a kind of "newspeak," where harmful ideas are disguised behind seemingly positive phrases. No matter the form, hate – both online and in everyday life – is no longer a marginal issue. At its core lies an increasing "us versus them" mindset, often fueled by ignorance, misinformation, prejudice, peer pressure, and insecurity.

The consequences are serious. Hate speech and exclusion harm not only direct victims but also society as a whole. When divisions deepen and barriers rise, the very fabric of our communities begins to unravel.

Where openness, empathy, solidarity, and constructive dialogue disappear, so does the foundation for innovation and progress. When people are not free to be themselves, stagnation sets in – ultimately leading to regression. If ethical arguments fail to reach the architects of toxic rhetoric, perhaps practical reasoning will: Polarization and zero-sum thinking leave only losers in their wake.

Awareness against hate speech needs to be strengthened. That’s the message of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18. The United Nations primarily focuses on education as a means for change. In addition, legislative action – such as measures within the EU – can make a difference. Earlier this year, the European Commission for example revised its Code of Conduct for combating illegal hate speech online, leading major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, X, and TikTok to commit to stronger actions against harmful content.

Companies Can Be Particularly Effective

However, regulation alone is not enough. A broad societal movement is needed – and businesses, with their millions of employees, play a decisive role. Companies are uniquely positioned because they offer significant reach. While society outside is becoming increasingly fragmented – with individuals in social bubbles often only hearing echoes of their existing beliefs – offices, laboratories, and workplaces can unite diverse groups.

Hence, messages spread more effectively within companies. Value systems and codes of conduct can help raise awareness against intolerance, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. Employees, in turn, can carry these convictions forward –to customers and partners, their families and neighborhoods, daycare centers and schools, while shopping, or in sports clubs.

For example, Covestro – a multinational company with employees from over 80 nations – has a clear guiding principle: "We treat each other fairly and with respect." And the company expresses its unity through the motto "We are 1."

Values Must Be Lived

However, values and codes of conduct must be actively promoted and upheld. A global study by consulting firm LRN from May 2025 highlights that ethics and compliance programs still have major gaps. Companies must do more to integrate ethical behavior into daily decision-making.

A "speak-up" culture, for instance, must be more than just words on paper. Employees should also feel safe reporting misconduct without fear of retaliation. Only then can ethical principles become ingrained in a corporate culture that embraces social responsibility.

Employees and companies can be powerful allies against hate and division for another reason: They experience day by day that solidarity leads to greater success than exclusion. Diversity and pluralism broaden perspectives and fuel creativity. Those who witness how meaningful products and innovative ideas emerge through collaboration and their personal effort gain a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, and fulfillment. And they have no need to tear others down.