“We have have a strong focus on bringing diversity in general into our industry, because we believe

that we – as well as all other companies – will benefit from diverse perspectives, attitudes, experiences, and competences. Different points of views simply improve results when we manage to truly listen to each other.” Says Elsebeth Wegeberg, Group HR Manager in Ancotrans.

As a part of being able to attract especially female drivers we have started initiatives on both recruitment processes, mentorship, goal-setting relating to diversity, more female facilities, female work wear, as well as addressing our inclusive culture.

Debate in national tv

This week our skilled Danish driver, Dianne Yttesen and her ANCO truck participated in an interview in the national Danish TV show “Go’ Morgen Danmark” about bringing more gender diversity into the transportation industry. 

In the interview, topics such as facilities and culture were discussed as potential obstacles in the recruitment of female drivers. These are both areas we are focusing on continuously here in ANCO. See the interview here (In Danish and requires a login/subscription to TV2 Play).

Before educating and working as a driver in Ancotrans Dianne used to work in a flower shop. She used to admire the big Scania (Truck) rolling in and delivering flowers. And was amazed by the sound and look of the truck. One day she saw an ad on Facebook, and thought, “this is my call”. And luckily she is a part of our driver staff today. 

“It can be a tough industry, especially the jargon and the prejudice about womens driving skills. And I believe this can prevent women from applying.” Dianne express during the interview with TV2. 

“We know that many female drivers face prejudice about their skills in the industry, but this is – as with a lot of other prejudices – often based on lack of information. Actually a fun fact is, that our managers say that our female drivers tend to make fewer damages. Our female drivers are doing a great job. Just as our male drivers.

We simply need to develop a more inclusive culture based on facts in the industry.” Says Elsebeth Wegeberg.

“Therefore it is extremely important that we in Ancotrans are aware of our tone of voice, and culture in general. We for sure want to have fun, but it is a delicate balance between e.g. overstepping boundaries and making collegial jokes.” She continues.

Dianne believes it would be an advantage for the industry to be present in e.g. primary schools, and to show female role models and tell about the positive sides of the job as a driver. And it is also an important parameter to ensure that the facilities meet female needs.

Role models and the face of our company

It was also our driver, Dianne, who participated in a national campaign for road safety, with Lastbil Karavanen and Kids Tour, where lots of families and young people met and experienced different elements of safety in the traffic especially around the big trucks. We are proud to have drivers of both genders that hopefully can be both role models and the face of our company on the outside.