Workforce diversity in German speech-language pathology: A nationwide survey on representation, inclusion, and discrimination.

PURPOSE: Limited diversity in speech-language pathology is an issue as populations served become increasingly diverse. This study provides the first overview of demographic diversity within the German speech-language pathology workforce and examines discrimination experiences across multiple dimensions, with comparisons to national population statistics where possible. METHOD: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey using a 65-item self-identification questionnaire was conducted. Fully completed responses from speech-langauge pathologists (n = 1580) were analysed descriptively. Variables included age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship/nationality, immigration history, ethnic origin/racialisation, religion/belief, language, disability, qualification pathways, and self-reported discrimination. Data were collected via LimeSurvey following guidance from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency. RESULT: The workforce was predominantly female (91.3%) and White (93.16%). Respondents with an immigration history (18.29%) and Muslim affiliation were comparatively underrepresented compared with the general population. Sexual orientation and overall religious affiliation broadly aligned with population estimates. Heritage-language proficiency in major migrant languages was limited. Overall, 69% reported experiencing discrimination at least occasionally, most commonly based on gender. Respondents with an immigration history more often reported multiple perceived bases of discrimination. CONCLUSION: The German speech-language pathology workforce appears demographically homogenous, particularly regarding ethnicity/racialisation and heritage-language diversity. Discrimination is common. These findings provide a baseline for understanding workforce diversity and relate to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10.