- Since the end of 2015, more than 7,600 refugees have signed an employment contract with the Group
- Staff support professional, linguistic and social integration
- Expanded international focus: Deutsche Post DHL Group is donating two computer labs to SOS Children’s Villages for refugees in Colombia
Deutsche Post DHL Group is now in its fourth year of supporting and integrating refugees in Germany and also internationally. In Germany, the focus is on offering opportunities to enter the labour market. Traineeships, internships and employment contracts offer refugees the prospect of an independent life in Germany. Since the end of 2015, more than 7,600 refugees have signed an employment contract with the Group. In addition, around 220 have already started training in various areas within the company, such as in mail or parcel centres, delivery operations, as a professional driver or a mechatronics technician. DPDHL Group not only supports refugees in Germany but also internationally with a clear focus on workplace integration.
In June 2019, DPDHL Group donated two computer labs to SOS Children’s Villages in Colombia to provide people in need with access to modern technology and education. The computer labs are containers equipped with generators for electricity, computers and desk space, with Wi-Fi and charging stations for mobile devices. In addition to the technology that is being made available, the donation from DPDHL Group also includes funding for a facilitator to provide targeted support to those using the facilities on site.
“As one of the world’s largest employers, we are also committed to the integration and inclusion of refugees. We aim to provide refugees opportunities to build self-reliance in order to attain financial freedom – and we rely on motivated and committed staff in our company,” says Thomas Ogilvie, Board Member for HR and Corporate Incubations at DPDHL Group. But this cannot be achieved without the support of the company’s employees. Thomas Ogilvie is therefore particularly proud of the commitment shown by the many staff that provide support: “I think it’s great that so many colleagues are involved in local projects, providing linguistic or organizational support and thereby actively supporting and advancing integration. Since the initiative was launched, 16,000 employees have offered their help and support – this is truly impressive and I’m delighted by their commitment.”
Over and above professional integration, the local projects focus in particular on promoting social, cultural and linguistic integration. This involves employees looking after the families of refugees, for example, or acting as mentors.
