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Diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB)

As a company powered by people, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is a topic that goes to the heart of everything we do at DHL Group. By actively promoting DEIB, we develop the best workforce, drive innovation and enable our people so that everyone can make a difference with their contributions. We continuously strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace in which each of us can thrive and be our authentic self every day.

A circle with three components in yellow, red and grey.

Our understanding on DEIB

  • A stylized drawing of a man with a prosthetic arm holding the letter D.

    Diversity embodies all the differences and similarities such as gender, ethnic and national origin, race*, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation that make us unique individuals. This includes bringing together people with diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives across all levels of an organization.

    * Race is a particularly important topic in various regions, e.g., the USA

  • A stylized drawing of a man in a red hat holding the letter E.

    Equity is about providing individual levels of support and opportunities to meet the different needs of each and every employee. Equity also refers to the fair treatment for all by identifying and eliminating inequities and barriers.

  • A stylized drawing of a woman in a red shirt holding the letter I.

    Inclusion is about creating and maintaining a work environment in which all individuals feel welcomed, respected and valued, regardless of who they are.

  • A stylized drawing of a woman in a yellow shirt and red skirt holding the letter B.

    Belonging is about feeling comfortable and connected at work and enabling people to contribute to shared and meaningful purposes. This creates safe environments where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Strategy 2030 is the foundation for all our employee related efforts – including our aspiration to become “Employer of Choice” and a ‘Great company to Work for All’. DEIB is an intrinsic part of the ‘S’ pillar in our Sustainability Roadmap and builds a strong connection to being a great company to work for all.  

Our commitment to DEIB is an integral part of our values ‘Respect & Results’ in Strategy 2025. DEIB is an element of our Common DNA that helps us to put our behaviors, beliefs and actions into practice every day. 

Our approach on diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging

With our Group-wide approach on DEIB, we are building a new future-focused pathway that defines the objectives and common language for DEIB across the Group. It acts as an umbrella that brings together all global DEIB activities and programs under one roof.

Following our ambition to create a sense of belonging for all, we aim to add value along our stakeholder groups:

  • Four DHL employees celebrating a birthday with cake.

    We take individual responsibility and stand together to promote a culture of inclusion and belonging.

  • Three sitting employees and one standing up in a DHL conference room.

    We empower our leaders to role model inclusive behaviors ensuring an equitable work environment.

  • A courier delivering a parcel to an old man with sledge dogs.

    We partner with our customers and suppliers to work towards common DEIB objectives in the countries we operate in.

  • Three DHL employees standing between DHL vehicles.

    We collaborate with organizations to ensure our people reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in.

Our position reflects the full spectrum of diversity

Our global commitment to DEIB spans six key diversity pillars – Ability, Ethnic and National Origin, Gender, Generations, LGBTQ+, and Religion. We also consider other diversity aspects such as educational background, social background, diversity of mindsets as well as regional and local priorities such as ‘Veterans’. We do not consider these pillars to be exclusive silos, typically they overlap, intersect and influence each other.

A DHL courier with an amputated arm delivering a parcel.

Ability

Actively integrating people with disabilities to enable them to realize their full potential.
   

Two couriers with different skin colors talking to each other.

Ethnic and National Origin

Embracing and respecting the diverse ethnic, national and cultural backgrounds found throughout our workforce.

Two men and a woman sit at a conference table while another woman with a DHL lanyard is standing .

Gender

Creating a work environment where employees of all genders and gender identities can thrive.
   

Three young employees listen to a more mature colleague.

Generations

Bringing together individuals of all generations to drive growth and success, while understanding and addressing the varying needs of different ages.

A man in a blue shirt presenting slides and another man looking back at the camera, smiling.

LGBTIQ+

Creating an inclusive working environment for LGBTIQ+ employees where they can bring their full selves to work.
   

A man in DHL clothing and with a DHL lanyard smiles down on a parcel.

Religion

Embracing religious diversity by creating an environment where all employees feel safe, respected and valued.
   

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External partnerships & recognition

Our Group’s DEIB commitment has long been recognized by external organizations. We are proud to collaborate with our dedicated partners to advance inclusivity beyond the borders of our company.

Network for diversity, equity & inclusion

BeyondGenderAgenda is the most significant network for DE&I in the German economy and currently covers the dimensions Ability, Ethnicity, Gender, Generation, LGBT+ and Social Mobility.

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Workplaces that work for women

Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership.

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For diversity in the world of work

The Charta der Vielfalt is a corporate initiative to promote diversity in companies and institutions. It aims to promote the recognition, appreciation and integration of diversity into Germany’s business culture.

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Celebrating diversity & inclusion

The European Diversity Awards are now firmly established as the continent’s most prestigious and widely respected diversity event.

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The global authority on workplace culture

Great Place to Work® makes it easy to survey your employees, uncover actionable insights and get recognized for your great company culture.

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LGBT*IQ is everyone's business

The Prout at Work foundation increases awareness of LGBT*IQ in the workplace in ways that can be seen, felt, and experienced.

 

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Certifying HR excellence

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices, certifying 1,857 organisations in 123 countries/regions.

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Achieving success with equal opportunities and diversity

Since 1996, Total E-Quality Deutschland e.V. has been aiming to establish and sustainably ensure equal opportunities.

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As a global company, we bear an enormous responsibility, which is why ethical business practices and fair conduct form an integral part of our collaboration with our partners like Great Place to Work® and Top Employer®.

DEIB 2023

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