WOMEN KEEP OUR WORLD MOVING

Diversity & Inclusion is one of the key elements of the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s global strategy. DHL Supply Chain, the global leader in contract logistics and part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, employs over 6,000 people in Poland, of which more than 50% are women, and aims to be an example to others thanks to its attitude, daily practices, and projects dedicated to women and girls.

In its strategy, DHL Supply Chain, the global leader in contract logistics, focuses not only on innovation, digitalization, environmental responsibility, and involvement in local communities, but also on building women’s potential in the job market and supporting initiatives targeted at children and young people, especially girls. Through programs, workshops, training, development, networking, and mentoring projects, DHL Supply Chain helps women build professional skills and develop competencies that give them tangible influence over their future.

“50% of our employees are women. They are exceptional specialists who rise up the career ladder, and are successful in all departments, and fulfill their dreams. However I want to emphasize how important it is to us that all our employees feel good at DHL Supply Chain, have the same opportunities to fulfill their potential, and are assessed on their competencies and performance rather than their gender,” says Monika Duda, who has been Managing Director for nearly a year, and is also the first woman to hold such a high executive position at DHL Supply Chain in Poland.

DHL Supply Chain recognizes that diversity is an asset, and sees differences between employees as a source of inspiration. Gender is not a criterion either for selection of an employee or when promotions are being made.

Programs that drive talent acquisition and development are also of significance. “Women at DHL” is an initiative in place at DHL Supply Chain Central and Easter Europe aimed at supporting women through mentoring and building their self-confidence. Candidates are attracted to DHL Supply Chain is not only by its recognizable global brand and stable employment, but also by the opportunity to work with the best local specialists and develop broad perspectives and competencies in multiple departments. 

Happy parent, good employee

DHL Supply Chain’s strategy also supports expecting mothers, young mothers, and parents in general so that pregnancy, maternity and parenting can go hand-in-hand with their professional work.

“Each of our female colleagues who are on maternity leave knows that we are keen for them to come back. We know well that putting in place the conditions that enable women to find fulfillment from both their family and job, avoiding difficult choices and with as few compromises as possible, is key to creating a friendly workplace,” adds Monika Duda.

Andries Retief, CEO DHL Supply Chain Central and Eastern Europe says: “Diversity and equal chances for women at work bring real benefits to the Company: diverse teams make better decisions. Women’s equality in business should simply be automatic. I believe the initiation of such changes to be my obligation and privilege. I am convinced that talent has no gender – and we are committed to building the best team in DHL Supply Chain.”

In the whole cluster of Central and Eastern Europe, DHL Supply Chain is starting a recruitment campaign targeted at women, highlighting its professional development and career building for women. Recruitment covers all positions – from warehouse employees through managers and heads in functional departments. The purpose of this campaign is to showcase diverse roles at all levels within DHL Supply Chain where women can develop their skills and careers.

Go, go girls!

DHL Supply Chain Poland is also a cheerleader for the development of girls through sports for talented young people. Since last year the Company has been a partner of a girl’s amateur volleyball team at one of the most esteemed Warsaw clubs, MOS Warszawa Wola. Radosław Krukowski, who sits on the club’s management board and on trains the team daily, emphasized when signing the sponsorship agreement the significance of DHL Supply Chain’s involvement in the development of children and youth sport, including girls’ participation, especially during the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

Two years ago, DHL Supply Chain Poland also undertook to support the football academy for girls. The Diamonds Academy club, established in 2015 for girls from four to 15 years of age, has been recognized as the best non-governmental initiative in Warsaw.