Inclusion

People with a physical disability or additional needs are no less capable of working, provided they have a job that nurtures their talents and an accessible workplace. The REWE Group has put a raft of measures in place to achieve inclusion.

It’s not people who need to change, it’s the system. People are fine just as they are. Everyone has the right to be treated ‘normally’ and with respect, whether or not they have an illness or condition.

To the Interview

Scott Mcdonald, Chairman of the General Representation of Employees with Disabilities at REWE and PENNY Markt GmbH.

Equal opportunities for all

In Germany, more than 10 million people have a disability. We are committed to ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities. Through our many projects and collaborations with the organisations Aktion Mensch and Lebenshilfe, for instance, we are providing more accessible workplaces, both for administrative position and in-store roles. For example, by installing checkout desks for wheelchair users. Our disability and inclusion officers provide support when making an application to the social security authorities and when employees return to work after a long period of illness. By taking this action, we are creating an inclusive working environment in which all employees have the same opportunities and support.

A strong team

REWE Group employs 8,250 people with severe disabilities.

Cohesion in cooperation

Our goal for 2025 is to maintain the rate of severely disabled employees at a minimum of 3%.

Corporate Volunteering

The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023 were supported by 100 REWE Group employees on a voluntary basis.

Inclusive play

“Stück zum Glück” is a project that creates playgrounds for children with and without disabilities to play together. This nationwide fundraising campaign is a joint initiative by REWE, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and the social organisation Aktion Mensch. In July 2020, the campaign reached its initial one-million-euro fundraising target ahead of schedule and is continuing its fundraising activities. In the next three months, the partners want to raise a further one million euros. The money donated is being used to build inclusive playgrounds which will benefit all children and encourage them to play together.

myAbility, not my disability

myAbility is a social enterprise that enables people with chronic conditions and disabilities to gain access to the job market. It helps bring people and companies together and promotes diverse teams.

The REWE Group has been involved in the myAbility talent programme since 2022. The talent programme puts people with disabilities and chronic conditions in contact with the REWE Group and supports their professional development.

In the heart of the action

Toom Baumarkt is committed to removing barriers and supporting people with disabilities. For many years, toom has been providing work on its premises for people with disabilities who attend workshops run by the charity Lebenshilfe. In addition, toom and Lebenshilfe have established mentoring programmes, for example between toom stores and local workshops for people with disabilities. This collaboration has resulted in various activities to promote inclusion and working in partnership, such as joint spring festivals, renovation projects and work experience placements.

The story of Mario Boy, a toom employee with a hearing impairment, is a shining example of workplace inclusion in practice.
- To the story

Inclusion through sport

REWE Group is committed to inclusion through sport and has launched the Inclusion Mobile together with Aktion Mensch and the German Disabled Sports Association. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the diversity of inclusive sport and try it out for themselves. The aim is to enable sporting participation for everyone and to get children and young people in particular interested in inclusive sport at an early age. During on-site visits and public events, the initiative shows how sport connects people and how barriers can be overcome. The Inclusion Mobile sends out a strong signal for diversity and participation in sport and in society.
- To press release

Committed to a strong community

Toom Baumarkt and Lebenshilfe want to break down barriers to DIY, particularly for people with additional needs or learning disabilities. Their leaflet for DIY enthusiasts in simple language provides easy-to-understand instructions for DIY projects from growing tomatoes to varnishing furniture. This is important information for people with disabilities and anyone new to DIY. The leaflet enables more people to work independently with their hands, encouraging independence and inclusion in DIY.

PENNY is supporting people with disabilities through its partnership with the ice-hockey division of the German Wheelchair Sports Association (DRS) and the German National Paralympic Committee (DBS). The REWE Group also works with the not-for-profit IT company AFB, which is committed to providing jobs for people with disabilities.