Three questions with Natalie Kol on the labour market integration of refugees

Thank you so much! We are very happy. I would say that apart from satisfied and happy employees, a nomination like this is probably one of the best forms of recognition. Because it shows the team and myself that we are making a valuable contribution to the working world. We have put a lot of effort as well as heart and soul into the project – so we are all the more pleased that our work has been recognised in such an exciting environment as the nomination for the German Skilled Labour Award.

KIMAT began as a project, but has since developed into a concept.

The acronym stands for Konzept zur Integration von Migranten in den Arbeitsmarkt und in den Teams (Concept for the Integration of Migrants into the Labour Market and into the Teams). And we live this concept with sustained commitment and enthusiasm. As part of this concept, we promote the integration of migrants in our company. This means that we are in constant contact with the authorities and support organisations, and invest a lot of time in interface work. This pays off because we are always able to hire refugees and migrants who then go on to have a successful career at REWE. Our managers, in turn, are supported by KIMAT and our integration coordinator, who provides comprehensive information about employment opportunities for asylum seekers, for example. This helps to break down barriers and establish employment relationships. And – something we are particularly keen to ensure – our refugee colleagues receive ongoing support in all matters, not just at the start of their employment. So that integration does not just remain a buzzword, but becomes a lasting reality.

We are taking a diverse range of measures: Together with our cooperation partners, we offer, for example, assistance in vocational training (Assistierte Ausbildung, ASA) and language courses for employees in our stores. Here, we work closely with social organizations, especially when aspects of social integration such as housing search are involved. In the logistics sector, we provide in-house German courses and showcase best-practice examples of refugees who have built successful careers at REWE. Additionally, we offer guidance to store managers on the topic of integration.