People and Community
Employees
Diversity is one of METRO’s key strengths. Different perspectives and experiences help us better understand our customers and develop innovative solutions.
We foster a work environment where all employees feel valued, can realize their potential, and actively contribute to our success. Openness, trust, and respectful collaboration form the foundation of this environment.
Our focus is on consciously incorporating diversity, breaking down biases, and enabling personal and professional development.
The global DE&I guidelines form the framework for our ESG strategy and support our national subsidiaries in implementing appropriate measures locally.
Video: "Unconscious Bias"
Our Commitment
We pursue clear goals to actively promote diversity and inclusion:
- Promoting diversity in all areas of collaboration and corporate culture
- Creating a discrimination-free work environment
- Empowering leaders who actively model inclusion
- Raising awareness and providing training for all employees on DE&I topics
- Regularly reviewing our progress and initiatives
Promoting Equal Opportunity
In the competition for talent, we are committed to creating a work environment that offers equal opportunities for everyone. We place a special focus on promoting women to leadership positions.
Developing a Diverse Workforce
| Commitment/Guideline/Position | Goal |
|---|---|
| Commitment to equal opportunity in the workplace for all genders |
By September 2029, 30% of employees at the first and second management levels below the Executive Board of METRO AG are to be women. In addition, METRO has voluntarily set a target for the proportion of women in leadership positions across all METRO companies. According to this target, the proportion of women in leadership positions at levels 1 through 3 is to reach 40% globally by September 2029. |
| Results for Fiscal Year 2024/25 |
In the reporting year, the proportion of women at the first management level below the Executive Board of METRO AG was 13.3%, and at the second management level, 22.0%. In addition, METRO is voluntarily pursuing the goal of increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions in its wholesale business. In the base year 2022/23, that proportion stood at 26.4%. In the reporting year, the proportion was 37.7%. The underlying metric is the percentage of women in leadership positions across METRO’s global locations. Further details can be found in the Annual Report 2024/25. |
Corporate Citizenship at METRO
We view corporate citizenship as an integral part of our responsibility. Our goal is to make a positive contribution to the community while also strengthening our employees’ awareness and commitment.
Housing First Meets Gastro
Ending homelessness – creating opportunities: With this goal in mind, the pilot project “Housing First meets Gastro” was launched in the fall of 2024 as a joint initiative between Housing First Düsseldorf and METRO AG as part of our commitment to sustainability. This innovative approach combines secure housing with vocational integration and offers formerly homeless people a real chance for a fresh start in the workforce – specifically in the restaurant industry. Following the successful completion of the first round, the second training phase will begin in August 2025 with new participants at the ONE METRO Campus in Düsseldorf. This marks a consistent further development of the project and once again makes an important contribution to social inclusion.
Collaboration with Food Banks
A key focus of our commitment is the fight against food waste and supporting people in need.
We partner with food banks and social organizations in 25 countries. Surplus, still-edible food from our stores and warehouses is collected and distributed to those in need. In Germany, we have been partnering with the Tafel for over 20 years, serving as its main sponsor for many of those years.
We are also active at the European level, including through our support of the European Federation of Food Banks (Fédération Européenne des Banques Alimentaires, FEBA).
Learn more about our efforts to combat food waste:
Sponsorship
We support numerous social, cultural, and community initiatives – both financially and through in-kind contributions. Our goal is to foster a vibrant and sustainable social environment.
METRO Foundation Sculpture Park
A Space for Art: Since 2006, works of art from the METRO Foundation’s Sculpture Park have been on display on the METRO corporate campus in Düsseldorf. In this way, the foundation promotes a productive coexistence of work, commerce, and art. The foundation supports young visual artists in Düsseldorf – and makes their works accessible to a broad audience. Cooperation partners include the city of Düsseldorf and representatives of the Düsseldorf art scene. The District President serves as patron. The foundation awards grants to deserving artists and organizes and stages presentations and exhibitions.
Social Engagement
As a member of society, METRO is committed to building strong communities and supporting social projects in the regions where we operate. Our efforts range from donations and partnerships to long-term collaboration with social organizations. The involvement of our employees is particularly important to us, as it makes our contribution to society visible and effective.