The work of the future and diversity

A systematic discussion of innovations and visions of the work of the future is taking place as part of the Group initiative “People. Make. The Future.” The goal is to address important strategic issues in good time, exchange knowledge and test new ideas. To this end, we regularly develop an overview of the relevant HR future trends with the HR trend map, which are discussed at various levels in DB Group in order to derive measures, projects and initiatives.

Once again in 2023, we organized our digital conference “Week of new work.” The interactive program on new work in DB Group was organized with over 60 virtual program events.

Two H-FutureLabs under the umbrella of the initiative “People. Make. The Future.” are working to find new answers to important questions for the future:

• Lab 1 “Future prospects for professions in the rail industry” is developing a method for identifying future changes
  in DB professions and initiating timely measures to recruit and train employees. In 2023, the method was successfully applied, scaled and developed on other job profiles. The creation of strategic workforce management makes it possible to link it with other HR products and thus enables a holistic view of the future of our job profiles.
• Lab X “Perspectives for the future” is concerned with the medium and long-term development of HR topics in DB Group in the course of digitalization and other changes. In 2023, key strategic topics were identified for which it is important to provide timely stimulus and initiate measures.

In the context of the changing working environment, the promotion of diversity within the Group is of critical importance. DB Group’s commitment to the diversity of its employees is anchored in the Strong Rail strategy. Every member of the Management Board has assumed responsibility for a diversity dimension. The diversity managers of the business units and HR Group functions are also available to all employees as direct contact persons for diversity topics. In the Diversity Working Group and other project teams, they regularly work jointly on overarching goals. Employees with specific diversity concerns are supported by various bodies, such as the Group representative for severely disabled persons or the Social and Cultural Integration project (SUKI). DB Group’s employee networks form an important strategic element, in which employees engage on a voluntary basis and which are supported and promoted by central diversity management.

In 2023, we continued to implement a wide range of measures to create an inclusive working environment for all employees under the banner of the “Einziganders.” (Uniquely Different) initiative. These measures include the introduction of extended travel discounts for employees. DB employees can now also order travel discounts for their non-spouse partners. Corporate wear can now be ordered regardless of biological sex or gender identity, which offers employees the best opportunity to feel comfortable in their workwear.

The publication of the first DB Diversity Report was also an important milestone in 2023. In addition to figures, data and facts, it also presents individual diversity initiatives in a more detailed way. It also highlights the active commitment of employee networks, which are important partners in raising awareness of diversity issues.

Learning units and extensive materials on different aspects of diversity are accessible to all employees via the intranet and the internal learning platform. In 2023, they were expanded to include the topics of the General Equality Act, anti-racism and antiziganism, as well as women in leadership. A total of more than 60 of our Group-wide training courses contribute to promoting diversity.

Active generational management helps break down generation-based stereotypes and supports the integration of all generations in DB Group through various formats such as reverse mentoring and workshops for cross-generational work.

The establishment of an inclusive working environment, in which all employees are successfully integrated and optimally equipped regardless of their physical and mental abilities, forms part of our understanding of diversity.

Inclusion management was further developed in 2023: DB language management expanded its services to include translations into simple and easy language.

DB Group also made visible progress in the area of gender equality. In March 2023, the Group took first place in the rankings of the Women’s Career Index (FKi), which, as a measurement instrument for the development of successful women’s careers, examines how women at different management levels develop in their careers, how cultural changes are progressing and how openness to transformation and innovation occurs.

The annual Diversity Week 2023 dealt with the topic of inclusion and belonging, under the motto “Belonging in Team DB – #Einziganders.” The aim was to anchor diversity in DB Group as a topic that cuts across many different areas, to discuss it and to promote networking in the Group.

30% women in leadership

DB Group is aiming to increase the share of women in leadership positions in companies subject to the Second Act on Equal Participation of Men and Women in Management Positions (FüPoG II) to a total of 30% at the Supervisory Board, Management Board and first and second management levels by the end of 2024. The share of women in leadership positions in the companies concerned is 29.4% across all levels based on the organizational structure valid as of December 31, 2023 (as of December 31, 2022: 27.0%). External recruitment, attractive working conditions and internal measures to ensure employee retention and development are also intended to increase the share of women.