Actions
The actions outlined below are intended to promote a value-oriented and participatory corporate culture and strengthen trust, integrity and the leadership culture within DB Group. The actions are designed for the long term and are an integral part of the governance and management processes. The resources required include internal specialist capacities as well as some external support services and are planned on a binding basis over several years.
Employee survey
The Group-wide employee survey is the central instrument for recording employee satisfaction, loyalty and identification with DB Group. Among other things, respondents are asked to assess the organization, their understanding of the strategy, communication, cooperation and working conditions, and their optimism about the future. The results are used to derive targeted improvement measures at team, divisional and Group level.
The survey covers all DB Group employees. The process is managed centrally by the Management Board member for Human Resources and Legal Affairs and supported operationally by the business units. Evaluations are carried out at all hierarchical levels in order to derive location-specific and division-specific areas for action. The employee survey is conducted every two years, most recently in 2024. The results are used at team and division level as well as strategically at business unit and Group level, where measures are also developed.
Culture barometer
The culture barometer is a supplementary survey instrument to the employee survey. It measures strategic and cultural developments in DB Group in a targeted manner, in particular the understanding of strategy and values, cooperation, aspects of employee satisfaction and employee commitment. The results are used to assess the progress of DB Group’s transformation and the effectiveness of the measures introduced. The culture barometer is a random sample survey of employees in Germany and is conducted every two years (alternating with the employee survey). Further information can be found under Metrics
Strategic employee participation
The “employee building blocks” are a participatory strategy and cultural process allowing employees to actively participate in the further development and implementation of the strategy. The aim is to shape cultural change and transformation together. Employees are involved throughout the Group, with a focus on rail transport in Germany. Results and documentation are available on a Group-wide basis via the DB intranet.
Work on an important topic for employees has been underway since 2025 in the shape of the “Digitally fit for work” building block. It strengthens digitalization in the operating divisions through three measures:
- Improved access to the Internet and the intranet as a basic prerequisite for greater digitalization.
- Better applications through increased user participation.
- Digital solutions that can be implemented quickly using Microsoft Power Platform.
In addition, the “Strong leadership. Strong teams.” building block was continued with the aim of strengthening DB Group’s operational executives in their leadership role. One important measure to increase the visibility and appreciation of operational executives was the first company-wide Operational Executives Day on November 20, 2025.
Action plans 2026
The measures described will be continued in 2026. Employee voices will also be taken into account in the reorganization of DB Group. Accordingly, employee participation formats are constantly being developed in line with changing conditions within DB Group.