DHL Group has been recognized for its corporate citizenship engagement efforts in the latest Corporate Citizenship: From philanthropic outsider to competence center in sustainable businesses study by consulting firm Wider Sense.
The logistics operator received the highest ‘integrated’ rating in the 2024 study, moving up from the second-highest ‘strategic’ rating in the 2017 and 2021 studies, and becoming only one of three DAX-40 companies to achieve the distinction.
The authors of the study examine the social engagement of DAX companies, assessing factors such as its scope, sustainability, credibility, and impact.
According to the authors of the study, DHL Group “integrates corporate citizenship into its core business, thereby generating tangible win-win situations for both society and the company.”
Christoph Selig, vice president sustainability communications and programs at DHL Group, said “The top rating confirms our long-standing commitment to developing effective solutions for social challenges together with our partners. It is also a great recognition for the hundreds of thousands of employees who volunteer with us for a wide range of social purposes. Our corporate goal is to connect people and improve lives.”
Global commitment to social and environmental causes
DHL Group invests 1% of its net profit annually in initiatives that make a positive societal impact and improve the lives of people worldwide. A central pillar are the four Go Programs: GoHelp, GoTeach, GoTrade, and GoGreen.
Through GoHelp, employees of DHL Group in so-called Disaster Response Teams have been providing global disaster relief for over 20 years, in close collaboration with the United Nations and local NGOs. In the event of a natural disaster, members of the Disaster Response Teams utilize their logistics expertise on-site. Additionally, DHL is active in disaster preparedness.
The employability initiative GoTeach supports young people in transitioning from school to the workforce and works closely with SOS Children’s Villages and the Teach For All education network in more than 70 countries.
DHL’s GoTrade program aims to open doors to global marketplaces for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and emerging markets also by reducing global trade barriers and bureaucracy.
Under GoGreen, DHL Group consolidates its environmental and climate protection measures, through which the company aims to achieve its climate protection goal of zero emissions by 2050.
Voluntary engagement programs
DHL Group also encourages voluntary engagement amongst its employees, and since 2008, thousands of voluntary social and environmental actions have been carried out every year through its Global Volunteer Day format. In the past year, 100,000 employees have provided over 300,000 hours of volunteer work for society.
Many of the projects receive financial support through the company’s own ‘Improving Lives Fund’, and employees who advocate for social or environmental causes can apply for funds regardless of the Global Volunteer Day.