Despite announcing plans for a reduction in its overall workforce in Germany, DHL Group is actively recruiting thousands of temporary employees to manage the anticipated surge in demand during the upcoming holiday season.
Thomas Ogilvie, Head of Human Resources for the group, confirmed the recruitment drive to the “Rheinische Post”, emphasizing the need for additional colleagues to ensure the timely delivery of Christmas packages and letters. However, he stressed that the company anticipates a lower average headcount compared to 2024, aligning staffing levels with declining mail volumes.
Ogilvie explained that the goal is to utilize natural seasonal fluctuations to adjust workforce numbers up and down as needed.
DHL has, since the significant influx of refugees in the summer of 2015, employed approximately 30,000 refugees temporarily – more than any other company in the country. Currently, around 10,000 individuals with refugee backgrounds remain employed within Germany, frequently in delivery roles, but also in team leader and site management positions. Roughly 350 refugees have completed vocational training programs. Ogilvie highlighted these as “success stories of professional and social integration.
The company also addressed concerns regarding a higher-than-average sickness rate in Germany compared to other countries. However, Ogilvie dismissed proposals to eliminate phone-in sick leave reporting, citing lengthy wait times for doctor appointments and emphasizing the importance of preventative measures instead.
