REWE salesman David Hegemann was honoured for his exemplary training and employment of people with disabilities. Under the motto "Inclusion convinces", the Inclusion Award for Business honoured four companies from Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. The patron of the award is Hubertus Heil, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
„Inclusion is a very important topic. But I would never have thought that our commitment would make such waves.“ David Hegemann is proud of the award. "I think inclusion is a very important social issue. But I would never have thought that our commitment would make such waves." Around seven years ago, the Düsseldorf retailer took the step of employing people with disabilities. Today, a total of ten employees with disabilities work in his four shops, including the first trainee in summer 2024. "I've only had good experiences in all this time," says Hegemann, adding: "You shouldn't forget that the opportunities for people with disabilities on the primary labour market are still very limited today."

Together for inclusion: Roderich Dörner, David Hegemann, Kerstin Murges (from left) In the REWE West region, this important topic has also been strategically pursued for some time. HR partner Roderich Dörner supports the stores and advises on cooperation with organisations, the establishment of inclusion departments and the search for suitable staff. Head of HR Kerstin Murges is also convinced that inclusion is important, even a must: "Everyone brings unique talents and perspectives that enrich us as a team and help us to be more innovative and creative," she says. In addition to the stores' existing commitment to inclusion, so-called inclusion departments have been developed in over 20 REWE stores in the western region, with more in the pipeline. "We are very proud to have so many retailers, store managers and teams in our ranks who are open to inclusion and are committed to it," says Jürgen Rölle, Sales Department Manager of REWE Region West.