Remote work has been the norm in many areas of our company for over three years. One reason why we got used to virtual meetings and hybrid working so quickly was the REWE DNA project, which made our employees fit for the new world of work. The project is now coming to an end with a final REWE DNA theme week with numerous information and empowerment programmes.
A brief review illustrates the extent of the change in Central locations: stationary telephones? Disconnected. Mobile workstations with notebooks and headsets? Now almost standard.
The figures also speak for themselves: a total of 330 hybrid meeting rooms were set up. Around 2,500 employees learnt how hybrid meetings work in these rooms via e-learning courses. Digital signatures were introduced, as was Conceptboard. Over 1,250 colleagues took part in a total of eleven project cafés. Around 2,100 employees took part in 15 events during the DNA theme weeks last year.
Daniela Büchel
"With the REWE DNA project, we have provided a framework that the divisions have actively filled with life: An important and extensive part is the learning opportunities. The Learning Centre quickly put together a comprehensive offer, with FAQs and an informative page on our intranet. The project also benefited from the fact that it was very broadly based: the project team was made up of people from different areas of REWE Group, so that many different perspectives were brought in. Thanks to the online survey at the start and the regular involvement of many people in the project work, we were able to involve our colleagues in shaping the new world of work," summarises Daniela Büchel, Management Board Member for Human Resources and Sustainability, who was the project's mentor together with Christoph Eltze, Management Board Member for Digital and Technology.
The success of REWE DNA is also reflected in other figures: according to the final study, the opportunities created by the project have significantly increased employee satisfaction. Overall, almost 80 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied. Last but not least - a big plus in times of a shortage of skilled labour - the project promoted loyalty to the company and increased our attractiveness as an employer.
Christoph Eltze: "REWE DNA has catapulted us into a new world. Our new space concepts show this and, along with it, digitalisation and changed working methods. It's not just about technology, but also about different working methods and tools. This change will continue to accompany us in the future. Even though the REWE DNA project is now complete, the next wave of change has long since begun with generative artificial intelligence. The decisive factor is that we are also preparing for it."
