REWE salesman David Hegemann employs a total of six people with a physical or mental disability in his stores. In this interview, he explains how teamwork can work well.
one: Mr Hegemann, why is inclusion important to you?
David Hegemann: In my view, everyone should have the same opportunities. Everyone should belong, whether they have a disability or not. At the moment, this is not yet a reality. I think that's a shame! That's why it's very important to me to get involved and to communicate this to the outside world, for example in inter-company networks.
one: How exactly do you practise inclusion in your stores?
David Hegemann: I specifically approach special schools, work together with workshops and then give people with disabilities a chance, for example through an internship. I believe that there are many opportunities for inclusion in retail. We always find the right job and, in the best case, fully-fledged jobs are created. I now employ six people with disabilities in my stores.
one: Were there any reservations about this, for example in the team?
David Hegemann: No, not at all. The team is very proud that we give everyone the same opportunities and everyone is highly motivated. Integration into everyday working life works wonderfully, and our colleagues with disabilities are an integral part of the team. But I also picked everyone up in advance, answered questions and thus created a sense of commitment.
one: And how do customers feel about this?
David Hegemann: I have the feeling that our commitment is very well received by customers. I get a lot of feedback via social media such as Facebook or Instagram. But I also get recognised and approached on the street. I've already had many encounters with customers who clearly say that they shop with me explicitly because they think it's great that we emphasise the topic so much. That's a great feeling, of course.
one: Where do you want to take your commitment to inclusion in the coming years?
David Hegemann: My goal is to spread inclusion even further. I am currently in the process of setting up inclusion departments in all four of my stores and providing them with a fixed number of positions. However, it is also important to me that it is not only practised in my company, but that I also try to share my positive experiences with the outside world. That's why I'm a member of the Düsseldorf Inclusive Business Network and the Inclusion Round Table, for example.
one: What exactly is an inclusion department?
DH: Put simply, it is the official "obligation" to give people with disabilities the chance of a job. The advantage for entrepreneurs is that they receive government support, for example in the form of counselling from inclusion experts.
David Hegemann
switched to self-employment in 2018 after around 20 years as an employee in the food retail sector. Today, the REWE salesman runs a total of four stores in the West region, including in Düsseldorf and neighbouring Meerbusch. "On the side", he volunteers for various social causes.
In March, he spoke to Westside-Stories, the REWE West podcast, about his commitment to inclusion.
