[GRI 403/103-1] Safe workplaces are one of the sustainability goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda (SDG 8). Taking responsibility for the health and safety of employees in the workplace is part of the ethos of the ALDI North Group companies. We protect them from work-related accidents and offer preventive health measures. Furthermore, we provide support in dealing with changes associated with issues such as longer opening hours, the introduction of new technical systems or changes in the product range in connection with our modernisation strategy. Not least, it is essential for us to consider the requirements that demographic change pose for our personnel policy. The task at hand is to help employees remain capable of working throughout their working lives in view of an ageing workforce.

[GRI 403/103-2] Compliance with statutory requirements is a matter of course for the ALDI North Group. Wherever possible, we aim to go above and beyond the basic requirements through measures such as prevention programmes and group sporting activities. The companies in the ALDI North Group regularly carry out inspections at workplaces in order to identify potential hazards at an early stage. The focus is on the areas with increased risk of accident, such as logistics and sales, where some 90 per cent of ALDI employees work.

[GRI 403/103-2/3] Mental stress in the workplace is often on the rise in today’s dynamic working world. Regional companies in Germany are therefore working to assess the risks of the working environment. Comparable risk analyses of psychosocial aspects were conducted at ALDI Belgium in the period under review. The starting point was a Belgian employee survey in late 2015 that formed the basis for an action plan drafted in 2017. Among other things, the plan calls for more open advice and support offerings, an expansion of internal communication efforts and training for managers and employees. ALDI Belgium is gradually implementing the action plan.

In sales and in our distribution centres, the provision of appropriate work clothes and technical equipment continues to form the basis of our occupational health and safety measures. Since 2017, the ALDI North Group in Germany has been using a pick-by-voice system to help employees pick orders through speech recognition. The solution is being gradually introduced at the German distribution centres and is more ergonomic, as it leaves employees with both hands free for handling goods. At the same time, it offers them a better overview of the situation, thereby helping to prevent accidents.

A workshop concept has been rolled out to prepare ALDI employees at the stores for the new ALDI Nord Instore Konzept design programme. Along with educating employees, the goal is to provide advance information about the upcoming changes to simplify the switch to new processes and prevent potential mental stress during the conversion phase.

Furthermore, the topic of prevention is of increasing importance. As one of the results of the 2017 employee surveys, the Group concluded partnership agreements with gyms. Through corporate runs, we aim not only to strengthen a sense of team spirit, but also to provide incentives for more physical activity. Corporate runs have now been set up in seven ALDI North Group countries.