As Global Diversity Awareness Month draws to a close, we celebrate the unique voices and backgrounds that comprise HelloFresh across our 18 markets. In our Berlin headquarters alone, our workforce consists of over 90 different nationalities. As an international company with around 20,000 employees globally, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces all dimensions of diversity, empowering our team to bring their whole selves to work. This October was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the different ethnicities, identities, heritages, and experiences our employees bring.

While we have made significant strides in our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), our journey is ongoing. Embracing and understanding the diverse cultures and communities that our team members are a part of is a fundamental element in fostering a truly inclusive and open work environment in which all employees thrive.

“At HelloFresh, we don’t see diversity as an obligation, but as a strength and a prerequisite for successful growth. I am convinced that equal opportunities and inclusion should be an integral part of corporate strategy”
– Thomas Griesel, CEO and Co-founder.

Employees as a driving force

In line with our commitment to celebrate diversity by empowering employee representation and participation, HelloFresh supports employees in establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups sponsored by members of the senior leadership team. They build communities based on identity and experience, serving as both contributors and executors in our mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. Their purpose is to maintain an inclusive and safe work environment, foster connections, develop leaders, generate awareness, and celebrate different cultures, all built around a sense of belonging aimed at supporting and empowering employees.

Through their collective efforts, our ERGs have cultivated secure spaces where employees can voice their concerns, actively guiding our ongoing pursuit of inclusivity. As we celebrate Diversity Awareness Month, HelloFresh ERGs underscore the undeniable value of every unique perspective in our shared commitment to embrace diversity.

Our ERGs in numbers

In the US alone, ERG membership has increased significantly with 131 employees joining at least one group since April 2023. Currently, we celebrate the active participation of over 900 US members, embracing diversity from various angles. Our US-based ERGs have also set up a full calendar of activities, organizing a remarkable 110 events throughout the year, spanning from small monthly gatherings to larger-scale celebrations. In addition to these figures, our dedicated teams have collaborated to make monetary contributions through our social impact platform, Deed, and have also dedicated their time to work with organizations like the Bowery Mission, Heart of Dinner, and Trinity Place Shelters. This further emphasizes HelloFresh's wider commitment to promoting positive change.

In the international segment, employee involvement with ERGs is also substantial. On top of the US segment’s over 900 ERG members, across our other markets there are over 1200 employees actively participating in ERGs. Our Berlin-based ERGs have been bustling with activity all around, with a total of 33 events of all sizes since the beginning of 2023. This year marked the launch of 'Asian Network', a group focused on generating awareness and celebrating Asian culture. The inaugural event, "Asian Market," was held at our Berlin Fresh Campus and drew over 400 attendees. The event featured catering from two local Asian restaurants and an awe-inspiring traditional Guzheng musical performance.

Birds-eye view of Asian Market, Asian Network's inaugural event

Nhat, from Vietnam, in a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai at Asian Market

Celebrating diversity together

Berlin came alive as we marked ERG Day, a dynamic event that brought together our Berlin-based ERGs this Global Diversity Awareness Month. The day was packed with activities and opportunities for attendees to meet our ERGs at six interactive stations, offering a glimpse into the impactful work that our ERG volunteers do daily. But it wasn't just about witnessing - ERG Day was about active participation. Attendees even had the chance to learn how to kickstart their own resource group, a crucial first step towards creating a community that celebrates every aspect of diversity. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the Virtual Reality DE&I Experience provided a deeper understanding of our mission by allowing employees to shift perspective and experience discrimination and microaggressions they may not otherwise face in the workplace. The day was fittingly complemented by a lively DJ and delicious treats from all around the world, wrapping up this special month in proper fashion.

On the other side of the Atlantic, our US teams also made sure to properly honor Global Diversity Awareness Month. Throughout October, they participated in a range of activities that exemplify the vibrant culture at HelloFresh. A photo booth adorned with fun props was set up at each of our 12+ US offices and distribution centers, setting the perfect backdrop for employees to celebrate and express their ERG pride. We also introduced a 'diversity awareness' quiz, allowing them to demonstrate their DE&I knowledge and win prizes. The month culminated in a virtual All Employee DE&I Summit, uniting over 200 attendees to reflect on our shared commitment to promote and celebrate diversity.

ERG photo props at our New York office during Global Diversity Month

An ongoing commitment

At HelloFresh, our mission centers around placing our employees at the forefront of everything we do. We collaborate with them to make concrete strides and ensure that HelloFresh stands as an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We firmly believe that the act of gathering to share a meal transcends any barriers of identity, background, or culture, and serves to unify us. Our commitment to building a workplace that embraces all facets of diversity is absolute. We value the range of unique perspectives our team members bring and empower them to be their authentic selves at work, always. Finally, we aspire to extend this commitment to the partners we collaborate with and the communities we serve. As an organization, we are in a constant state of evolution, continuously striving to uphold these principles.