Migros diversity in numbers
Celebrating diversity at Migros
With 97,727 employees in over 100 companies, Migros Group takes diversity to heart. The current numbers.
Working in the Migros Group
A change of career at 61: Jürg Steiner's path from manager to mentor
Jürg Steiner has worked at Delica AG for 28 years, most recently as the head of production and dispatching for a team of 47 people. Now, at the age of 61, he has switched down a gear and moved into a less strenuous role.
Why did you want to take things easier in your professional life?
«From about the age of 60, I started feeling a little tired. At work, I sometimes had less of the energy and strength that I had been used to from my younger years. This led to a growing sense of inner dissatisfaction. At some point in your life, you come to realise that your time on this planet is finite. You wonder where the journey should take you. Do I take on more responsibility at work or more time for myself, my family and my friends? Answering this question was easy for me. I want my private life to have greater priority again. That's why I actually wanted to take early retirement. However, this didn't happen.»
Why not?
«When I told my line manager that I wanted to retire early, he understood why I wanted to do so. Even so, he was keen to keep me in the company for longer if possible. While subsequently working together on a solution, we came across the flexible working models available for experienced employees. This enabled me to reduce my working hours and move into a less strenuous role.»
How has your working life changed since then?
«I have given up my managerial position and now work more in the background. I can pass on my know-how to colleagues, while at the same time being less in demand. That suits me fine! I now see myself as more of an experienced godfather who is available to provide advice. Thanks to the flexible working model, I have more time for myself and my loved ones.»
What were the biggest challenges for you in the course of the transition?
«From the very outset, I had no problem handing over responsibility. Instead, I now enjoy sharing my knowledge with younger employees. They're always happy when I give them tips that help them progress. The change in role is a win-win situation for everyone: Delica can continue benefiting from my expertise, while I have a better work-life balance. For the time being at least, I'm no longer considering early retirement.»
Stories from our work environment
Whether at a desk, in a store or in a laboratory – our work environment is diverse, just like the people behind it. Discover their stories.
All Stories
Asperger’s autism
“I see all errors as though they were glowing”
Barbara Infanger is 43 years old and is doing an apprenticeship as a logistician at Migros Verteilbetrieb AG in Neuendorf. She has Asperger’s autism and explains how this can actually often be a benefit during her everyday work.
From Syria to Switzerland
The Denner store as a classroom
Raparen Mohammad risked her life to escape from Syria. She now works at Denner in Rapperswil, where she is the assistant store manager.
Refugee learns how to be a baker at Jowa
Refugee learns how to be a baker at Jowa
Syrian refugee Fuad Asaad works at Migros’ bakery arm Jowa, where he is training to be a baker. We show how he makes croissants, Wähe tarts and Linzer torte.
Work environment
Fourteen questions for a butcher
Marco Eisenlohr from Micarna explains what he loves about his job and the prejudices he has to contend with.
Working world
Looking for an apprenticeship?
How do young people get their dream apprenticeship? How important are grades? An assessment.
Professions in the Migros environment
“We’re the guardian angels working in the background”
IT specialists Thomas Staub and Thien Nguyen ensure that the heart of the retail world beats in time. This means going to some surprisingly damp places.
Store manager
Everyday life as a store manager
Brendalee Salazar Piretti is store manager at Lutry La Conversion in Canton Vaud. Whether it’s product displays, managing her team or dealing with unexpected situations, her days are always busy.
A store manager’s everyday life
“I often feel like a football coach”
Yves Brunner manages the Migros supermarket in Affoltern am Albis. He gives us an insight into leading an 80-strong team and tells us what his typical working day involves.
Migros employee
What is it like to have worked at Migros all your life?
Brigitte Schalch had her first day at work over 48 years ago – and now it's her last. Why she always stayed and how often she asked: "Have you got Cumulus?".
Inclusion
A man with an iron will
After suffering an accident, René Hübner had to start using a wheelchair, but he adapted to his new situation and now works as a forklift operator for Migros.
Apprenticeship with F status
«The apprenticeship is my chance to show that I've integrated»
Mohammad Yusufi (23) fled from Afghanistan as a teenager. He is now doing an apprenticeship at the Migros company Delica – even though he has only been temporarily admitted to Switzerland.