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
Jeremy's journey from language student to Club School employee
Born in Australia and now a resident of Basel, Jeremy Blanchard (42) learned German at the Migros Club School. Today, he works as a Product Manager for Languages. How this came about and where the challenges lie.
You studied theology in Australia and now work at the Club School. How did this come to pass?
I grew up in Australia and studied a number of subjects there, including theology. I moved to Switzerland in 2006 for my wife. At the time, I was only able to speak English and Spanish, so I immediately began taking part in an intensive German course at the Migros Club School. I then worked as an English teacher at various companies for a number of years. Eventually, I joined the Club School. In 2014, a position as a teaching assistant became available at the Basel branch of the Club School and I thus gained permanent employment there.
You now work as a Product Manager for Languages. What does this involve?
I asked myself the same question when I started," he says while laughing. "Following a restructure, the Club School is now part of Miduca AG. Previously, the language courses held at the Club School were organised on a regional basis. Now, they have been standardised across Switzerland. Following this change, I am now responsible for organising the English and Spanish courses. This means that my team and I determine which teaching materials are used, how long courses run and which customers we want to target with our courses.
That sounds challenging…
It is, indeed. There has been an issue of provincial thinking here in the past. A change in culture is now required, but that doesn't just happen overnight. Time and patience are key here. We are also increasingly reliant on online courses. The needs of our customers have changed since the coronavirus pandemic. However, this doesn't discourage me. Through my work, I'm getting to know every region in Switzerland and constantly meeting new people – this is something I enjoy.
Does this mean you're not teaching at the moment?
At present, no. However, I do miss it a little. As I'm employed on a 70% part-time basis, I'm considering teaching an English course this year because I like having direct contact with our customers and it offers a refreshing change from working at a desk. That's what's great about working at Migros – I have so many opportunities here and can put my own ideas forward. This would not be possible in a smaller language school.
Are you thinking about joining the Migros Group? You can look forward to these benefits.
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.