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
«You have to be brave and just go for it»
At 33 years old, Lolita Vazquez is deputy head of production in the orders department of the Elsa Group, in Estavayer-le-Lac (FR), in a traditionally male-dominated field. But things are changing.
Did you always want to do the job you’re doing today?
Initially I wanted to be a chemist. But during my studies, I missed the living aspect of the subject. That’s why I went from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) to the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO) in Sion, where I completed a Bachelor of Science in food technologies. I then joined the Elsa Group, initially on placement, then in product development. For nine years I developed and analysed new recipes, as a chemist might do, but with all the challenges and delights that food can bring.
What difficulties have you faced in your journey?
I’m not from an academic family and no one around me knows anything about my field. I had to work it out for myself. At HES-SO, because I was able to skip first year since I'd successfully completed EPFL, I had to do the first and second year microbiology course at the same time, which is quite hard when you’ve no clue. I worked hard, but I was always very motivated.
Your field is considered to be fairly male-dominated. What is your experience of it?
My experience is pretty positive. I don't think of my work as being masculine, though it’s true that it was men who traditionally held this role. That’s gradually changing. Females make up 20% of our sector in production. In my new job, which I’ve been doing since August 2022, I have a female boss. Three of about 10 of us are in managerial and deputy roles. The important thing is that we find our work interesting and enjoyable. After that you have to be brave and just go for it. I love learning new things all the time.
Has the company supported you?
In my first job my boss helped me a lot. There are almost 700 people in the Elsa Group and lots to learn! The company also offers many jobs and development opportunities which allow you to progress both professionally and personally. You can also use new tools and share ideas with other parts of the Migros Industie, which sometimes have solutions to known problems. I’m currently training in management. I have a team of 29 people in total. I love the dynamic of our profession and this culture shift which is happening slowly but surely!
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.