An Inclusive Workplace, Built Together

The following statement has been internally published by Zalando’s Management Board on “An Inclusive Workplace, Built Together” on 9 September 2025

We want to speak about something important. Some claims about Zalando have been shared online in connection with the war in Gaza and the tragic suffering of civilians. Questions have been raised about whether Zalando stands more with some communities than with others. We’d like to share our perspective and help bring some clarity, coming from a place of care and empathy. 

For us, the following is very clear: We are proud that people from over 140 countries have come together at Zalando as one team to build something unique. This vibrant and diverse work environment is, and has always been, our special power to solve the most difficult challenges for our industry and more than 52 million customers. Together, we will continue building a company we can all be proud of.

Of course, a diverse work environment means that many different perspectives are coming together. This is why tolerance, listening, and learning from one another are so important. Inclusion and respect need to be more than just words. We want them to be values we live by. We will always work hard to treat every community at Zalando equally. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or violence of any kind. Concerns raised are thoroughly investigated and addressed. 

We condemn violence against civilians everywhere, and our hearts are with all who are affected, including colleagues and loved ones in our community. Please remember: you are not alone, and support is here if you need it.

Some of you may be aware of a planned external protest on September 10 outside our Berlin headquarters. It coincides with an internal educational event organised by one of our eleven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). As you may know, ERGs are our voluntary community groups formed by employees, based on a shared identity or experience. There has been a debate around the choice of an invited external organisation by one of our ERGs, both internally and on social media platforms.  

Our view of such debates will always be guided by the values that we hold dearly: Our workplace is built on diversity, openness, and trust. We want to hear the perspectives and ideas of Zalandos, within an inclusive, constructive and productive working environment. That’s why we are not intervening in ERG events, provided that they don’t violate our Code of Ethics and the law.

This debate has reminded us that decisions or statements can sometimes feel difficult, and even unfair, particularly when they touch on the lived experiences of specific communities. That’s why we’ll continue to listen and engage in open conversations. To support this, we’ll continue to have listening sessions where colleagues can share their lived experiences in a safe space, and take action that we believe is in the best interest of our full Zalando community. We’ll also explore new ways of working with our ERGs, to have constructive, respectful, and meaningful conversations.

Finally, we want to reassure you that your safety and well-being are always our top priority. Our security team will help on the day of the protest to ensure everyone feels safe coming into the office on Wednesday. Of course, you can also work from home on that day.

Now more than ever, we want to turn differences into strength and dialogue into progress. Let’s continue to support one another, learn from one another, celebrate what connects us, and show what’s possible when thousands of people across 140 countries come together as one team.