People of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions and world views all work for, and at, GLS. Appreciation, respect and understanding in dealings with employees and partners represent one of the key principles of the Group. Another key component in terms of collaboration is intensive communication with the transport partners who handle parcel collection and delivery on behalf of GLS.
The GLS Group regards staff development as a key pillar in terms of safeguarding the sustainable success of the company and its employees.
Furthermore, the management and workforce are committed to helping people in need. GLS companies across Europe support selected initiatives in their societies in these areas:
GLS supports the development of young employees with a sound and practically relevant training programme. The GLS Group provides its employees with individual training and leadership opportunities.
GLS uses its country-specific structures to support selected initiatives in each nation. GLS national subsidiaries support numerous charitable projects by organising both regional and nationwide initiatives. These include free parcel shipping for aid organisations and the sponsorship of foundations for people with developmental or physical disabilities. At a local level, the depots provide financial support to many nursery schools, hospitals, hospices and other charitable institutions. On May 18, everyone at GLS US was wearing grey at work to demonstrate their support and bring an often suppressed issue to the public’s awareness. Further activities can be found on the websites of the GLS subsidiaries as well in the Group’s Corporate Responsibility Report.
Since 2012, the GLS Group has been the official logistics partner of the European Film Academy and provides transportation in connection with the European Film Awards. GLS Austria, supports LET'S CEE Film Festival in Vienna. GLS Germany is a logistics partner of the German Film Academy - active in the field of German Film Awards and FIRST STEPS film novice award.
GLS Belgium is involved in the social field in combination with the sponsorship of the Belgian national football team. Employees, partners and people with disabilities are invited to every match at the team's home ground. In many countries, GLS depots support local sports clubs.
This year, thanks to its long-standing efforts in the field of social and environmental protection, GLS Czech Republic was honored by a prestigious award at the headquarters of the Vysočina Region. The prize "Socially responsible company of the Vysočina Region for the year 2017" was awarded by Jiří Běhounek, the regional governor, for the continuous promotion of the principles of sustainable development and social responsibility.
“On bike for children” is the endowment fund of Josef Zimovčák and supports children with cancer. The funds raised across the Czech Republic during cycling rides under the leadership of the multiple world champion in high-speed riding and Tour de France competitor Josef Zimovčák are used to fight cancer and provide rehabilitation stays/therapies. GLS has been supporting “On bike for children” since 2019.
Support of the project Help me to life of the organization Let´s give children a chance is aimed at specific children who leave the orphanage after finishing school, preparing for future jobs or coming of age. Since 2015 GLS supports student Alex S. from the children's home in Plzeň.
The Project Bike to work of Automat association tries to motivate people to use ecological means of transportation for the way to work. GLS, since 2017 as a general partner of this project, provides free transport of starter packs for all participants.
Since 2018, GLS supports the youth handball club SK Jihlava. The funds given by GLS serve to develop the club, rent the sports hall and the means of transport of the children to the matches and to acquire necessary handball equipment. GLS supports National handball and youth team of Jihlava hockey players.
Project Social car of the company Kompakt tries to renew and improve the fleet of social organisations and facilities, that have aimed their activities to support the education, rehabilitation and integration of people with mental or physical disabilities. Since 2016 GLS supported the acquisition of a social vehicle for the Charity of Pelhřimov, Tyflo Vysočina, Domov ve Věži and Social services of Žďáru nad Sázavou.
The project Give a toy is organized by managers on wheelchairs from the organization Tango Havlíčků Brod, v.o.s. Goal of this project is to fulfill painted wishes of children from children´s homes. GLS Czech Republic is the general logistic partner of this project and secures the free transport of Christmas presents from the donors to the children's homes. Give a toy is a project with tradition dating back to 1997, with the support of GLS since 2011.
Martin Zach's association offers people with disabilities help with their integration into the normal society through rehabilitation stays, sports activities and active lifestyles. Since 2018 GLS supports this association by free transportation of parcels with special clothes for people on wheelchairs.