As a leading logistics services provider, DHL is in the business of connecting enterprises and consumers.
They offer a full suite of logistics services, including national and international freight, express delivery, and supply chain services customized to each client’s unique needs.
DHL has seen significant growth and transformation since first opening its doors in 1969.
Through flexibility and innovation, DHL has proven it understands its industry and can step up to the plate when the need arises.
With over 500,000 employees across more than 200 countries across the globe, DHL now delivers over 1.3 billion packages each year.
When considering a career with DHL, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Current and past employee reviews offer valuable insight into workplace culture, advancement opportunities, management support, and more.
Read on to find out why DHL earned the #1 spot on World’s Best Workplaces™ 2021.
Table of Contents
Pros of Working at DHL
1. Fair and Competitive Compensation
DHL values its employees and understands that, without them, the company wouldn’t be the success it is today.
As with most organizations, DHL employees’ salaries are based on a number of factors, including location, experience, and job description.
Each position is evaluated systematically to ensure the salary matches the employee’s responsibilities and contribution to the company.
The logistics company warns that there are additional factors influencing salary rates, including current regional market conditions, national employment laws, and collective labor agreements.
Each employee undergoes performance reviews multiple times a year and, on average, receives two raises per year.
2. Opportunities for Professional and Personal Growth
The management team at DHL is dedicated to helping each employee realize their full potential.
Through the organization’s Certified program and the growth mindset workplace culture, DHL employees are in a constant state of learning.
While each individual is on their own path, the entire DHL family shares a thirst for knowledge.
They are empowered through education, support, and recognition for their achievements.
In addition to its Certified and Leadership programs, DHL offers tuition reimbursement to full-time employees.
Individuals seeking tuition reimbursement are required to maintain exceptional grades and their course of study must relate to DHL’s industry.
3. Job Security
Both current and past DHL employees report feeling a strong sense of job security while working for the organization.
Unlike many corporations, DHL does not micromanage its employees and they have more flexibility than it would with other logistics carriers.
Employees can rest assured that needed time off won’t compromise their current employment.
4. Supportive Management Team
Management support and organizational transparency are cornerstones of a positive work environment.
The majority of polled DHL employees report feeling respected and supported by upper management.
When necessary, procedural changes are introduced for the good of the company and its employees.
The DHL workforce is notified of these changes in a timely manner and is supported while learning new processes.
If you aren’t happy working in a particular department, management will assist you in transferring to a department that best fits your needs.
5. Positive Workplace Culture
A positive workplace culture is critical to the success of any organization and its employees.
When a workforce feels happy and supported in their role, they are more apt to achieve their professional goals.
They are more focused and productive, leading to increased efficiency and organizational profits.
DHL’s upper management team recognizes the positive impact a happy work environment has on both the organization and its employees.
As a result, they have implemented a number of strategies to support employees.
These strategies include:
- Flexible work structure, including the option to work from home.
- A diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Employee support through the DHL Professional Development Program, Mentorship Program, and regular team-building events.
- Managers provide frequent feedback with actionable solutions so each employee can rise to their potential.
- Positive recognition through individual awards, meal vouchers, and workforce parties.
- Special discount programs are available, which provide employees with discounts on everything from family cell phone plans to car rentals.
- Management supports a work/life balance through flexibility and special programs, including an Employee Assistance Program, paid vacations, holidays, and parental leave, a sabbatical program, and DHL’s Back-up Dependent Care Program.
DHL’s dedication to delivering a positive workplace culture helps minimize employee turnover and inspires each individual to be the best version of themselves.
6. Offers a Sense of Purpose
What sets DHL apart from other organizations is that they offer a sense of purpose that goes beyond just making money.
The company is heavily involved in the communities it’s a part of. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and make a positive impact on their communities.
DHL has prioritized its efforts into three categories: protecting the environment, providing relief from natural disasters, and educating and empowering the youth of today.
The company has reduced its carbon footprint by 30% since 2007 and plans to reduce its emissions by another 50% by 2025.
As a DHL employee, you will have the opportunity to help shape our country’s future.
This sense of purpose and community is empowering for everyone involved.
7. Insurance and Retirement Benefits
As an industry leader, DHL offers a full range of insurance benefits, including health, vision, dental, life, and accidental death and dismemberment.
DHL employees also have access to quality mental health care and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Health insurance benefits start the day you begin your career as a full-time or part-time employee at DHL.
DHL employees have the option to reduce health insurance coverage in exchange for a higher salary.
Additionally, the organization has a competitive 401k matching program for full-time employees.
Cons of Working at DHL
1. Long Hiring and Onboarding Process
Some DHL employees claim they felt the hiring and onboarding process was longer than expected.
As a candidate for employment, you will be expected to complete a phone interview and two in-person interviews.
Once the interview process is complete, qualified candidates may be expected to take aptitude tests.
While the onboarding process is lengthy, it is for good reason.
DHL is committed to delivering a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment.
As part of this commitment, management must select candidates that best fit the workplace culture and that are placed in the right position.
This not only impacts the overall work environment but also sets each new employee up for long-term success and professional growth.
2. Inefficient Training
While the onboarding and training process is lengthy, some employees state they did not feel they received enough training to perform their jobs properly.
The organization lacks enough management staff to train new employees and provide the necessary individualized attention.
3. Long Hours
Work/life balance is an important part of creating a positive workplace culture.
DHL claims to be committed to ensuring every employee has enough downtime to prioritize family time and feel rested when they return to work.
Despite this commitment, many employees report working a minimum of fifty hours per week.
Overtime hours are often required.
Some employees view this as a positive due to the boost in pay, while others prefer more time at home over the additional funds.
4. Low Morale
With longer working hours comes a decline in productivity and morale for some employees.
Since the attitude of one affects the mood of the entire group, there have been some reports of low morale and a negative work environment.
DHL management has an open-door policy.
If you witness or experience the above feelings, the organization encourages you to bring your concerns to management so they can come up with a solution.
5. Ineffective Management
A large majority of DHL’s workforce reports feeling supported by management.
Managers listen to each employee’s concerns and work hard to find solutions.
As with every workplace, there are exceptions.
Some workers feel their managers are overworked.
As a result, they do not have the time or bandwidth to identify and tackle issues within their departments.
Employee complaints aren’t addressed in a timely manner, which can have a negative impact on morale and productivity.
6. Physically Demanding Work
Because DHL is a logistics company, many positions can be physically demanding.
If this is a concern for you, it’s important that you read the job description thoroughly before applying for a position.
There are many positions within the organization that require little to no physical work.
13 Pros and Cons of Working for DHL – Summary Table
| Pros of Working at DHL | Cons of Working at DHL |
|---|---|
| 1. Fair and Competitive Compensation | 1. Long Hiring and Onboarding Process |
| 2. Opportunities for Professional and Personal Growth | 2. Inefficient Training |
| 3. Job Security | 3. Long Hours |
| 4. Supportive Management Team | 4. Low Morale |
| 5. Positive Workplace Culture | 5. Ineffective Management |
| 6. Offers a Sense of Purpose | 6. Physically Demanding Work |
| 7. Insurance and Retirement Benefits |
Should You Work at DHL?
Despite reports of low morale and lack of management support, almost 85% of DHL employees are happy with the workplace culture.
Most employees are made to feel welcome and included.
Management doesn’t just support the staff, they provide the necessary resources to grow in their role with the company.
No job is too small or insignificant; every employee’s contribution is important and critical to the success of the company.
While every workplace has its drawbacks, DHL has a positive reputation within the industry and with its employees.
There’s a reason why this company landed at the top of the list of World’s Best Workplaces™ 2021.
