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Each year throughout the month of June, PRIDE is celebrated around the world. To share their views on Diversity and Inclusion at Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland, and to discover how the company celebrates PRIDE month, we spoke to Emily Topping, Senior Cell Technician at the UK production site in Pirbright, and Craig Waldron, Technical Services Lead (Pet), about their work with Boehringer Ingelheim’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) forum and how their own personal experiences have informed and enriched their involvement.
How is D&I Positioned at Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland?
Boehringer Ingelheim is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion, and has a vision statement that centres around the core values of “…empathy, respect, passion and trust.” These values have led to a clear strategy for D&I at Boehringer Ingelheim, whereby through seeking diversity and inclusive practices, Boehringer Ingelheim hopes all colleagues will feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. As Craig explains “If each individual is set up to succeed in this way, then it is a win-win for colleagues, the business and for the human and animal patients whose lives we aim to improve.”
We have surely all heard about the benefits of organisations who are diverse and inclusive in their practices – there have been multiple whitepapers published highlighting the same impressive proof points of enhancing creativity and innovation, better customer service, more attractive recruitment, better retention and of course, positive impacts on the profitability of organisations across every sector. Sometimes though, we can get so focused on the business case, we almost overlook the impact on each and every single person in an organisation (and outside in society) when we are tolerant, respectful and curious. We work hard every day to ensure our organisation is an ‘open’ workplace, where everyone is safe and everyone can thrive.
Throughout the last few years, Diversity and Inclusion has become an even more important focus topic at Boehringer Ingelheim, marked by the creation of the D&I forum, an advisory and action forum of volunteers; who work collaboratively for the good of colleagues, customers, patients and communities; who are inspired by their differences and strong in their collective agreement that D&I really matters.
Emily came out when she was 21, but throughout most of her twenties, found it was easier to be very private at work, to avoid any judgement: “In previous roles, and in my early time at Boehringer Ingelheim – I kept quiet about my personal life, always preferring to keep it separate. This was for a variety of reasons, unfortunately including some past experiences that were not positive, which meant it was easier not to bring anything personal to the workplace.” However, when preparations began for PRIDE 2020, Emily started to think about becoming involved, and after a supportive discussion with her line manager she felt inspired and able to “…embrace who I am and bring this into the company”. Emily ended up speaking on the D&I panel, which was a positive and rewarding experience and became an active member of the D&I forum, playing her role in shaping positive change.
Fast forward to PRIDE 2022, and as part of the D&I team, Emily assisted in arranging and finding participants for the events – “It was a very exciting time, as well as the events there was lots of support from around the business – we had muffins in the canteen with PRIDE flags and we wore rainbow lanyards. Things like this encouraged everyone to get involved, and lots of people wanted to stop and chat. It really felt like a celebration and a safe space for people to ask questions.” Through being involved in D&I for the last two years, Emily continues to feel accepted and encouraged at Boehringer Ingelheim – “There is a homely atmosphere at Boehringer Ingelheim – colleagues begin to feel like friends and family. Before work and home were completely separate, and now they feel merged.’’
Craig Waldron was also a founding member of the D&I forum at. Craig, (who has been married to his husband, Jonathan, for nearly 8 years) said “It’s always been important to me to positively role model a ‘normal’ life with my husband, but I had never attended any PRIDE events or taken part in any type of activism.” Craig was asked to support Boehringer Ingelheim’s PRIDE event in 2020, and although at first was hesitant, he agreed. Again, another active member of the D&I forum, he has led on campaigns, shaped company policy and worked to develop longer term changes. “The PRIDE event in 2020 got me thinking about my role, my responsibility; not only as a gay man and how I could support LGBTIQ+ colleagues, but also how I could be an ally and an upstander for colleagues who may not feel included or have a sense of belonging, and so to do my bit in helping shape our culture.”
Spreading the word
In 2020, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the first large scale campaign led by the D&I forum was remote and featured an online panel where colleagues could share their own experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community and provide colleagues with a friendly space to ask questions and discover new perspectives. We were also joined by Shelley Holroyd, international athlete and winner of medals at the Olympics and World Championships, known more recently for her work with Para Sport and the Athletics PRIDE network.
In 2021, along with interactive workstreams on MS Teams, a card was sent to each colleague at home to highlight the importance of PRIDE – whilst being cognisant of sustainability, the D&I forum’s objective was to build engagement, awareness and learning with colleagues in a time of digital fatigue. There were further panel events including a presentation by Matt Ellison, a trans-man, who shared his lived experience and hosted an engaging Q and A session, where many colleagues were keen to ask questions they may have not had the opportunity to ask before and find out how they could be the best ally possible. We were inspired to call these sessions “Little Frogs” after one of Matt’s stories.
The journey continues now in 2022; the 31st of March saw International Transgender Day of Visibility. We raised awareness of the day and launched our new transgender inclusivity policy, ally guide and inclusive communication guide.
Throughout June 2022, we continued raising awareness and promoting dialogue with PRIDE celebrations across the business, including a global company webcast where colleagues and guests shared their stories about inclusive leadership and what it means for LGBTQI+ communities. There was also an interactive learning on D&I to participate in, and the usual array of colourful treats to enjoy at our Pirbright site and head office.
Looking to the future
Looking forward beyond the LGBTQ+ aspect of D&I at Boehringer Ingelheim, the business aims to continue to keep all forms of diversity as a key part of the culture and contribution to ‘Sustainable Development – for Generations’. The focus this year (which includes LGBTIQ) is three-fold. We want to better understand our data – where are we and what do we need to focus on to further improve? We want an inclusive conversation with all colleagues on matters that are important to them and a focus on our leadership teams to develop personal and business objectives to keep moving the D&I agenda forward – serving our people of today (and our talents of tomorrow), our animals and patients, our customers, and communities.
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both.
For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health