Why belonging matters – to all of us

More Potential

The LGBTIQ+ community shares their thoughts and experiences

A sense of belonging is at the heart of every strong team. With over 53,000 people working together to achieve the objectives of our company, all of them create value by bringing in different skills, experiences, and perspectives. But what does ‘belonging’ really mean? Why does it matter? And what can all employees do to continue to nurture and better achieve this?

While Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is anchored in our company culture, we do recognize that members from the LGBTIQ+ community can experience stigmatization and even exclusion in their lives. That is why we are sharing their voices on belonging, taking a deeper dive into today’s challenges, and highlighting the importance of allyship.

The value of belonging

We all want to belong: A sense of belonging has a significant impact on our ability to learn, grow and succeed – in our personal life, as well as in our work environment. When we feel like we are part of a community, we are more likely to participate, contribute, and collaborate with others as we feel safe to do so. This can lead to greater creativity, innovation, and productivity, which in turn has a positive influence on the work we are all doing together within Boehringer.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” says Adrian Figurski, Senior Internal Investigator (GBS Center Network) from Poland and member of the LGBTIQ+ community. “Proper education can bring this visibility to help young people in particular feel more comfortable with who they are, as well as reducing the risk of bullying and discrimination at school or at work.”

Not feeling that you belong, on the other hand, leads to feeling excluded. This is painful and can result in isolation, loneliness, and disconnection. Negative outcomes such as decreased motivation, lower self-esteem and mental health issues are possible. To avoid this, all employees have an important role to play in creating a sense of belonging in the workplace.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Adrian Figurski, Senior Internal Investigator (GBS Center Network) from Poland

Increase visibility for an inclusive culture

At Boehringer, we want to nurture a culture where people can be their true selves. We don’t want people to feel like they need to change crucial aspects of themselves to fit in, but rather where they are accepted and appreciated for who they are.

To make this thought come alive, we need initiatives and individuals who increase a sense of belonging on a daily basis. One of them is Karolina Niedobecka, Senior Sales Consultant (ILD Division) from the United States: “I continue to share the message of those who are not quite ready to come out themselves. Hopefully, this will help pave the way for them – just like someone else paved the way for me.”

“I hope to pave the way for those who are not ready to come out, just the same way that someone else paved the way for me.”

Karolina Niedobecka, Senior Sales Consultant (ILD Division) from the United States

Allyship in the workplace

Anyone can be that person and become an ally who advocates for, recognizes, and includes the interests of LGBTIQ+ community members. This happens through daily actions, and sometimes little changes can have a huge impact.

Dr. Nedim Pipic, Head of TA CNS, Retinopathies & EA, is a member of the Culture and DEI Council and based in Ingelheim, Germany. “Don’t wait for others to drive diversity, but step up and do it yourself,” Dr. Pipic says. “Because we all need to be accountable, whether as leaders, managers, employees, or team members of any team around the world. Everyone counts when we are bringing diversity to the next level.”

“Don’t wait for others to make a difference. Everyone counts when bringing diversity to the next level.”

Dr. Nedim Pipic, Head of TA CNS, Retinopathies & EA, is a member of the Culture and DEI Council and based in Ingelheim, Germany

Leaders also play an important role in creating a sense of belonging: Inclusive leadership is about recognizing and addressing barriers that may prevent people from fully participating, such as discrimination, prejudice, and inequality.

Karren Dela Cruz, District Sales Manager from the Philippines and a member of the LGBTIQ+ community, shares her hopes: “In ten years, for me, the term LGBTIQ+ will be abandoned or obsolete, because it will no longer matter. No more labels and no more biases.”

“In ten years, for me, the term LGBTIQ+ will be obsolete, because it will no longer matter. No more labels and no more biases.”

Karren Dela Cruz, District Sales Manager from the Philippines and a member of the LGBTIQ+ community

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