Dr. Oetker Stories
In many countries June is filled with Pride activities to create awareness on topics around the LGBTQ+ communities. This year, throughout June, Dr. Oetker’s Rainbow Team offered a range of activities for their colleagues around the company.
26.7.2023 • Company and Culture
At Dr. Oetker, people are at the center of everything we do. We firmly believe that a diverse and inclusive corporate culture is the key to more creativity and innovation. What counts for us is your authentic self. Not your age, gender, nationality, background, or whom you love. Learn more about Pride Month at Dr. Oetker in this article.
In many countries June is filled with Pride activities to create awareness on topics around the LGBTQ+ communities. This year, throughout June, Dr. Oetker’s Rainbow Team offered a range of activities for their colleagues around the company.
The Rainbow Community
We truly believe in communities to strengthen our teams and learn and support each other. The international members of the Rainbow Community meet up for events, regular community meetings and to catch up on what is going on in their local areas. The Rainbow Community ensures that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation and identity, feels welcome and included at Dr. Oetker. The community aims to increase visibility and drive inclusion, to connect, promote open-mindedness, be a central point of resource and support, and provide a safe space for its members. This year, during Pride Month, a book club was set up.
LGBTQ+ Awareness, Allyship, Action!
Our international speaker event ‘LGBTQ+ Awareness, Allyship, Action!’ with David E. Hull-Watters was insightful and eye-opening. Many colleagues from around the world joined this virtual session to find out more on how to avoid and be aware of micro-aggressions, how to move to conscious inclusion, what the organization can do to create an inclusive culture for LGBTQ+ staff, and, what allyship means.
The interaction, comments and numerous questions during the session showed how much our colleagues are keen on learning inclusive behavior and being an ally for others. The key takeaways, according to feedback from the participants, were to be more mindful of their language and actions.
LGBTQ+ Quiz
Colleagues were invited to test their knowledge on the history, respectful behavior, and (fun) facts all around Pride and LGBTQ+.
Baking and Creating Rainbows
Local activities like great baking competitions, where colleagues created wonderfully baked rainbow cakes and cupcakes, or made healthy, multi-colored fruit skewers, got colleagues sharing with their teams.
At Dr. Oetker, international, virtual meetings and calls are our daily business. To create a sense of belonging during these meetings and calls, the specially created colorful background with our Dr. Oetker logo was and is still used by many to color up their meetings and show their support for LGBTQ+.
“We strongly encourage communities like our Rainbow Community and support activities, not only during Pride Month, but throughout the year.” – Nina Hofmann, Executive Manager Talent, People and Culture, International.
“We strongly encourage communities like our Rainbow Community and support activities, not only during Pride Month, but throughout the year.” – Nina Hofmann, Executive Manager Talent, People and Culture, International.
The beginning of July may mark the end of Pride Month, but for us at Dr. Oetker, Pride Month is every month. Diversity and Inclusion is an important part of our Sustainability Charter. Our Rainbow Team will continue to help empower colleagues and create a sense of belonging throughout the year with activities as well as supporting allyship and awareness.
Birgit Deker
Media Spokesperson People and Culture
Naomi Holdaway
Author, Specialist Communication & Employer Branding