PRIDE 2023: Meet Members of UNITE, our LGBTQI+ employee resource group, Florian Schwickert

"It touches my heart every time I welcome a new ERG member into our group to see how happy everyone is to have a safe space, whether they are part of the community or an ally"

Avery Dennison Communications

June 14, 2023

PRIDE 2023: Meet Members of UNITE, our LGBTQI+ employee resource group, Florian Schwickert

At Avery Dennison, our business success revolves around innovation, sustainability and growth. Central to all three are diversity, equity and inclusion. We’ve experienced the value a depth of perspectives brings to our culture, our business, our customers, and our communities. One way we experience diversity is through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which bring together employees with shared interests for community and support. We are proud to have more than 24 ERGs worldwide. UNITE is Avery Dennison’s LGBTQI+ resource group. With chapters in global regions, UNITE focuses on supporting the LGBTQI+ community and its allies. For PRIDE 2023, let’s meet UNITE member, Florian Schwickert.

Florian Schwickert, Talent Acquisition Manager, Materials Group and UNITE ERG Member, EMEA

How do you celebrate PRIDE and what does it mean to you?

I grew up as the oldest of two sons in a conservative family in Germany. Growing up, I tried to stick to the norm and fit in. In 2006, while at university, I got the chance to visit Iran, and I was going to be more than 4,000km away from my family. I believe that choice made them realize that my life would not be like theirs. When I returned, I was grateful for the perspective I had on my life and experiences. I found the courage to eventually tell my family who I am. Since then, I've been celebrating Pride season with my friends and family.

I’m proud to have also become an active member of Aidshilfe Köln e.V., an organization committed to helping people with HIV and AIDS, reducing prejudice and discrimination, and offering confidential support.

At Avery Dennison, we have an employee resource group (ERG) for LGBTQI+ colleagues and allies, called UNITE, in each region we operate in. How did you come to join UNITE as a member/ally? How has being part of UNITE supported you inside and out of the workplace?

During a global town hall in 2019, it was announced that we have an LGBTQI+ ERG in the U.S. I instantly reached out to a colleague in our European Headquarters in the Netherlands to sit together and discuss how we could bring to life our own European Unite chapter. Since then, I've been enjoying my role as Unite EMEA Communications & Membership lead. I’m blessed to work with so many enthusiastic, dedicated, and great people. Throughout our various lunch and learn sessions and discussions, I've learned a lot. I have come to personally understand better how my parents might've struggled to find the right words when I came out. And it touches my heart every time I welcome a new ERG member into our group to see how happy everyone is to have a safe space, whether they are part of the community or an ally.

How have DE&I initiatives within your region, improved your experience working at Avery Dennison?

On my first day at Avery Dennison, my gut feeling was that this company had a different culture, from other workplace cultures I had experienced. I was cautious initially as with any new role, but I soon realized that I wouldn't be judged and I’m welcome to come as I am to work.

I am proud to be part of our Unite, we have created several eLearning modules for our colleagues, supported the same employee benefits for all employees, and launched a Workplace Gender Identity and Transition Playbook in 2022.

By sharing my story, I can be a true force for our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion values. I want to make the world a better place! Let’s be proud together of who we are!

Be part of a team that values diversity of thought, culture and ways of working. Apply to roles at Avery Dennison, Europe.

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PRIDE 2023: Meet Members of UNITE, our LGBTQI+ employee resource group, Florian Schwickert

Florian Schwickert, Talent Acquisition Manager, Materials Group and UNITE ERG Member, EMEA

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