Strength in Solidarity: 30 years on at VMware Diversity and inclusion have always been integral values at VMware, and we drive them year-round, fostering a work environment that embraces equality, respect, and acceptance for all, including the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, with this year’s important milestones of “30 years on”, VMware Ireland’s PRIDE celebrations reflect on our past goals and milestones, while looking at where we would like to be in the next 30 years. It is important to recognize the progress as we acknowledge there is still more to be done, and our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity will surely continue to drive our values and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Through PRIDE month, we showcase the power of fostering understanding and building a workplace culture that honors the uniqueness of every individual.
1. Can you share your overall experience as a LGBTQ+ employee at VMware? My experience is that I never had to feel that I had to hide who I was, play it down etc., which I think is very important. 2. How does VMware promote DE&I beyond the LGBTQ+ community? VMware promotes diversity across the board. You can’t choose when it comes to this, and VMware is an advocate for all employees. People can be part of many diverse groups. 3. As an LGBTQ employee, what message or advice would you give to someone considering joining VMware? I would encourage anyone to join VMware. It has been a really positive move in my life. You will be celebrated for your individuality, and you will know that it is a safe place instantly. Darren Curtis - EUC Technical Support Manager, Cork, Ireland
1. Is workplace culture important to you?
1. Is workplace culture important to you? What do you look for in a workplace culture? The workplace culture is not just important to me, it’s also a priority when I am looking for a job or getting to know the company in the first stages. I look for how the company is managing the people, communication, management, work environment, leadership, and policies and philosophies. 2. Can you share your overall experience as a LGBTQ+ employee at VMware? It has been a very positive experience as an LGBTQ+ employee at VMware. The LGBTQ+ group has been very open and inclusive. I have also felt safe and embraced by the group and my team. 3. How does VMware encourage employees to express their authentic selves, including their sexual orientation, at work? The encouragement comes right at the beginning with the induction from HR, the welcome to VMware showing the communities available to connect and making sure that you are accepted as who you are. It is definitely a positive experience. 4. How does VMware promote DE&I beyond the LGBTQ+ community? Do you feel that intersectionality is recognized and valued within the company? I believe that VMware does have diversity and inclusion beyond the LGBTQ+ community. In my opinion, I do think that intersectionality is recognized and valued within the company as there are many communities within the VMware social that any employee can connect with and be part of different social activities organized by each of the communities. 5. As an LGBTQ employee, what message or advice would you give to someone considering joining VMware? The VMware Social and the EPIC2 values are strong and positive. It gives the company a good atmosphere and shows care and attention towards the employees. 6. What does the 30-year anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland mean to you? Where should we go from here? How will you celebrate? It means security, no hiding, no shame, no pressure of being someone that I am not and being who I want to be. It means that I can also build a family of my own like a heterosexual couple would. There is still hate and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community and even with laws in place, fear is still part of my day-to-day life. Celebrating with friends and family, with those I love. Thiago Murphy - Technical Support Professional, Dublin, Ireland
Workplace culture is very important to me because we spend so much time with the people in our everyday positions. Culture is what gets you out of bed on the hard days and makes you feel like you are part of something bigger. 2. Can you share your overall experience as a LGBTQ+ employee at VMware? How would you describe the company's inclusivity and support? When I first started working for VMware in 2014, I wasn’t aware of my sexuality but always felt comfortable and part of the culture in VMware. After travelling for two years in 2018 and returning to work for VMware in 2020 at the start of COVID, I was apprehensive about not only rejoining the team but also to fit back into the team as an out Queer woman. I was worried it might affect some relationships I had previously made by making them aware of my sexuality. However, that wasn’t the case, the people I work with and the culture teams in VMware make it very easy to be an out Queer woman and feel safe and supported to be your authentic self in our workplace. 3. How does VMware encourage employees to express their authentic selves, including their sexual orientation, at work? Are there any visible signs of support or recognition for the LGBTQ+ community? I joined a virtual Pride event hosted by LINC in 2020 and was introduced to a number of services and communities through this event. I also joined the training provided by LINC which I learned so much from and I think it is an amazing opportunity for any person in the professional industry to go to. The adoption of Pronouns in our signatures at work and pride inclusivity backgrounds followed by VMware’s support towards LINC as a foundation is admirable. It’s not only enough to support an LGBTQI+ foundation or people through the pride months, but also financially and socially through the remaining months of the year I love being part of a company that advocates that behavior all year round. Mary O'Regan - Technical Support Engineer, Cork, Ireland
We see education and awareness as key, so we bring our global teams together for workshops, discussions, and speaker series that focus on LGBTQ+ history, rights, and experiences. These events serve as platforms for our employees to share their stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and broaden their understanding of the challenges still faced today by the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. We also actively encourage our employees to participate in local PRIDE parades and events across the globe, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community and seeking strength in solidarity.
Hear from our colleagues on their experience and hopes for a bright future for the LGBTQ+ community.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker