Andy Rubinson is the Sr. Director of Product Strategy at SAP. He is also the Co-Lead of Pride@SAP North America, a chapter of the global employee network of more than 8,000 LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ employees.
So how did Andy find time in his busy schedule to talk with us about diversity, inclusion, and life as a gay man at SAP? We’re not sure, but we’re so glad he did. His open and honest answers gave us a great insight into the positive culture SAP has worked hard to foster; he even shared a sneak peak of the encouraging emails he receives from all levels of the organization about his LGBTQI+ work.
Andy Rubinson, Pride@SAP North America Co-Lead + Sr. Director, Product Strategy – SAP
1. As someone from the LGBTQI+ community, what would make you feel more comfortable to be open in the workplace and what could your employer do to make you feel safe to do so?
Working in Massachusetts, I already feel very comfortable being out in the workplace. I have pictures of my husband prominently displayed and I take him to our office holiday celebration. The biggest thing that SAP already does is stand up for diversity and inclusion, including support from executive levels all the way up to our CEO.
2. Tell us about a time when you felt truly supported and/or included in your workplace
A recent example was when I thanked the president of my line of business for mentioning and sharing the link to the Pride activities being planned, and let him know I was one of the leaders of the ERG. He responded, “Good for you. Please let me know of events etc., so we can see how they can be potentially weaved in moving forward. Diversity matters.”
3. When looking for a job, do you look at what companies are doing to support LGBTQI+ employees before you apply and if so, does this impact your decision to apply for a job?
I definitely would seek out insights on a company I was considering working for, including LGBTQIA+ policies as well as seeking inputs, via my network, from people currently or formerly employed by the company.
“I would absolutely want to have that sort of insight before getting too engaged in a hiring process.”
4. What does your employer have in place to support LGBTQI+ employees in the workplace?
SAP has scored 100 in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for the last seven years, with an established Diversity & Inclusion organization globally, SAP has strived to establish policies and benefits that support our LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
Want to learn more about SAP’s support for its LGBTQIA+ community? Be sure to read our interview with Head of Global Field Communications, Tyrone Webb Jr., who also shared his insightful experiences as a gay person at SAP.