Feeling confident in the workplace: “Open about your origin and your sexual orientation”

An international on the job

“I started out at the Data Talent Programme together with fifteen trainees,” says Álvaro. “I was a bit hesitant at first. I suppose I was waiting to see which way the wind was blowing. But I soon realised that I could be myself, and I felt really welcome here. That’s so valuable, because it’s a big step to leave your home country and your family behind.”

Álvaro, who hails from Seville, Spain, is not the only international in the group. “About half of the trainees are from abroad. But we’ve never felt excluded because of where we come from. Of course, English plays a big part in this: in a way, language forges the bond between us.”

Talent is what counts

ABN AMRO believes it is important that everyone be seen, heard and valued, regardless of where they come from, their gender or their sexual preference. Álvaro also notices this in his work. “Everyone has the same opportunities here. It’s about what you have to offer and how you perform. That’s what counts. Having studied philosophy, my world view is sometimes different to that of my colleagues, who might have only done a technical degree.”

Álvaro says it’s about being able to be yourself in everyday life, and therefore also in the workplace. He thinks businesses play a major role here. “It’s important to give employees the chance to express themselves, so they feel comfortable enough to be themselves. ABN AMRO encourages openness at work, and that’s so important. We talk to each other as colleagues, and ask each other how things are going. These are small things that make a big difference. Because I have the space to be myself, I’m also more open about who I am. For example, I don’t feel at all shy about saying that my boyfriend’s birthday is this weekend.”

Making an impact by celebrating inclusiveness

“Fortunately, I’ve never felt that I couldn’t be open about my sexual orientation at work. Yet there are still times in my day-to-day life when I make a conscious decision not to talk about my boyfriend, or when I would rather not mention that I fancy men.”

Álvaro believes that this is why it’s still so important to raise these kinds of issues. “That’s such an essential part of your identity. It shows who you are.” And that is exactly what ABN AMRO stands for: your identity and your orientation are the foundation of your personality. Feeling free to be who you are is the highest form of freedom.

Big enterprises make the difference

Álvaro is pleased that ABN AMRO is taking part in Pride. “It’s so important that large companies that have a broad social impact are taking part in this kind of event. That way they can both make a statement and make a difference.”

Álvaro notices that society is changing for the better. “I feel a certain vehemence brewing in society—‘we’re not going to put up with this any longer’— but without any violence. Together we’re taking a stand, and together we’re making sure that as many people as possible encounter the colours of Pride.”

Feeling confident in the workplace

In the “Feeling confident in the workplace” series, we talk to employees about being themselves and feeling safe in the workplace. As part of Pride Week, we start the series with our LGBTI+ colleagues.

Meet more of our colleagues from the LGBTI+ community:

Click here to find out more about our Diversity and Inclusion Policy.