Swiss Post employs people from 138 different countries who have 75 different mother tongues. Where does your network focus its activity?

It is particularly common to find people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds in our letter and parcel centers. We increase awareness of diversity through targeted actions and try to promote the understanding of different cultures.

A couple of examples?

For example, our network invites anyone interested to a lecture or a play. There are always different cultures in the center and they introduce themselves.

What does it mean to live language diversity?

If everyone lives their own language, they help to break down barriers and prejudices. It is a question of greater tolerance and acceptance in everyday life. A line manager, for example, should also read an e-mail even if it is not written in his or her mother tongue – they should set a good example and be open to changes and new developments.

How important are language skills when looking for a job?

“Anyone who can speak two or three languages has a huge advantage over other job applicants.” This is a requirement for line managers who want multi-lingual teams. It all begins at school. I think it’s a shame that people in the canton of Zurich now speak English first before learning French, one of our national languages.

What is your favourite language?

French, of course, as I grew up in Courtételle. However, I have lived in Studen in the canton of Berne with my family for 18 years, worked in Berne for 30 years and deal with colleagues from everywhere in Switzerland. So it’s not surprising that I now sometimes think or dream in German (smiles) …

Copyright: Monika Flückiger