What does it mean to bring your whole self to work?
For Raphael Swenson, Senior Manager, Global Compensation Design, who’s been with Kenvue for about a year and a half, it’s about joyfully contributing your skillset to a company that celebrates family, embraces flexibility and fosters a genuine sense of inclusion.
To see what real support looks like in the workplace, Raphael shares his story of growing a family through surrogacy, being welcomed at work for who you truly are and the value of showing up fully — both as a professional and as a parent.
Tell us about your role at Kenvue.
I’m the Senior Manager of Global Compensation Design, which means my team designs and develops compensation programs for the company across the globe — everything from salary structures to bonuses and long-term incentives. In short, we make sure Kenvuers are paid competitively and fairly. Day to day, we’re partnering across teams, analyzing data, benchmarking and working closely with external consultants. It’s fast-paced and strategic, and I love it.
You and your husband recently welcomed a new child. Can you share a bit about that journey?
My husband Justin and I have been together nine years and married for seven. We have two sons: Viggo, who’s almost four, and then there’s Aksel, who just turned eight months.
They were both born via gestational surrogacy, and when I started at Kenvue, we were already in the middle of the process with our surrogate. I came across the surrogacy benefits and assumed we wouldn’t qualify, mainly because my husband had dealt with an employer whose benefits only applied if a woman in the relationship was infertile.
But Kenvue was different. I reached out to our advisor and learned that, not only did we qualify, but we could also use the full financial benefit* — including the gestational carrier agreement, which is one of the biggest costs. That kind of inclusivity policy meant the world to us.
Did you also have the opportunity to take parental leave?
Absolutely. Aksel was born in Minnesota, where our surrogate lives, and I was able to work remotely for a few weeks before the birth thanks to the Flexible Ways of Working policy. Once he arrived, I took 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and I was able to completely disconnect to focus on caring for him.
Having that flexibility — that was so amazing. My husband also took leave, but his company only offered six weeks at partial pay. The contrast made me appreciate the Kenvue approach even more. We stayed in Minnesota for a month, and I still had several weeks off when we got home to help us settle in and really bond as a family.
What was it like returning to work?
It was a great experience. Kenvue has policies in place to support new parents as they come back to work. There are guidelines for people leaders to ensure flexibility, provide emotional support and facilitate reintegration into the workplace for new parents. Even my boss’s boss told me to take advantage of our flexible work options, focus on family and be sure to give myself plenty of time to adjust. I think that level of support is really amazing.
You’re a member of Pride at Kenvue, which is part of the Kenvue Impact Network. What has that meant for you?
Pride at Kenvue is a network where LGBTQ+ employees and allies can come together to support one another, lead initiatives and foster community. It’s 100% employee-led, and you can get as involved as you want — whether that means taking on leadership roles, joining in conversations, or if you’re more on the quiet side like me, just coming and listening in order to gain more perspective and learn from others.
As Pride Month approaches, how do you see the values of Kenvue reflected through events, conversations or leadership support?
Kenvue really walks the walk when it comes to inclusion. I’ve never felt the need to hide any part of my identity here. Everyone on my team knows I have a husband and two kids. It’s not a big deal — and that’s a big deal. The inclusivity here isn’t performative. It’s embedded in the culture.
What would you want other LGBTQ+ people — especially parents — to know about working at Kenvue?
Family genuinely matters here. I see it every day — it’s a very flexible place to work. Management understands if you need to take time off to care for a sick child, if school is closed, or even if you need to spend some time with your college kids when they’re home for spring break. As long as you’re delivering, no one bats an eye. There’s a genuine respect for work-life balance. I’ve never experienced that level of understanding and support at any other company.
Do you have any advice for young professionals just starting their careers?
Work hard. Prioritize your mental health — that’s the most important. Raise your hand and don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. Learn how to carve out opportunities. That’s how I got here — by taking on extra work. Demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond tends to be very well rewarded wherever you go, both in compensation and better opportunities. Keep challenging yourself, never stop learning and always find new ways to professionally grow.
What Kenvue must-haves are in your medicine cabinet?
LISTERINE® Cool Mint® Mouthwash. I love the cooling and refreshing feeling after brushing my teeth. I also can’t do without Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel. I love how it makes my skin feel hydrated and fresh — and without the weird texture that most face creams have. Plus, it has SPF 25, which protects my skin against the sun.